As Halloween approaches, the streets of Kochi are haunted by the ghosts of our discarded choices—plastic! This pervasive plastic waste clutters our environment like restless spirits, but Carbon & Whale has emerged with a solution to finally banish these ghosts from our home.
The Founders’ Vision
Founded by environmentally conscious friends Alvin George and Sidharth A K, both aged 29, Carbon & Whale is a clean-tech startup based in Kochi, Kerala. Their journey began two years ago when they met by chance at an official event. Despite having different educational backgrounds—Alvin in engineering and Sidharth in business administration—they shared a common frustration over the lack of effective solutions for managing plastic waste. This mutual concern for the environment sparked their determination to take action.
Recognising that traditional recycling methods often fall short, Alvin and Sidharth teamed up with Sooraj Verma, a professor at the Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET). Together, they developed an innovative approach to tackle the growing problem of single-use plastic waste, which typically ends up in landfills or is incinerated. “We decided to launch the clean-tech startup with a mission to provide a permanent solution to the plastic waste menace,” Alvin explained. Their vision was clear: to give single-use plastic a new lease on life by transforming it into durable modular furniture with a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
Transforming Waste into Wealth
Since its inception, Carbon & Whale has successfully converted over two tonnes of plastic waste into stylish and functional furniture, including stools and benches. By repurposing single-use plastic, they prevent it from polluting oceans or filling landfills, providing a viable alternative to traditional disposal methods. Their furniture resonates strongly with environmentally conscious consumers, quickly gaining popularity for its durability and aesthetic appeal.
The startup has also partnered with several corporations that support their sustainability initiatives as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. These partnerships have allowed Carbon & Whale to fund projects that convert single-use plastic waste into furniture for public spaces like parks. This collaborative approach not only amplifies their positive environmental impact but also fosters community engagement.
Remarkable Growth and Future Aspirations
In terms of financial performance, Carbon & Whale generated a revenue of Rs 69,447 in 2022-2023. This figure is projected to rise dramatically to Rs five crore by 2024-2025, reflecting both their commitment to sustainability and the growing demand for eco-friendly products. Their ambitious goal is to convert one million kilograms of plastic waste into modular furniture, working hand-in-hand with local communities, volunteers, and partners to create cleaner surroundings.
Alvin shared their future aspirations: “We’re working tirelessly to build a strong network within our community while raising awareness about the importance of reducing plastic waste.” Their journey is as much about community engagement as it is about business; by involving local communities in their mission, they aim to inspire others to contribute to the fight against plastic pollution.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that stories like those of Carbon & Whale are vital in promoting positive social change. Alvin and Sidharth’s initiative exemplifies how empathy and collaboration can lead to innovative solutions for pressing environmental issues. Their commitment not only addresses the immediate problem of plastic waste but also fosters a culture of environmental responsibility within their community.
We stand firm in our belief that dialogue and kindness are essential in addressing global challenges such as climate change and pollution. By encouraging individuals and organisations alike to engage in sustainable practices, we can collectively work towards a harmonious coexistence with our environment.
As we reflect on this inspiring journey, we invite you to consider your role in combating plastic pollution. What steps can you take today to contribute towards a cleaner planet? Share your thoughts with us—let’s foster a constructive dialogue that inspires action and change!
