Here is a look at the environmental efforts at Mahindra as part it's Planet Positive strategy, which integrates sustainability into core operations. Waste management, including plastic reduction, is a key pillar of this approach, driving resource efficiency and environmental stewardship across our businesses.

The United Nations General Assembly in 1973 marked June 5 as World Environment Day. Over the past five decades, the day has grown to be one of the largest global platforms for environmental outreach. Tens of millions of people participate online and through in-person activities, events, and actions around the world.

And each year the UN announces a theme. This year the theme was #BeatPlasticPollution, with official celebrations held in the Republic of Korea’s Jeju Province.

Plastic pollution permeates every corner of the planet. By 2040, plastic leakage to the environment is predicted to grow by 50 per cent, and that pollution creeps into our bodies through the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the air that we breathe. World Environment Day 2025 calls for collective action to tackle plastic pollution.

Sustainable Packaging and Plastic Waste Management

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has been leading efforts to adopt sustainable packaging solutions. In FY25, 25% of conventional plastic packaging was replaced with compostable and eco-friendly alternatives. This initiative covered key operations, including auto components and inter-unit transfers, resulting in a reduction of nearly 1,000 metric tons of plastic waste. These solutions were implemented through partnerships with suppliers, using direct procurement and supplier-led sourcing models.

Our efforts extend beyond material replacement to address plastic waste holistically. All plastic waste generated across Mahindra facilities is sent for recycling. Over the last five years, we’ve recycled 20,000 metric tons of plastic waste, reducing CO₂ emissions by 58,000 tons. Facilities like the Igatpuri plant are closing the loop by converting packaging waste into granules that are reused to manufacture new packaging with 60% recycled content, cutting plastic consumption by 40 metric tons annually.

Durable polypropylene boxes and Foldable Large Containers (FLCs) have become staples at our facilities, and initiatives like returnable packaging solutions are redefining how businesses interact with materials.

Sustainability in Motion

Mahindra is incorporating recycled and recyclable polymers into its Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) to reduce virgin plastic usage. For example, the BE 05 features 100% recycled PET in carpets and parcel trays, 50% recycled PET in roof liners, and 75% post-consumer recycled polypropylene in underbody trays. Other models such as BE 6 and XEV 9E also include recycled materials, demonstrating the integration of circularity into modern mobility solutions.

Resorts That Care

At Mahindra Holidays & Resorts, sustainability greets guests at every turn. Glass mineral water bottles have replaced PET plastic bottles at 48 resorts, with plans to expand to 50 resorts by FY26. In-house bottling plants are being established to further minimize single-use plastics,

while initiatives such as transitioning to wooden guest room amenities, corn starch straws, and liquid soap dispensers are reshaping practices to align with sustainability goals.

Building Communities That Thrive

At Mahindra Lifespaces, packaging innovations have helped reduce plastic waste in construction materials. Pipes are now packaged in jute bags instead of plastic, sanitary goods use hay instead of synthetic fillings, and bath fixtures are delivered in reusable cloth bags. These measures diverted nearly 500 kilograms of plastic waste from landfills in FY23. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) waste is sent to authorized recyclers, and recycled materials are integrated into play equipment for communities.

Education and awareness are also critical components of Mahindra’s approach. Across its properties, households are being educated on composting wet waste and reducing single-use plastics. Beach clean-up drives, such as the one where 700 kilograms of waste were collected, further highlight community engagement efforts.

A Collective Commitment

The challenge of plastic pollution requires coordinated action across industries, communities, and institutions. By embedding sustainability into our operations, we aim to contribute meaningfully to broader environmental efforts while ensuring that our practices align with the urgent need for global change.

Watch Rajesh Jejurikar talk about – ‘ What it takes to make a sustainable organisation? ’

Read Ankit Todi on India’s Climate Moment: Driving Impact Through Pragmatic Sustainability.