Turning Plastic into Purpose: Carbon & Whale’s Eco Journey
In a world where plastic waste has become a pressing concern, a group of entrepreneurs in Kochi, India, has taken a bold step to transform single-use plastic into durable modular furniture. Carbon & Whale, founded by Alvin George, Sidharth A K, and Sooraj Varma, is revolutionizing the way we think about waste management and urban infrastructure. With a revenue of ₹5 crore by 2025, the startup has not only tackled environmental waste but also proved that sustainability can drive profitability.
The journey of Carbon & Whale began with a simple yet profound question: what if we could turn plastic waste into something truly valuable? The founders, all young professionals with a passion for sustainability, saw an opportunity to create a business that not only reduced plastic waste but also addressed the pressing need for affordable and sustainable urban infrastructure.
The idea was born out of necessity. Alvin, Sidharth, and Sooraj were part of a group of friends who often found themselves discussing the environmental impact of their daily lives. As they delved deeper into the issue, they realized that plastic waste was a significant contributor to the problem. They decided to take action and started experimenting with ways to repurpose plastic.
The first breakthrough came when they discovered a technique to recycle plastic into a durable and versatile material suitable for furniture making. The material, which they dubbed “WasteWood,” was created by melting and molding the plastic into a solid form that could be shaped and crafted into various designs.
Excited by their discovery, the founders started building prototypes and testing the material. They soon realized that WasteWood had numerous benefits over traditional materials. It was lightweight, easy to clean, and resistant to pests and decay. But most importantly, it was made from recycled plastic, which meant that it reduced the need for virgin materials and helped to minimize waste.
As they refined their process, the founders began to envision a wider impact. They saw an opportunity to create a business that would not only reduce plastic waste but also provide affordable and sustainable furniture solutions for urban communities.
Carbon & Whale was officially launched in 2018, and the response was overwhelming. The startup received widespread media attention, and orders started pouring in from all over the country. The founders worked tirelessly to scale up their production, establishing partnerships with local suppliers and hiring a team of skilled craftsmen.
Today, Carbon & Whale has recycled over 12,000 kilograms of plastic and has hit a revenue of ₹5 crore. The startup has expanded its product line to include a range of furniture pieces, from benches and tables to chairs and shelves. Their designs are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, making them a popular choice for urban dwellers and commercial spaces.
So, what sets Carbon & Whale apart from other eco-friendly startups? According to Alvin, the key to their success lies in their commitment to sustainability and their ability to think outside the box. “We didn’t just want to create a product that was eco-friendly; we wanted to create a business that was sustainable from the ground up,” he explains. “We’re not just reducing waste; we’re also creating a new market for recycled materials.”
Sidharth adds, “Our goal is to make sustainability accessible to everyone. We believe that by creating affordable and durable products, we can make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Sooraj concludes, “At Carbon & Whale, we’re not just about recycling plastic; we’re about transforming waste into purpose. We believe that every piece of plastic that we recycle is a chance to create something new, something valuable, and something that will make a positive impact on our community.”
As Carbon & Whale continues to grow and expand, their story serves as a powerful reminder that sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they can go hand in hand, driving innovation and positive change in our communities.
Source: https://ascendants.in/the-ascendants/waste-plastic-furniture-carbon-whale/
