Turning Waste into Wealth: A "Big Rethink" on Glass Recycling

We often hear about "unpopular waste," and glass certainly falls into that category in Malaysia. While glass is infinitely recyclable, a lack of efficient recycling infrastructure often results in it being sent to landfills. But what if we could rethink this waste, not just as a problem, but as an opportunity?

In 2024, Impactlution and the GlazCraft project were given the opportunity to be interviewed for "The Edge ESG 2024" special issue. The article highlights a fantastic initiative by Impactluction, led by Faisal Abdur Rani, Co-Founder as well as Program Director in their effort to redefine glass upcycling in Malaysia. Their mission? To tackle the issue of plastic waste and, more recently, glass. They've found a way to "rethink" glass waste by crushing it and turning it into green concrete design products such as concrete planters, soap holders, and many more interior decorative design items. This innovative approach not only diverts waste from landfills but also creates economic opportunities for communities.

Imagine this: a glass bottle that was once destined for the dump is now creating an income-generating product for the B40 women's community. Impactlution collaborates with local communities, including women from Taman Dato Harun and Petaling Jaya, empowering them to create and sell these products directly to clients.

This "big rethink" shows us that with a little innovation and community involvement, we can transform waste into valuable resources, creating a more sustainable and equitable future. It's a powerful example of how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles can be put into action on the ground.

The Article: