Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Pune Couple’s Startup Converts Hard-to-Recycle Plastic Into Footwear
Deepali Jadia and Harsh Jadia run a startup that works with difficult-to-recycle plastic.
This plastic is called multi-layered plastic, or MLP.
It is found in things such as medicine wrappers and food packets.
MLP is hard to recycle because it has several layers.
At an innovation showcase in Pune, the couple displayed packets made from MLP.
They also displayed footwear soles made from the same kind of material.
They said the MLP was first changed into PVC.
The PVC was then used to make the footwear soles.
Deepali Jadia and Harsh Jadia showcased a method for reusing multi-layered plastic.
Multi-layered plastic is used in medicine wrappers, food packets and similar packaging.
The material is considered among the most challenging plastics to recycle.
The couple said the displayed footwear soles were made from multi-layered plastic.
The plastic was first converted into PVC before being used in the footwear.
- Who
- Deepali Jadia and Harsh Jadia, both PhDs in environmental biotechnology from the University of Mumbai.
- What
- Their startup demonstrated a way to reuse multi-layered plastic by converting it into PVC and using it to make footwear soles.
- When
- At a recent startup innovation showcase; the article does not specify a date.
- Where
- The showcase took place at the National Chemical Laboratory in Pune.
- Why
- To reuse multi-layered plastic, a material described as among the most challenging plastics to recycle.
- Innovators
- Deepali Jadia and Harsh Jadia
- Academic background
- Both hold PhDs in environmental biotechnology from the University of Mumbai.
- Material
- Multi-layered plastic, or MLP
- Common products
- Medicine wrappers and food packets
- Challenge
- MLP is among the most difficult plastics to recycle.
- Displayed product
- Footwear soles
- Processing method
- MLP was first converted into PVC.