As part of the EU-funded GreenShift project, our Youth Advocacy Group from Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City CARD Nepal organized a market linkage workshop in collaboration with the Janakpur Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCI) on 17th July 2025. The event brought together local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and youth innovators to explore opportunities in recycled plastic products and promote circular economy practices in the region.
Held at the Janakpur Chamber of Commerce Seminar Hall, the workshop showcased a variety of products created from recycled plastic, including daliya (traditional trays), baskets, penholders, and flowerpots. These products were developed by youth who had participated in the Plastic Waste Circular Economy Skill Promotion Training organized by CARD Nepal under the GreenShift initiative.
The session opened with welcome remarks by Mr. Shyam Kumar Sah on behalf of CARD Nepal. He introduced the GreenShift project and emphasized the importance of creating synergies between youth-led innovation and the local business ecosystem.
A total of 20 participants attended the workshop, including representatives from Janakpur CCI, private sector actors, and young entrepreneurs. An open discussion was held to explore product pricing, market reach, and future collaborations. Chamber members and business owners provided practical feedback and expressed willingness to support the scale-up of these sustainable alternatives.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Madhu Kumari Thakur, a participant of the training program, shared her personal transformation, “We used to see plastic waste as a problem, but now we see it as a source of income and innovation. With the right support, our products can reach every household in Janakpur and beyond.”
Mr. Surendra Bhandari, President of Janakpur CCI, affirmed the chamber’s support for circular economy initiatives, “The Chamber is committed to supporting waste circular economy and eco-friendly enterprises. We will actively promote recycled plastic products through our business networks, local trade fairs, and retail partnerships. This is not just a business opportunity, it’s a responsibility towards our environment and future generations.”
The workshop concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Shyam Kumar Sah, who expressed appreciation to all participants and emphasized the long-term value of such collaborations, “We believe that engaging business houses, Janakpur CCI, and youth in such activities helps build a generation that not only understands the challenges of climate change and waste but also takes initiative to solve them.”
This initiative is one of many being carried out by Youth Advocacy Groups under the GreenShift project. These groups are playing a vital role in driving local action for plastic waste reduction and circular economy practices across Nepal.
