The story of PLAVE that turns trash into treasure

December 3, 2024 Innovation Valli Sarvani

Rishabh and Nitin, two college friends, co-founded Dump In Bin to tackle waste issues head-on.

Their groundbreaking innovation, PLAVE is a sustainable, plastic-based alternative to cement.

This innovation marks a significant leap in addressing plastic pollution and reducing carbon emissions.

It all happened when a casual observation during a car ride helped them transform into a pioneering effort in waste management and sustainable construction.

Rishabh’s journey started in 2016 during a drive back to Gurgaon when he was struck by the sight of plastic waste littering the roads.

Rather than criticizing, he saw potential in what others considered garbage.

He partnered with Nitin, and together they explored dump yards and informal waste management systems, eventually founding Dump In Bin.

Focusing initially on aggregating waste through partnerships with kabadi wallas, the company thrived.

These informal waste collectors played a vital role in their early success, enabling them to process diverse waste materials, particularly plastic.

The duo quickly realized that industrial plastic waste held immense potential for reuse.

However, recycling was complicated due to the need to segregate different grades of plastic.

Wanting to go beyond recycling, they sought to create a tangible solution for waste management.

Their goal was ambitious: replace cement—a material responsible for 8% of global CO2 emissions—with a sustainable alternative.

After two years of research, they developed PLAVE, a material crafted from plastic waste and demolition debris.

PLAVE isn’t just an eco-friendly alternative to cement—it’s a versatile construction material.

One standout product is permeable pavement, which allows water to pass through. Thus, it aids groundwater recharge and prevents waterlogging during rains.

PLAVE, claimed to be a transformation, is a win-win for all, not just financially, but also environmentally and socially.

With PLAVE, Rishabh and Nitin have turned a simple observation into a revolutionary venture, offering a promising path toward a greener, more sustainable future.

Image Credit: Dumpinbin Website Screenshot