It is estimated that India produces 550 million tonnes of crop residue every year. Several startups have come forward to utilise agri-waste to provide a viable alternative to plastic cutlery in India.

Here is the list of five startups that make eco-friendly sustainable disposables from agricultural residue.

Qudrat: This Kerala-based startup makes biodegradable tableware from agricultural waste such as rice bran, husk and straw.

It was launched by Rishabh and Rohan Suri, with the aim of replacing plastic products. The uniqueness of the products make them safe to be eaten by animals.

Yash Pakka: This Ayodhya-based venture makes 100% compostable and biodegradable tableware such as bowls, plates, food trays, containers from waste sugarcane fibre.

Launched in 2017, the startups’ tableware can endure microwaves, ovens, and freezers, and maintains a sturdy design to ensure your food doesn’t fall out.

SPS Kalyan Machine Designers: Coimbatore’s Kalyana Kumar has innovated machinery that can churn out biodegradable single-use cutlery and containers.

For this, he uses a host of natural waste materials like banana leaves, wheat and rice bran, millet waste, and more, to produce products like teacups, juice and wine glasses, water bottles, airtight flasks, and food containers.

Pappco: In order to reduce white pollution in India, this startup is utilising bagasse, the fibrous remains left behind after extracting sugarcane juice, to make disposable cutlery.

Bio Lutions: This Germany-based company with its Indian partners is processing banana stems, pineapple leaves, and water hyacinth plants into various forms of packaging and tableware, like apple trays.

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