At the beginning of 2025, we took a step back and asked a very important question:
What would it take for Ishara to drive even deeper, more lasting change in tackling the plastic waste crisis?
The answer was crystal clear. Tackling only the “plastic” part of the problem would never be enough for sustainable change. If we wanted to create real impact, we had to build something BIGGER; something that transformed not only the fate of discarded plastics, but the futures of the people behind the scenes—those for whom this work meant survival; waste pickers who have long stood at the margins.
The Ishara Way
In many developing regions, waste pickers form the invisible foundation of recycling systems. Without them, plastics would not be recovered, sorted, or given a second life. And yet, for all their contributions, waste pickers often face unstable work environments, dangerous conditions, and daily wages ranging from just $1 to $2. It’s a reality the industry would rather you not see — a reality as deeply structural as it is profoundly unfair. And one that must be changed.
At Ishara, we are working to build systems where thriving becomes possible. We are creating a platform that makes plastics traceable, valuable, and verifiable — and, just as importantly, makes the people behind the plastic visible too. By strengthening the value chain at every step, we hope to open new possibilities for the stability, dignity, and long-term wellbeing of the workers who drive this unseen economy. In the coming months, we’ll also be sharing stories that amplify the voices, experiences, and aspirations of the waste pickers who make recycling possible.
A New Team, A New Energy
You may notice that Ishara feels different—and that is by design.
We have welcomed new members to our team: individuals united by fresh ideas, bold purpose, and a shared commitment to this vision. While we honor the path that brought us here, we move forward with a new community and a renewed sense of mission. Beginning soon, we will introduce you to these voices through our “Team Highlights” stories that capture not just what our team members do, but who they are, and why they choose to be part of this work.
What Lies Ahead
2025 marks a turning point for Ishara. With a smarter platform, a stronger team, and deeper roots in the communities we serve, we are ready to take bold steps toward a circular economy—one in which every piece of plastic is valued, and every person who touches it is valued too.
If you have sensed a shift in Ishara’s voice, energy, and direction—you are right.
This is more than a rebrand. It is a reinvention.
And yes! It includes a new home. You can now find us at goishara.com, where we’ve launched a brand-new website built to reflect our mission, our people, and the future we’re building.
We hope you will walk with us as we build what comes next.
