Gemini Corporation NV has won the World Economic Forum New Champions Award for Excellence in Sustainability. The award recognises Gemini's work as a global market maker for the circular economy and contribution to sustainability.

Surendra Patawari, Chairman, Gemini Corporation, accepted the award at a virtual ceremony organised by the World Economic Forum (WEF) during the Pioneers of Change Summit. Speaking to Waste & Recycling MEA, the Chairman said, “Indeed it is a matter of pride that Gemini Corporation has been recognised for its sustainability work by the World Economic Forum. The award highlights how our Gemcorp project empowers India's waste reclaimers, creating  a perfect  partnership between plastic, people, profit and planet.”

The World Economic Forum’s New Champion companies explore business models, technologies and sustainable growth strategies that will be needed in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, according to a WEF statement. From their impact on the planet and society to how they can participate in building a better future, the WEF’s New Champion companies are doing just that – exploring the new business models, emerging technologies and sustainable growth strategies that will be vital in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The New Champions awards recognised three organisations with the potential to create real long-term change through the areas of Sustainability, Digital Disruption and Agile Governance.

The winner in the Sustainability category, Gemini Corporation wants to help eradicate waste and drive growth of the global circular economy – giving “a second life” to all waste. Founded in 1989 by Surendra Patawari, it collects hundreds of thousands of tonnes of recyclable plastics from locations across the globe, and also recycling huge amounts of rubber, metal, and paper, including 50 million tyres, 1 billion plastic bottles and 1.5 million refrigerators.

As well as helping to keep all this waste and surplus material in productive use, the company gives back to society through a number of initiatives in India. These include providing free medical, educational, environmental and social care services to 12 villages in the state of Rajasthan, building two schools in India to provide free education for 400 underprivileged students a year, and planting and maintaining 100,000 trees in the Indian desert.  

Honourable mentions in the Excellence in Sustainability category went to KOIS, an impact finance pioneer; Denim Expert, a denim manufacturing plant; and Green Delta Insurance Company.