Founded in 2020 by Vishnu Vardhaan and Divya Shetty, Cercle X is quickly becoming one of India’s leading waste management startups, committed to solving one of the world’s most pressing issues, which is waste disposal.
With a goal to create a world without waste, the company is addressing the environmental crisis with cutting-edge technology and deep-tech integrations, offering smart waste management solutions across the entire value chain.
From industrial waste to post-consumer recycling, Cercle X has pioneered a new, efficient way of dealing with waste that promotes sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Addressing a Global Crisis
The global waste management crisis is at a tipping point. According to the World Bank, the volume of solid waste generated worldwide is set to rise to 3.4 billion tons by 2050, with plastic waste and e-waste being significant contributors.
Many companies, especially those in manufacturing, are struggling to efficiently manage their waste streams.
This leads to harmful environmental impacts, as improperly disposed of waste often ends up in landfills or pollutes oceans and ecosystems.
In India, the challenge is even more severe, with growing urban populations and limited recycling infrastructure.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), a framework where producers are held accountable for the lifecycle of their products, has become a regulatory necessity for many industries, but the country’s waste management ecosystem has yet to fully adapt to these requirements.
Cercle X’s Smart Waste Management Ecosystem
Cercle X’s solution is to digitize and streamline waste management across multiple sectors, offering end-to-end services for industries, governments, recyclers, and even individual citizens.
Through its innovative platform, companies can easily track, manage, and dispose of waste responsibly, meeting their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals while adhering to the latest compliance regulations.
Whether it’s managing industrial waste, dealing with EPR compliance, or sourcing recycled materials, Cercle X is providing a seamless, paperless experience with complete transparency.
The platform’s core features include real-time vehicle tracking, 100% traceability of waste streams, and instant notifications, ensuring a robust, data-driven approach to waste management.
One of the standout services provided by Cercle X is its work with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), where it helps brands fulfill their regulatory obligations for waste management.
With over 150+ brands successfully achieving their EPR targets through Cercle X, the startup has quickly established itself as a leader in this field.
Empowering a Circular Economy
Cercle X isn’t just helping businesses, it’s also empowering local communities.
With over 42,000+ traders, aggregators, and recyclers across India using its platform to buy and sell scrap materials, the company is driving a circular economy model where materials are continuously reused and recycled, reducing the need for raw material extraction.
In addition, Cercle X has also launched initiatives such as the Planet Warrior Movement, which encourages citizens to participate in sustainability efforts.
Individuals can sell their recyclables directly to verified buyers, earn incentives, and contribute to a cleaner environment, all through the user-friendly app.
From Agriculture to Waste Management
The story of Cercle X is rooted in a shared desire to create social impact.
The founders, Vishnu Vardhaan and Divya Shetty, started their entrepreneurial journey in 2015, when they met at an event addressing farmer suicides.
It was there that they realized that while many were pointing fingers at the government, they hadn’t contributed a solution.
Motivated by this, they ventured into sustainable farming practices, starting a network of organic farmers and building a brand called Indian Superheroes.
Their path took a pivotal turn in 2017 when they began developing the Plantcil, a plantable pencil made from recycled paper waste.
This innovative product not only solved the issue of paper waste but also sparked a movement around sustainability.
With increasing demand for sustainable products, the founders transitioned from Plantcil to Pepaa, where they created plantable stationery and collaborated with top brands to promote eco-friendly practices.
But it wasn’t until 2020 that Cercle X was born.
Realizing that waste was a global pandemic without a proper solution, the founders decided to dive into the waste management industry, where they could apply their deep sustainability knowledge and technological expertise.
They envisioned a company that could transform the entire waste management ecosystem, from industrial waste to e-waste, and create circular solutions that would benefit both the planet and future generations.
Impact and Future Vision
In just a few years, Cercle X has already made significant strides in its mission to eliminate waste.
With over 1,900 pincodes and pickup locations across India, the company has created a national network that ensures waste management is more accessible and effective.
The startup has also worked with over 100 brands to solve their waste management issues, enabling them to meet their ESG goals while maximizing the value of recycled materials.
Looking ahead, Cercle X plans to expand its services globally, bringing its smart waste management solutions to more countries and communities.
Through its combination of technology, innovation, and a deep commitment to sustainability, Cercle X is not just a company, it’s a movement driving the change needed to build a cleaner, greener future.
