Bengaluru to Build India’s First Eco-Church from Recycled Plastic Waste

BE PART OF THE FIRST-EVER HISTORICAL ECO-CHURCH INSPIRED BY ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI BENGALURU — In a pioneering initiative uniting Christian faith with modern environmental stewardship, the Archdiocese of Bangalore is constructing a historic church in Attibele, Bengaluru, built primarily from recycled plastic waste and sustainable materials. Dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi—the patron saint of ecology renowned for his simplicity, fraternity, and reverence for God's creation—the project aims to demonstrate how discarded materials can be transformed into a sacred place of worship while reducing environmental harm. Innovative Green Construction with CIRCATO Undertaken in partnership with CIRCATO, a Bengaluru-based sustainable construction company, the project employs innovative building techniques to upcycle non-recyclable plastic waste. Everyday refuse—including plastic wrappers, pouches, and single-use packaging—is being re-engineered into durable building materials. By repurposing waste that would otherwise pollute landfills and oceans, the initiative aims to reduce the exploitation of traditional natural resources while providing a modern, functional house of worship for the growing Catholic community of Attibele. An Appeal for Community Support To bring this ecological vision to fruition, Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore has issued a formal appeal to the faithful, families, benefactors, and well-wishers to support the construction costs. "Through this project, materials once considered waste are envisioned as part of a sacred space dedicated to worship and the care of creation," the Archdiocese highlighted, noting that naming opportunities within the church are available for significant contributors and benefactor families.