Anish Malpani, a former finance professional who left his job in New York, co-founded Ashaya, a social enterprise that crafts fashionable sunglasses from multi-layered plastics typically considered impossible to recycle. His venture is turning everyday chip packets and other laminated plastic waste into a valuable resource, bringing fresh hope to the fight against landfill pollution.
- MLP waste is typically non-recyclable and ends up in landfills or incineration.
- Ashaya transforms this ‘impossible’ plastic into fashionable sunglasses.
- Founder Anish Malpani drew inspiration from global social enterprise experience.
What happened
Anish Malpani, a 33-year-old former finance professional, left his high-paying job in New York to address environmental and social challenges in India. Drawing from his experiences working with grassroots social enterprises in Guatemala and Kenya, he co-founded Ashaya, which launched a brand called Without that makes sunglasses out of multi-layered plastic waste.
Multi-layered plastics (MLPs) are a complex combination of plastic with aluminum, copper, or paper layers that have made recycling difficult worldwide. Ashaya’s innovative approach involves collecting these plastics, processing them, and repurposing them into attractive, durable sunglasses frames, thereby diverting waste from landfills and incinerators.
Why it feels good
This project redefines recycling beyond digital awareness, turning an environmental problem into practical, stylish solutions that consumers can appreciate and support. It’s heartening to see innovation targeting a waste stream largely ignored due to technical and economic barriers, proving that what seems impossible can be overcome with creativity.
Moreover, Anish’s story is inspiring—his decision to switch from a comfortable career abroad to creating impact locally highlights a powerful commitment to social change. It encourages others to think deeply about the value of waste and the possibilities that exist when business and purpose unite.
What to enjoy or watch next
Followers of sustainable fashion and eco-friendly innovations will want to keep an eye on Ashaya's next steps as it expands its product range and impact. The brand Without offers not only a glimpse into future accessory trends but also represents a model for how circular economy principles can be implemented at scale in developing economies.
For those passionate about waste reduction or curious about startups blending design and sustainability, Ashaya’s journey is an encouraging example. Watching how they overcome the challenges of recycling complex plastics may also inspire further innovations in other hard-to-recycle materials.