PepsiCo India And The Social Lab Expand Sustainable Waste Solutions Initiative 'Tidy Trails' In Guwahati

• Tidy Trails, a community-driven initiative, focuses on responsible plastic waste management through collection, segregation, and recycling
• Marking World Environment Day, Tidy Trails expanded in Guwahati to strengthen plastic circularity and drive behavioral change

On the occasion of World Environment Day, PepsiCo India, in collaboration with The Social Lab (TSL), has announced the expansion of its flagship plastic circularity initiative, Tidy Trails, in Guwahati. Tidy Trails is a community-driven program focused on responsible plastic waste management through collection, segregation, and recycling to drive long-term environmental impact.

Guided by its Partnership of Progress philosophy, Tidy Trails brings together local administrations, market associations, shopkeepers, and consumers to drive meaningful behaviour change around plastic waste segregation and recycling—creating a collaborative model for circularity at the community level. The program was introduced as a pilot in Guwahati in 2024, resulting in collection of over 30,000 kgs of plastic waste with active participation from local shopkeepers and communities.

As part of the initiative, a special mobile van will be deployed to collect post-consumer plastic waste from local establishments. The effort aims to encourage citizens to maintain cleaner surroundings and foster a culture of tidiness—setting positive examples and inspiring other communities to adopt responsible waste practices.

At the heart of the Tidy Trails initiative is a powerful idea: transforming plastic waste into purpose. Collected plastic is repurposed into functional items such as benches and chairs, which are installed in public spaces like parks, community centres, and marketplaces. These installations not only enhance the utility and aesthetics of these areas but also serve as daily reminders of the value of sustainable living.

Through on-ground campaigns, informative signage, and interactive community engagement, Tidy Trails is driving visible and lasting behavioral change—ensuring that plastic waste is not discarded, but reimagined into something meaningful for the community.

Speaking on the expansion, Ms. Yashika Singh, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Sustainability Head, PepsiCo India and South Asia, said, “On World Environment Day, the expansion of Tidy Trails in Guwahati underscores our commitment to scaling sustainable, community-led solutions for post-consumer plastic waste management. Guided by our Partnership of Progress philosophy, we believe meaningful change is only possible through collective action. The success of Tidy Trails’ pilot edition in Guwahati—driven by strong community engagement and support from local administrations—has laid a solid foundation for this new chapter in the city. We’re proud to collaborate with partners like The Social Lab and local municipalities to deliver real, on-ground impact.”

Mr. Sahil Arora, Chief Executive Officer, The Social Lab (TSL), added, “We are proud to partner with PepsiCo India for this noble initiative. At TSL, we are committed to protecting the environment and supporting circular economy efforts through programs like Tidy Trails. Plastic waste is one of the biggest environmental challenges today, but when reused and recycled, it can offer valuable solutions. Through this initiative, we aim to bring together communities, businesses, and policymakers to encourage the responsible use, recycling, and reuse of plastic.”

Since its inception, the Tidy Trails initiative has collected over 68,000 kg of plastic waste, driven by active participation from local shopkeepers and communities, across Mathura, Agra, and Guwahati. With a reach of over 1.9 lakh people, the initiative continues to drive behavioral change around responsible plastic waste management through sustained community engagement and awareness efforts.