India’s leading food delivery platform collaborates with Startup India and DPIIT to support startups developing eco-friendly packaging solutions, offering cash prizes and industry exposure.
Zomato, India’s leading food delivery platform, has announced the second edition of the Plastic-Free Future Packathon, in collaboration with Startup India and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India. This initiative aims to encourage startups developing sustainable packaging solutions for food delivery, furthering Zomato’s commitment to reducing plastic waste.
Who Can Participate?
The Packathon 2025 is open to all startups registered on the Startup India portal, with applications closing on March 10, 2025. The competition will award one winner in two categories:
- Prototype Stage Solutions: Winner receives ₹10 lakh
- Ready-to-Scale Solutions: Winner receives ₹15 lakh
Shortlisted startups will also have the opportunity to showcase their innovations to restaurant partners, potentially leading to industry adoption of their sustainable packaging solutions.
Government and Industry Support
Highlighting the importance of sustainable innovation, Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, Startup India (DPIIT), stated:
“Startup India, DPIIT is committed to fostering an innovative and sustainable future. The Zomato Plastic-Free Future Packathon is a key initiative in reducing plastic waste from food delivery. By collaborating with industry and empowering startups, we aim to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.”
Zomato’s Sustainability Initiatives
Zomato has been at the forefront of sustainable practices in food delivery. According to Anjalli Ravi Kumar, Chief Sustainability Officer at Zomato:
“Through initiatives like the Plastic-Free Future Program, we are actively working with restaurants to reduce plastic packaging. Our Packathon is designed to support innovators in solving key challenges, such as packaging hot beverages and gravy-based dishes. Last year’s Packathon introduced solutions like plant-based barrier coatings and PET alternatives. We’re excited to see what this year brings.”
Zomato’s Impact on Plastic Waste Reduction
Zomato has taken several steps to minimize plastic waste in the food delivery industry:
- Introduced the ‘Do not send cutlery’ option by default in 2021, preventing 1,933 metric tons of cutlery waste.
- Recycled 43,000 metric tons of plastic waste since FY23, 1.5 times the plastic used in food packaging for its orders.
- Recognized 200+ restaurant brands under its Plastic-Free Future Program, with 7,500+ restaurants across 400+ cities making efforts to reduce plastic use.
How to Apply for Packathon 2025
Startups can submit their applications and detailed solutions on the Startup India portal before the deadline:
With its second Plastic-Free Future Packathon, Zomato continues to drive innovation in eco-friendly packaging, inspiring a greener and more sustainable food delivery ecosystem in India.