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Tag: Anjalli Ravi Kumar

  • Zomato felicitates winners of the Plastic-Free Orders Packathon

    Zomato felicitates winners of the Plastic-Free Orders Packathon

    Mumbai: Zomato, India’s food ordering and delivery platform, today announced the winners of its ‘Plastic-Free Orders Packathon’, at an event held in New Delhi. Launched in partnership with Startup India, the ‘Plastic-Free Orders Packathon’ was aimed at encouraging innovation in sustainable packaging for food delivery orders. At the event, the 10 shortlisted startups pitched their pioneering solutions to the jury and an audience of over 100 people, including Zomato’s restaurant partners, 14 plus startups, technical experts and sustainability students and enthusiasts. Bambrew, Go Do Good Studio and Frenvi were selected as the top three winners for their solutions and have been awarded prizes worth Rs 10 lakhs, five lakhs, and three lakhs, respectively.

    Over 85 startups from 18 states across the country shared their sustainable packaging solutions that ranged from innovative plastic-free barrier coatings made of materials like seaweed and plant-based gums, compostable carry bags to edible cutlery. 34 of these startups were partially or fully led by women entrepreneurs. The pitches made by the 10 shortlisted startups were judged on the innovative nature of the materials used, their functionality, cost efficiency, design and aesthetics, among others. These startups also got an opportunity to display their sustainable packaging solutions to the audience at a simultaneous exhibition at the event.

    Speaking on the initiative, Zomato chief sustainability officer Anjalli Ravi Kumar said, “We are overwhelmed with the response received on the ‘Plastic-Free Orders Packathon’, an initiative that stemmed as a response to the growing concern over environmental sustainability in the food ordering and delivery industry. Acknowledging start-ups’ pivotal role in catalyzing innovation, we partnered with the Government of India’s flagship initiative Startup India to address this critical requirement. It is inspiring to see startups across the country stepping up with groundbreaking solutions for eco-friendly packaging solutions in the food ordering and delivery industry. The enthusiastic participation of women entrepreneurs underscores the inclusive nature of this initiative, highlighting their pivotal role in shaping a sustainable tomorrow. The ideas showcased by all the startups participating in the event have the power to revolutionise the overall packaging practices, thereby setting a new standard for the industry. We look forward to witnessing the impact of their initiatives in driving a positive change towards a greener future.”

    The jury for the event was composed of Zomato CEO, food delivery Rakesh Ranjan; Hasirudala Innovations co-founder & CEO Shekar Prabhakar; Chaayos co-founderRaghav Verma; Biryani By Kilo founder and CEO Vishal Jindal, and Indian Institute of Packaging director Dr. Tanweer Alam.

    In line with its objective to reduce the carbon footprint of food deliveries, Zomato has implemented multiple initiatives by employing its ‘reduce, recycle, and reward’ approach. The company recently announced its 2030 sustainability goals, committing to 100 per cent plastic-neutral food deliveries every year and 100 million plastic-free orders by 2025. Through initiatives such as defaulting to ‘Do not send cutlery’ on its app, which was introduced in 2021, the company reduced cutlery waste by 1,000 MT within two years of its inception.

    Since FY 23, Zomato has recycled 30,000 MT of plastic waste, 1.5X of the weight used by restaurant partners for Zomato food order deliveries. Zomato has also launched a program to recognize restaurants shifting to plastic-free alternatives, further reinforcing their commitment to sustainability.

  • Zomato collaborates with Startup India; announced plastic free orders

    Zomato collaborates with Startup India; announced plastic free orders

    Mumbai : Zomato, India’s food ordering and delivery platform announced a ‘Plastic-Free Orders Packathon’ in collaboration with Startup India to encourage innovation in sustainable packaging for food delivery orders. The Packathon is a competition for startups to showcase food delivery and sustainable packaging options for restaurants catering to online food orders.

    Zomato chief sustainability officer Anjalli Ravi Kumar, said, “ Zomato is deeply committed to reducing the environmental impact of food deliveries. In September 2023, we began to recognise restaurants that have adopted sustainable packaging materials for food deliveries via a ‘Plastic-Free Orders’ banner.

