Licious leads the way in sustainable development with ‘Responsibly Licious’ initiative, attains plastic neutrality for fiscal year 2022
Licious, a well-known brand in the Indian retail industry, recently commemorated World Environment Day by reaffirming its unwavering commitment to sustainable development. The company unveiled its new initiative, aptly named ‘Responsibly Licious,’ which underscores its responsible approach towards growth. As part of this endeavor, Licious has made a significant stride towards plastic neutrality for the fiscal year 2022, thanks to its collaboration with Recykal, a digital solutions company specializing in circularity and sustainability. By joining forces, Licious and Recykal aim to contribute to a greener future and promote a more eco-friendly retail ecosystem in India.
By leveraging Recykal’s Plastic Neutrality solution, Licious has achieved a remarkable milestone in responsible plastic waste management. During the financial year 2021-22, the brand successfully recovered an astonishing 530 metric tons of plastic waste, effectively offsetting its plastic footprint for the entire year. This significant accomplishment showcases Licious’ unwavering commitment to sustainability and highlights their dedication to making a positive impact on the environment.
To put this achievement into perspective, the amount of plastic waste recovered by Licious is equivalent to preventing the disposal of a weighty Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger plane, into landfills. This comparison underscores the magnitude of the brand’s efforts in preventing plastic pollution and emphasizes the profound positive effect they have had on the environment.
Rajesh K., Chief Sustainability and Quality Officer at Licious, expressed, “At Licious, we constantly strive to set new standards and raise the bar for the industry. Our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives have positioned us as leaders in implementing sustainable practices throughout our operations. Our pledge to achieve plastic waste neutrality marks a significant milestone in our journey to become a responsible and sustainable brand. On this World Environment Day, we are delighted to contribute and support global efforts to #BeatPlasticPollution. Through our partnership with Recykal and their digitally transparent sustainability solutions, we aim to reaffirm our commitment to building a purpose-driven brand that safeguards the interests of humanity and the planet.”
Ekta Narain, Co-Founder and CBO of Recykal, congratulated Licious on achieving plastic neutrality and surpassing extended producer responsibility (EPR) compliance. She expressed pride in being part of this journey and supporting Licious in its sustainability commitment. Narain also highlighted the proactive approach of organizations like Licious in addressing the plastic waste crisis and adopting responsible waste management practices. She emphasized the significance of collaboration and expressed hope for continued partnerships to create a more sustainable future.
Licious’ commitment to creating a sustainable brand extends far beyond merely meeting obligatory plastic waste regulations. In the fiscal year 2022, the company took significant strides to offset its plastic footprint by actively recovering plastic waste from environmentally sensitive areas in India. Utilizing approved recycling methods, Licious processed this waste, effectively minimizing its impact on the environment. From the very beginning, Licious has operated as a purpose-driven organization, challenging industry norms by upholding global standards in quality, sourcing, processing, and technology.
Licious’ dedication to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles is encompassed by a comprehensive pledge that encompasses eight specific themes, all of which prioritize quality, sustainability, and traceability. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), these themes guide Licious in its journey to become a socially and ecologically responsible organization. To validate its commitment, Licious has acquired multiple certifications, including ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management and ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management.
However, the most esteemed certification achieved by the brand is the SA 8000:2014 Social Accountability, an accolade that sets Licious apart as the first fresh animal protein brand in India and one of the ten globally recognized companies in this category to receive such a prestigious certification. With their ongoing dedication to the vision of being “Responsibly Licious,” the brand continues to tirelessly work towards a greener future, making a positive impact on the planet.