GURUGRAM, India, September 18, 2026: MetLife Foundation has partnered with OneStage to launch the Plastic-Free Gurugram (PFG) Initiative, a city-wide sustainability program aimed at reducing single-use plastic consumption and promoting responsible waste management practices across Gurugram. The initiative aims to reach more than 100,000 residents across Gurugram through awareness campaigns, community mobilisation efforts and waste management interventions. The initiative will engage residents, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), government institutions, malls and communities in need to drive long-term behaviour change and advance sustainable living practices across the city.
The initiative was unveiled during PNB MetLife’s 25th anniversary celebrations by Lyndon Oliver, Regional President, MetLife Asia, Sameer Bansal- MD & CEO, PNB MetLife and Pankaj Gupta, CEO, One Stage reinforcing a shared commitment to building healthier, more sustainable communities.
A baseline survey conducted as part of the program revealed an important insight: while awareness of plastic pollution is relatively high, consistent adoption of sustainable practices remains a challenge. The survey covered 228 respondents across 27 locations, providing a foundation for designing targeted interventions.
The findings showed that 93.8% of mall visitors and 75.6% of residents are aware of issues related to single-use plastics, while 84.4% of respondents already practice waste segregation at home, demonstrating a strong foundation for positive environmental action. However, 77.8% continue to use disposable products during social gatherings, and 66.7% cite convenience or lack of alternatives as the primary reason for using single-use plastics, highlighting the need for behavior-change initiatives and greater access to sustainable options.
Speaking on this, Tia Hodges, President and CEO, MetLife Foundation, said, “A cleaner environment is fundamental to healthier, more resilient communities. Through Plastic-Free Gurugram, MetLife Foundation is supporting a community-led movement that brings together residents, institutions and local partners to address plastic pollution and create lasting change. Our ambition is not only to reduce plastic waste, but also to foster a culture of environmental responsibility that will benefit Gurugram for years to come.”
Adding to this, Mr. Sameer Bansal, MD & CEO, PNB MetLife, said, “Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing urban environmental challenges of our time, and meaningful progress requires collective action from citizens, institutions, businesses, and civil society. The Plastic-Free Gurugram initiative is an important step towards helping residents adopt more sustainable habits while contributing to a cleaner and healthier urban environment.”
Pankaj Gupta, CEO, One Stage, said, “Plastic-Free Gurugram is about turning awareness into collective action. Through this partnership with MetLife Foundation, we aim to bring residents, communities, institutions and local stakeholders together to adopt sustainable practices and create lasting behavior change. We are delighted to be part of this shared effort to make Gurugram cleaner, healthier and more sustainable for generations to come.”
Plastic-Free Gurugram is more than an environmental initiative; it is a collective commitment to building a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable city for future generations.
About Metlife Foundation:
At MetLife Foundation, we are committed to driving inclusive economic mobility. We collaborate with nonprofit organizations and provide grants aligned to three strategic focus areas –economic empowerment, financial health and resilient communities – while engaging MetLife employee volunteers to help drive impact. MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 and for 50 years has continued MetLife’s long tradition of community engagement and involvement. Since its inception, MetLife Foundation has contributed over $1 billion to strengthen communities where MetLife has a presence. To learn more about MetLife Foundation, visit www.metlife.org.
About One Stage:
OneStage is a Foundation working towards enabling equitable and sustainable change across communities in India. We work with communities, corporates, government institutions, and philanthropic partners to design and implement programmes across four key areas namely, education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods and climate action, while strengthening community participation and local leadership to drive lasting impact. With over two decades of experience, OneStage combines grassroots presence, strategic partnerships, and strong implementation capabilities to address critical social and environmental challenges. The flagship Plastic Free Gurugram initiative brings together communities, government, and corporate partners to address plastic pollution through awareness, behavior change, responsible collection, and circularity. To know more about OneStage, visit https://theonestage.org/.
