How can a global petrochemical giant like Indorama Ventures lead the transition toward a circular economy? In this episode of The Circular Coffee Break, Michael sits down with Harsha Reddy, Global Head of Sustainability at Indorama Ventures, to explore how one of the world’s largest plastic producers is reinventing its role in a more sustainable and circular future. Harsha shares his journey from rural roots in Southern India to building Indorama Ventures’ sustainability function from the ground up, driving decarbonization, circularity, and ESG compliance across the company’s vast portfolio.
Harsha reflects on how his early connection to nature shaped his worldview and inspired his commitment to sustainability. He discusses Indorama Ventures’ evolution from a linear plastics producer to a circular economy leader, with 24 recycling facilities across 12 countries and a bold commitment to recycle 100 billion bottles per year by 2030. Harsha highlights the challenges of scaling circular solutions, from infrastructure gaps to technical complexities, and the importance of advanced recycling technologies to complement mechanical recycling.
The conversation explores how Indorama Ventures is driving cultural change across its 28,000-strong workforce, embedding sustainability literacy through internal academies, leadership development, and top-level commitment. Harsha emphasizes the need for systemic collaboration among suppliers, customers, governments, and financiers to make circular solutions economically viable at scale. He also discusses the business case for sustainability, including access to sustainable finance, customer demand for lower-carbon products, and talent attraction and retention.
Looking ahead, Harsha is both optimistic and concerned about the pace of change. He sees reason for hope in human ingenuity and the power of collective action, but also urges greater urgency in addressing climate-linked challenges and scaling circular solutions.
Why listen?
Whether you are a sustainability professional, a business leader, or simply interested in how industrial transformation can drive circularity, this episode offers a practical and inspiring perspective on scaling circularity in plastics.
Keywords: circular economy, Indorama Ventures, Harsha Reddy, plastics, recycling, PET, advanced recycling, systemic change, cultural transformation, sustainability literacy, sustainable finance, collaboration
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