05 Jun 2025
How Are Auto Rickshaw Seats in India Getting Greener with Recycled Tetra Pak?
India’s commercial vehicle segment, especially the auto rickshaw and 3 wheeler category, is going through a green transformation. On this World Environment Day 2025, there’s a fascinating story that’s worth sharing.
Would you believe that around 80% of auto seats in India are made from recycled Tetra Pak cartons? Yes, the same milk and juice cartons we throw away daily are now part of our transport system.
This remarkable change has been made possible by major brands like Bajaj Auto, TVS Auto, and Atul Auto, who are leading the way in building eco-friendly commercial vehicles.
From Tetra Pak to Auto Rickshaw Seats – The Sustainable Journey
Every day, millions of Tetra Pak cartons are used across India. Thanks to growing awareness and strong recycling networks, many of them are being collected instead of ending up in landfills.
According to a 2022 TERI study conducted in 20 Indian cities, more than 60% of Tetra Pak cartons are now being collected and recycled. This is done through a growing network of 30+ collection partners and 8 dedicated recyclers.
The cartons are processed and turned into chipboards. These chipboards are then used to make seat backs and backrests for 3-wheeler commercial vehicles like auto rickshaws.
How Auto Rickshaw Makers Are Driving Eco-Friendly Innovation
This green journey started back in 2004 when recycling companies began turning factory waste from Tetra Pak production lines into chipboards. Over the years, the focus shifted to post-consumer cartons, giving everyday waste a new life in the commercial vehicle industry.
Bajaj Auto, TVS Motors, and Atul Auto are among the early adopters of these sustainable materials. Today, these brands use chipboards made from recycled cartons to build durable, high-quality auto seats for their vehicles.
These chipboards are strong, weather-resistant, and lightweight. That makes them a perfect fit for auto rickshaws, which are built for rough roads and daily use. In addition, these materials reduce the dependency on virgin plastic and wood, making each 3 wheeler a more responsible product.
By choosing these materials, Bajaj, TVS, and Atul are proving that sustainability can also be a smart business.
More Than Just Auto Seats – A Circular Economy in Motion
The impact of recycling doesn’t stop with autos. The chipboards made from used cartons are now used in:
- Public park furniture and school desks
- Bathroom doors in Indian Railways
- Storage pallets for the Food Corporation of India
- State warehouse facilities in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh
Clearly, this isn’t just about greener transport, but about building a wider circular economy.
Aligned with India’s Environmental Goals
Recycling and reusing materials helps India in many ways:
- It reduces landfill waste
- Saves natural resources
- Cuts down on carbon emissions
- Supports national campaigns like the Swachh Bharat Mission
- Moves the country closer to its net-zero carbon goals
This model, supported by auto rickshaw manufacturers, shows how the commercial vehicle industry can be a key player in India’s sustainability journey.
Who Is Behind the Collection and Recycling Efforts?
None of this would be possible without the hard work of waste pickers and recyclers. They form the backbone of this green supply chain. From streets and homes, they collect used cartons and pass them through a formal system that turns waste into value.
Thanks to strong grassroots collection systems and increasing corporate partnerships, over 60% of cartons are now properly recycled. This helps improve the lives of waste pickers by giving them better earning opportunities and job dignity.
How Can You Join the Green Auto Movement?
If you want to be part of this eco-friendly movement, start by disposing of your used Tetra Pak cartons properly. Clean and dry cartons should be put into the right collection bins or handed over to authorised collection partners.
Also, support auto rickshaw brands that promote sustainability. If you’re in the market for a new 3 wheeler commercial vehicle, look for companies that use recycled and eco-conscious components.
Final Thoughts: Every Ride Can Be a Step Toward Sustainability
This World Environment Day 2025, the transformation of milk cartons into auto rickshaw seats is a story that proves how every small step counts. By using recycled materials in commercial vehicles, companies like Bajaj, TVS, and Atul are creating a positive environmental impact.
Their innovation shows that it's possible to build better vehicles without harming the planet. It’s a strong example of how industry and sustainability can move forward together.
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