ITC’s ‘YiPPee! Better World Programme’ upcycles plastic waste into school benches in Chennai

Chennai, February 2024: With the aim of supporting India’s commitments towards a cleaner, greener, and healthier tomorrow; and as outlined in UN SDG #12, Sunfeast YiPPee! is creating awareness amongst school children on plastic waste management in line with its Brand mission of creating ‘A Better World’. Through the ‘YiPPee! Better World Programme’, 2.5 lakh school students across 400 schools in Chennai have been educated on plastic waste management practices.

This initiative is designed to bring behavioural change in students across Chennai through on-the-ground awareness programs in schools about plastic waste, its impact on the environment, and strategies to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic waste. Students were encouraged to collect household plastic waste and to deposit it at designated collection points in schools. The plastic waste collected contributed towards the creation of benches and desks made from recycled plastic. These benches are being deployed in schools that need this infrastructure.

One such school is Rani Meyyammai Girls Higher Secondary School in Chennai, where 100 benches and desks made from upcycled plastic waste have been deployed by YiPPee!. The deployment of these benches and desks was done through an event at the school. This was graced by dignitaries from the Government of Tamil Nadu – Ms. S. Vijaya Lakshmi (District Revenue Officer and Women development Corporation, Govt of Tamil Nadu), Prof. Amutha Santhanam (Director, University of Madras, Guindy Campus). Dr. Bhavna Sharma (Head – Nutrition Science) from ITC was also present at the event. The campaign has been rolled out with NGO partner – Way For Life – in collaboration with Upkriti and Upcyclers.

Speaking about the initiative, Kavita Chaturvedi, Chief Operating Officer, Snacks Noodles & Pasta, ITC Ltd. said, “ITC is a global exemplar in sustainability with multi-dimensional initiatives for environmental stewardship and supporting large scale livelihoods. Taking inspiration from our organizational efforts to support the creation of a circular economy for post-consumer packaging waste, Sunfeast YiPPee! has embarked on a journey to create community champions in schools to help reduce, reuse and recycle plastic waste. We are confident that YiPPee!’s Better World Program will educate and motivate school children to make a conscious effort towards creating a Better World