Plastindia
Foundation, the apex body of plastics industry in India, said it took up the
initiative to create awareness of the need to manage plastics waste and recycle
them more efficiently. It said it wanted to achieve sustainability through the
optimal use of plastic waste. The fabric from the T-shirt will be later used to
create 10,000 T-shirts and will be distributed to children from the weaker
sections of society.
To mark the
achievement, the Plastindia Foundation team hosted a press conference on 5
January 2017, at the Goregaon Sports Club in Mumbai.
On the occasion K.K.
Seksaria, president, Plastindia Foundation, said, “It was a four-month-long
process, which included making the yarn, and stitching the T-shirt. Thousands
of people were involved from all over India and mainly from Mumbai because the
project was being executed here. We have taken up this exercise to deliver this
message to people, in a manner that it is etched in their minds. We have made
the world’s largest T-shirt out of used plastic bottles within Mumbai. We want to
show to the masses that whenever you see any plastic material or plastic
article, they should not consider it as a waste material but a raw material of
sorts.”
Addressing the
press conference, Atul Kanuga, chairman of the environment and plastic image
committee, Plastindia Foundation, said, “We cannot manage our day-to-day life
without the use of plastics. Right from toothpastes to telephones and laptops,
we ourselves are wearing plastic. Today, jeans are no more cotton, but made out
of polyester.”
Mr. Seksaria added
that the aim was to show that every plastic material can be a useful resource
and it does not necessarily have to harm the environment if it is used in a
responsible and sustainable manner. “Plastic is not bad and this has been
proven today,” said Vimal Kedia, managing director, Manjushree Technopack
Limited.
“The challenge
before us is the disposal of plastic. We are proud to say that India is one of
the largest recyclers of plastic bottles and other plastics. This initiative is
a big step towards educating people that articles can be made out of used
plastics, they can be reused and recycled,” Atul Kanuga added.
