Turning plastic into purpose: Carbon & Whale’s eco journey
As the world grapples with the devastating impact of plastic waste on the environment, a group of entrepreneurs in Kochi, India, has taken it upon themselves to transform single-use plastic into durable, modular furniture. Founded by Alvin George, Sidharth A K, and Sooraj Varma, Carbon & Whale is a startup that’s not only tackling environmental waste but also addressing urban infrastructure needs. In just a few short years, the company has made significant strides, recycling over 12,000 kg of plastic and hitting ₹5 crore in revenue by 2025.
The idea for Carbon & Whale was born out of a shared passion for sustainability and a desire to create a positive impact on the planet. The founders, all in their mid-30s, met while working on a project to develop sustainable infrastructure solutions. As they delved deeper into the plastic waste problem, they realized that traditional recycling methods weren’t effective, and that a more innovative approach was needed.
“We saw that plastic waste was a major issue, and we wanted to do something about it. We started experimenting with different materials and techniques, and eventually developed a process to transform single-use plastic into durable, modular furniture,” says Alvin George, co-founder of Carbon & Whale.
The journey wasn’t without its challenges, however. The founders faced skepticism from investors and potential customers, who were hesitant to invest in a startup that was focused on recycling plastic. But the trio remained committed to their vision, and worked tirelessly to perfect their process.
Their hard work paid off, and Carbon & Whale launched its first product line in 2020. The initial response was overwhelmingly positive, with customers drawn to the unique, eco-friendly design and the fact that each piece of furniture was made from recycled plastic.
As the company grew, so did its impact. Carbon & Whale began working with local businesses and organizations to collect plastic waste and recycle it into furniture. This not only helped to reduce waste but also created jobs and stimulated local economic growth.
Today, Carbon & Whale is a leading player in the sustainable furniture market, with a range of products that include chairs, tables, and even entire modular systems. The company has partnered with major retailers and is now selling its products in stores across India.
So, what makes Carbon & Whale’s approach to sustainability so effective? For starters, the company’s focus on recycling plastic waste rather than just incinerating it or sending it to landfills. By transforming plastic into durable, modular furniture, Carbon & Whale is able to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in oceans and landfills, and create a new, sustainable product that can be used for years to come.
Another key factor is the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability. Carbon & Whale tracks every step of its recycling process, from collection to transformation, and provides regular updates to customers and stakeholders. This level of transparency helps to build trust and ensures that the company is held accountable for its environmental impact.
As Carbon & Whale continues to grow and expand, it’s clear that the company’s eco-friendly approach is not only good for the environment but also good for business. In an industry that’s often associated with waste and inefficiency, Carbon & Whale is proving that sustainability can drive profitability.
“We’re not just trying to make a profit – we’re trying to make a difference,” says Sooraj Varma, co-founder of Carbon & Whale. “We believe that sustainability is not just a moral obligation, but a business imperative. By focusing on environmental sustainability, we’re not only reducing our impact on the planet, but also creating a more resilient and profitable business.”
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by plastic waste, Carbon & Whale’s story serves as a powerful reminder that innovation and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. By transforming plastic into purpose, the company is not only tackling environmental waste but also creating a more sustainable future for all.
Source: https://ascendants.in/the-ascendants/waste-plastic-furniture-carbon-whale/
