In a country grappling with the mounting challenge of electronic waste, Hulladek Recycling emerges as a beacon of sustainable innovation. Founded by Nandan Mall, this Kolkata-based enterprise has revolutionized e-waste management, diverting millions of kilograms of hazardous waste from landfills and setting new benchmarks in the industry.
Genesis of Hulladek
- Inception: The concept of Hulladek was born during a college fest at St. Xavier’s, where Nandan Mall presented a business plan focused on e-waste collection and recycling.
- Early Exposure: An internship at E-Parisaraa, one of India’s pioneering e-waste recyclers, followed by a two-year stint in Spain’s waste management sector, provided Nandan with invaluable insights.
- Establishment: Upon returning to India in 2014, Nandan founded Hulladek Recycling, aiming to address the pressing issue of electronic waste.
Operational Footprint
- Pan-India Presence: Hulladek operates across 20 states, with regional warehouses in Guwahati and Jamshedpur, and a central facility in Ankurhati, Kolkata.
- Waste Processing: The company specializes in dismantling e-waste into its core components—glass, metal, and plastic—for reuse, thereby promoting a circular economy.
- Urban Mining: By extracting valuable materials from discarded electronics, Hulladek reduces the need for traditional mining, conserving natural resources.
Impact and Achievements
- Waste Diverted: Since its inception, Hulladek has diverted over 15 million kilograms of e-waste from landfills, significantly mitigating environmental hazards.
- Growth Trajectory: From collecting 35 tonnes in its first year, the company has scaled up to processing 4,600 tonnes annually as of March 2024.
- Community Engagement: Hulladek collaborates with schools, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), and corporations to conduct awareness drives and recycling campaigns.
Vision for the Future
- Expansion Plans: Hulladek aims to establish franchise partners in every Indian state by 2029-30, targeting a turnover of ₹80 crore.
- Sustainable Development: The company continues to innovate in e-waste management, striving to make sustainability an integral part of India’s industrial landscape.
