Transforming Waste into Value The Future of Sustainable Waste Management

This episode of the Out of the Box podcast explores transformative ideas and actions of changemakers in education, health, income stability, and community development. The special guest, Akash Gupta, Head of Sustainability and Supply Chain Management, shares his expertise in waste management and circular economy. With a master's degree in Environmental Studies from TERI University, Akash has dedicated his career to converting waste into value.

His passion for sustainability is both a professional and personal mission. Before his current role, he played a key part in various organizations focusing on plastic credits and waste material trading, setting new industry benchmarks in recycling and compliance.

The host, Abhinaya Ravi Shankar from United Way of Chennai, engages Akash in a conversation about his journey. Akash shares how his interest in sustainability began during his undergraduate studies in Ecology and Environmental Science, later leading him to TERI University. Initially pursuing zoology, he realized his true passion lay in environmental sustainability.

He explains how his journey into waste management started with his role at Ambuja Cements, where he worked on co-processing waste in cement production. This experience shaped his approach to sustainable business models, demonstrating how waste from one industry can be a resource for another. Akash highlights the challenges in waste management and the importance of guiding industries on proper recycling and processing methods.

Through consulting and innovative waste management solutions, Akash has contributed to building sustainable businesses and reducing environmental impact, emphasizing the significance of circular economy practices.