Turning Plastic into Purpose: Carbon & Whale’s Eco Journey
As the world grapples with the devastating consequences of climate change, the importance of sustainable living has become a pressing concern. Amidst the chaos, a small startup in Kochi, India, has been quietly revolutionizing the way we approach waste management and urban infrastructure. Carbon & Whale, founded by Alvin George, Sidharth A K, and Sooraj Varma, has been transforming single-use plastic into durable modular furniture, tackling environmental waste and urban infrastructure needs head-on.
The Story Behind Carbon & Whale
In 2018, the three founders, all graduates of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut, were working on a project to develop innovative solutions for urban infrastructure. As they delved deeper into the issue, they realized the staggering impact of single-use plastic on the environment. The statistics were alarming – over 8 million tons of plastic waste enter our oceans every year, harming marine life and contaminating the food chain.
The trio decided to take action, leveraging their skills in design, engineering, and business to create a product that would not only reduce plastic waste but also provide a sustainable solution for urban infrastructure. Thus, Carbon & Whale was born.
The Innovative Solution
Carbon & Whale’s flagship product is a range of modular furniture made from recycled plastic. The idea is simple yet revolutionary – collect plastic waste, recycle it, and transform it into durable, high-quality furniture. The startup uses a patented technology to shred and melt the plastic, which is then molded into various shapes and forms to create functional pieces of furniture.
The benefits are multifaceted. By recycling plastic, Carbon & Whale reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and oceans, conserving natural resources, and mitigating climate change. The furniture itself is durable, low-maintenance, and designed to be easily assembled and disassembled, making it an attractive solution for urban spaces.
The Business Model
Carbon & Whale’s business model is built on a three-pronged approach:
- Recycling: The startup collects plastic waste from various sources, including households, industries, and municipalities, and recycles it into raw material.
- Manufacturing: The recycled plastic is then molded into furniture, which is designed to be functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing.
- Sales: The furniture is sold to businesses, schools, and government institutions, providing a revenue stream for the startup.
Impact and Achievements
In just a few short years, Carbon & Whale has made significant strides in its mission to transform plastic waste into purposeful products. Some notable achievements include:
- 12,000 kg of plastic recycled: The startup has recycled over 12,000 kilograms of plastic, reducing the amount of waste that would have otherwise ended up in landfills and oceans.
- ₹5 crore in revenue: By 2025, Carbon & Whale has hit ₹5 crore in revenue, demonstrating the potential for sustainability to drive profitability.
- Partnerships and collaborations: The startup has partnered with various organizations, including the Kerala State Pollution Control Board, to promote sustainable waste management practices and develop innovative solutions for urban infrastructure.
A Bright Future Ahead
Carbon & Whale’s success is a testament to the power of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving positive change. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, the startup’s eco-friendly approach to furniture manufacturing provides a beacon of hope.
The startup’s vision is ambitious – to create a world where plastic waste is a thing of the past, and sustainable products are the norm. With its patented technology, innovative business model, and commitment to environmental sustainability, Carbon & Whale is well on its way to achieving this goal.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that Carbon & Whale’s eco journey is just beginning. With its focus on transforming plastic waste into purposeful products, the startup is paving the way for a more sustainable, environmentally conscious future.
Source: https://ascendants.in/the-ascendants/waste-plastic-furniture-carbon-whale/
