REHAU, a world leader in polymer-based solutions recently culminated its annual clean-up drive across major cities in India as part of its REHAU Return program to further its efforts of promoting and supporting environmental sustainability. The event this year began on the 16th of September and concluded on World Clean-up Day (20th September), which saw participation across Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, and Vadodara. REHAU has always committed itself to sustainability and circular economy practices and thus organizes this clean-up drive annually to showcase its dedication towards waste management to ensure environmental preservation.
REHAU team at the event
REHAU team cleaning waste
Faiz Ahmed, MD, REHAU (Pune region), shared his thoughts-
He started by talking about the steps taken by India in the waste management domain. He added by saying that India has made significant investments in this category mainly through allocating a budget of Rs.77,390.68 crores by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, a large part of which is allotted to the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). This step highlights the urgent need for better waste management across the nation. He also proudly expressed that the Pune team contributed to this mission encouraging responsible waste disposal practices. Their clean-up drives focus on inspiring local communities to take an active role in keeping their surroundings clean. This also aligns with the government’s vision of a cleaner and healthier India.
Teams of volunteers that included REHAU employees along with local residents and environmental enthusiasts laboured together to collect waste from various areas across cities throughout the week-long drive. They were able to remove 1500 Kgs of waste in total. This waste would be responsibly recycled as part of REHAU’s commitment towards environmental preservation to create a cleaner, greener planet.
Manish Arora, VP – Furniture Solutions, REHAU (Delhi region), expressed his views-
Manish Arora shed some light on the steps taken by the Delhi team. He said that for Delhi, a serious commitment towards recycling and sustainable practices is essential. The clean-up drive is not only addressing the immediate waste challenges but also emphasizing the importance of recycling plastic products. He concluded by saying that their goal through the REHAU Return program is to set standards for responsible consumption, management, and disposal of waste making sure that the city of Delhi and REHAU products contribute positively to the environment.
Lakshmi Pacha, VP (Strategic Projects), REHAU SOA (Bangalore region), spoke about the event-
He described the clean-up drive in Bangalore as a strategic element of REHAU’s broader sustainability vision through the REHAU Return program. By focusing on the conscious use of plastic materials and proper waste recycling, REHAU aims to make a significant contribution to environmental conservation. He also added that the clean-up efforts were not seen as a short-term solution but as part of REHAU’s long-term commitment to giving back to the planet. Thus, the initiative aimed to encourage both partners and the local community to embrace sustainable practices for a cleaner, greener future.
He further said that the campaign’s emphasis on prioritizing proper recycling methods reportedly not only helped reduce waste but also reinforced the brand’s mission to minimize environmental impact and return resources to nature. He concluded by saying that REHAU’s annual clean-up drive is a testament to the brand’s long-standing focus on environmental consciousness. Through this initiative, it aims to raise public awareness about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling waste to protect ecosystems and promote a sustainable future.
Ashima Deepak Kaul, HR Head, REHAU SOA (Mumbai region), shared her insights-
She spoke about REHAU’s active encouragement to its employees to become more conscious of their environmental impact. Moreover, she said that there has been a remarkable shift in their mindset as they embrace sustainability initiatives, from reducing waste to volunteering in clean-up drives. For a city like Mumbai, the clean-up drive is a prime example of how REHAU employees are translating awareness into action. She also said that it’s not just about cleaning a space, rather it’s about fostering a long-term commitment to preserving the surroundings and giving back to the community in meaningful ways.
Shailendra Kulkarni, Plant Head, REHAU SOA (Vadodara region), remarked-
He discussed in detail how integral sustainability is for operating at REHAU. She spoke about how in Vadodara, they ensure that the manufacturing processes align with global environmental standards that aim to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. The clean-up drive portrayed the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. By taking the initiative beyond the plant, REHAU’s goal was to create a ripple effect in the surrounding community, demonstrating that responsible waste management is not just a corporate responsibility but a collective effort that benefits everyone. The clean-up drive is REHAU’s step in its journey towards environmental preservation and spreading the message of sustainable living. Lastly, he spoke about the company’s plan to extend its REHAU Return initiative to more cities in the coming years, ensuring that sustainability remains a core part of its brand ethos.
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