Turning Plastic into Purpose: Carbon & Whale’s Eco Journey
In a world where plastic waste has become a pressing concern, Carbon & Whale, a Kochi-based startup, is revolutionizing the way we think about sustainability and profitability. Founded by Alvin George, Sidharth A K, and Sooraj Varma, the company has been at the forefront of transforming single-use plastic into durable modular furniture, tackling environmental waste, and urban infrastructure needs.
Carbon & Whale’s journey began with a simple yet ambitious goal: to create a sustainable business model that would reduce plastic waste and provide a viable alternative to traditional furniture. The founders, who met while studying at the Cochin University of Science and Technology, were driven by their passion for innovation and their commitment to making a positive impact on the environment.
The idea was born out of a need to address the staggering amount of plastic waste generated every year. According to the United Nations, over 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the world’s oceans every year, harming marine life and contaminating the food chain. Carbon & Whale aimed to tackle this issue by using plastic waste to create durable and sustainable furniture.
The startup’s innovative approach involves collecting plastic waste from various sources, including households, restaurants, and construction sites. This plastic waste is then cleaned, processed, and transformed into a raw material that can be used to manufacture furniture. Carbon & Whale’s modular design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, making it a game-changer for urban infrastructure development.
The company’s flagship product, the “Carbon Chair,” has been gaining popularity among consumers and businesses alike. The chair is made from recycled plastic and is designed to be durable, comfortable, and eco-friendly. With a lifespan of over 10 years, the Carbon Chair is a viable alternative to traditional furniture, which often ends up in landfills or oceans.
Carbon & Whale’s impact extends beyond the environment. The company has also created a sustainable business model that has generated significant revenue. By 2025, the startup has recycled over 12,000 kg of plastic and hit ₹5 crore in revenue. This achievement is a testament to the power of sustainability-driven businesses, which can not only reduce waste but also drive profitability.
The startup’s success has also led to partnerships with various organizations, including government agencies, educational institutions, and private companies. Carbon & Whale has collaborated with the Kochi Municipal Corporation to create sustainable furniture for public spaces, and with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) to develop new materials and manufacturing processes.
Carbon & Whale’s eco-journey is an inspiration to entrepreneurs, innovators, and environmentalists alike. The company’s commitment to sustainability has created a ripple effect, encouraging others to join the movement towards a waste-free future.
As the world continues to grapple with the plastic waste crisis, Carbon & Whale’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. By turning plastic into purpose, the startup has not only reduced waste but also created a profitable business model that has the potential to scale and make a significant impact on the environment.
Source: https://ascendants.in/the-ascendants/waste-plastic-furniture-carbon-whale/
