Surf Excel Matic unveils installation to inspire repurpose of plastics

To change consumer perception of used plastic as waste and help them see it in a new way, Surf excel matic liquid started a small initiative to collect discarded plastic from different parts of Mumbai, earlier in the month. On World Clean up Day, 18th September 2021, Surf Excel Matic unveiled an installation inspired by its communication and packaging, at Carter Road in Bandra, Mumbai. The bottle is made from over 3000 discarded plastic bottles collected under this initiative.

The installation, which will be placed at Carter Road until 2nd October 2021, is a symbol to not only inspire the thought of a cleaner future but motivate people to do more to create a positive impact on the environment. Subsequently, the plastic from the installation will be handed over to the local UNDP office to upcycle into recycled articles. The aim for the installation is not just to reduce the plastic wastage but to also upcycle it to make useful objects. This initiative is an extension of the clean future initiative by Hindustan Unilever under which Surf excel Matic Liquid has transitioned to the use of 50% recycled plastic in its bottles and 100% biodegradable actives. 

“The idea to create our pack from used plastic is a representation of the change we want to bring about. The installation is an attempt to make everyone feel a part of the change and empower them with the feeling that they can take small actions to make a larger impact on the environment. Creating something beautiful out of what we often discard will compel each one of us to do our bit, rethink our choices and create a better world for the future generations”, says Prabha Narasimhan, Executive Director and Vice President, Home Care, Hindustan Unilever. 

“Usually, there is a lot of scepticism around the safety and quality of products and packaging made from recycled plastics. What we don’t realize is that the fundamental benefit of plastic is that it can be recycled many times over. The shampoo and detergent bottles that we use in our house, if recycled scientifically, can be made into new bottles again. With Banyan Nation’s conscientious recycling process and HUL’s quality initiatives, we are able to recover, recycle and reproduce the bottles several times without any compromise in quality. Through our unique partnership, we are beginning to turn an exhaustible and polluting resource like plastic into a “renewable” one!” says Mani Vajipey, CEO and Cofounder, Banyan Nation.  

The unveiling of the installation saw the presence of Willem Uijen - Head of SC South Asia, ANZ, Philippines, SEAT, Indonesia and Vie -  Supply Chain, Unilever, Mani Kishore Vajipeyajula - CEO and co-founder, Banyan Nation and renowned plastic warriors; Rita Maker, Madhur N Rathi, Malhar Kalambe and Monisha Narke.