    The program is live in 8 cities and 3.6 million orders have been recognised as plastic-free till 31 December 2023. The program surfaced the fact that many national restaurant chains have adopted paper-based or bagasse-based packaging. Standalone, mid-tier and budget restaurants, especially those outside metro cities, are struggling with the availability of affordable and functional alternatives to plastic packaging for their deliveries. The problem is particularly acute for restaurants specializing in gravy-based cuisines with multiple condiments and accompaniments. We believe focused innovations hold the answer to this problem and the Packathon is a way to surface and recognise Indian innovators.”

    Startup India, vice president Aastha Grover, said, “The launch of Zomato Plastic-Free Packathon is a testament to our shared commitment helping Indian businesses and citizens transition to sustainable practices. Given the burgeoning issue of plastic pollution, this initiative is a clarion call to all Indian startups to innovate and devise sustainable packaging solutions for food delivery that can significantly reduce plastic usage. This challenge presents a unique opportunity for Indian startups to showcase their ingenuity and contribute to a new era of sustainable consumption. As part of Startup India’s mission, we are excited to facilitate and support innovative solutions that will preserve our planet for future generations.”

    Open to all DPIIT-recognised start-ups, the deadline for application submission to the Packathon is 29 February. The top three winners will receive prices worth 10 Lakhs, 5 lakhs and 3 lakhs respectively, in addition to receiving the opportunity to showcase their solution to Zomato’s restaurant partners.

    Zomato also announced its comprehensive 2030 sustainability goals, including, continuing to facilitate 100 per cent plastic neutral food delivery orders through voluntary recycling, and also facilitating delivery of 100 million plastic-free food orders by 2025. Over the years, Zomato has undertaken various initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of food deliveries, through its 3Rs approach of ‘reduce, recycle and reward’.

    In 2021, the company made ‘do not send cutlery’ the default option on its food ordering and delivery app, giving customers the option to ask for cutlery, only if they needed it. Over the past two years, this simple initiative has cut cutlery waste by 1,000 MT, or 1 million kilos. In FY 23, Zomato recycled 20,000 MT of plastic waste – more than 2X the weight of plastic used by restaurant partners to package orders received through Zomato.

    In 2023, the company launched a recognition programme for restaurant partners who make the switch to plastic-free alternatives for their Zomato deliveries.

    Link to the Packathon:  

     

     

  • Zomato launches ZEAL: Wheelchair accessible rest points for delivery partners

    Zomato launches ZEAL: Wheelchair accessible rest points for delivery partners

    Mumbai: In its continued endeavour of providing equitable access to opportunities for all, Zomato, India’s food ordering and delivery platform, is working towards making its rest points in metro cities wheelchair accessible. This initiative is focused on ensuring hassle-free movement of its wheelchair-bound delivery partner fleet. Starting with transforming two shelter points, one located in Delhi and the other in Bangalore into barrier-free spaces for wheelchair-bound delivery partners, Zomato is committed to building inclusiveness across the value chain and fostering a more convenient infrastructure and built environment.

    Acknowledging the immense potential of individuals with disabilities, Zomato has taken proactive steps towards creating a holistic and inclusive environment for all. The firm currently has 300 persons with locomotor disabilities as delivery partners in its fleet, under its flagship project ZEAL (Zomato’s Equitable Action for Livelihood).

    Launched earlier this year, these rest points are part of Zomato’s ‘Shelter Project,’ a groundbreaking initiative focused on creating a more supportive gig environment for the last-mile delivery partners of various companies. These well-ventilated spaces are equipped with comfortable seating, charging points, washrooms, high-speed internet, helpdesk, first-aid support, free Wi-Fi, and access to food options. The project’s purposeful design offers dedicated spaces for delivery partners to rejuvenate and relax between deliveries, fostering their physical and mental well-being.

    Commenting on the announcement, Zomato chief sustainability officer Anjalli Ravi Kumar, said, “At Zomato, we are constantly working towards creating a safe and inclusive working environment for all stakeholders. By making these rest points wheelchair accessible, we are focused on empowering the last-mile delivery partners with various abilities. We are grateful for our association with Tejasvi Surya and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, who helped revamp the shelter in Bangalore and New Delhi respectively.  As we continue to grow, we will work towards expanding this initiative and accommodate the diverse needs of delivery partners.”