Turning Plastic into Purpose: Carbon & Whale’s Eco Journey
In a world where plastic waste has become a pressing environmental concern, a group of entrepreneurs in Kochi, India, has taken it upon themselves to turn single-use plastic into a sustainable solution for urban infrastructure needs. Carbon & Whale, a startup founded by Alvin George, Sidharth A K, and Sooraj Varma, has been making waves in the eco-friendly space by transforming plastic waste into durable modular furniture.
The journey of Carbon & Whale began with a simple yet powerful idea: to tackle the issue of plastic waste by giving it a second life. The founders, who met while studying at the School of Design at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), were deeply concerned about the impact of plastic pollution on the environment. They realized that the solution lay not in eliminating plastic entirely, but in finding innovative ways to reuse and recycle it.
In 2019, Carbon & Whale was born, with the mission to “reinvent the way we think about plastic.” The startup’s founders developed a unique technology that can recycle plastic waste into high-quality, durable, and sustainable furniture. Their process involves collecting plastic waste from various sources, cleaning and processing it, and then transforming it into modular furniture pieces that can be easily assembled and disassembled.
The impact of Carbon & Whale’s innovative approach has been nothing short of remarkable. Since its inception, the startup has recycled over 12,000 kg of plastic waste, which is equivalent to reducing carbon emissions by approximately 30 tons. Moreover, they have achieved a significant milestone in their revenue journey, hitting ₹5 crore in revenue by 2025.
The success of Carbon & Whale is not just about the numbers; it’s about the impact they’re having on the environment and the community. By upcycling plastic waste, they’re reducing the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills and oceans, where it can take hundreds of years to decompose. Additionally, their sustainable furniture solutions are helping to reduce waste in the construction industry, where traditional materials like wood and steel can have a significant environmental footprint.
But what sets Carbon & Whale apart from other eco-friendly startups is their focus on urban infrastructure needs. The founders recognized that sustainable urban planning is critical to addressing the environmental challenges facing cities today. They’re working with municipalities and developers to create sustainable, eco-friendly public spaces that incorporate their recycled plastic furniture.
One of their most notable projects is the development of a sustainable street furniture system for the city of Kochi. The system, which includes benches, tables, and planters, is designed to be durable, low-maintenance, and easy to assemble. Not only does it provide a comfortable and inviting public space, but it also reduces the amount of plastic waste in the city’s streets and public areas.
Carbon & Whale’s innovative approach has also caught the attention of investors and entrepreneurs. They’ve received funding from prominent venture capital firms and have collaborated with other startups and organizations to scale their operations. Their success has also inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs to think creatively about sustainability and environmental stewardship.
In conclusion, Carbon & Whale’s eco journey is a powerful testament to the impact that innovation and entrepreneurship can have on the environment. By turning plastic waste into purposeful solutions, they’re not only reducing waste and pollution but also driving profitability and sustainability. As we move forward, it’s essential that we support and amplify the work of entrepreneurs like Alvin, Sidharth, and Sooraj, who are tackling the world’s most pressing environmental challenges head-on.
News Source:
https://ascendants.in/the-ascendants/waste-plastic-furniture-carbon-whale/
