Pushpalakshmi.M, Business Partner

Plastic is everywhere, and it is taking over our planet. According to a study by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), humans ingest an average of five grams of microplastics every week, which is equivalent to eating a credit card's worth of plastic each week. Microplastics accumulate in the body and potentially cause harm that can be fatal. On the other hand, United Nations research has shown that plastic waste poses a significant threat to marine life. Every year, about 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans, affecting over 800 marine species. Moreover, it's estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. These figures are staggering, and they highlight the need for urgent action. In light of this growing concern, EcoKadai has emerged as a sustainable solution to plastic waste. Their mission is to eliminate plastic in food packaging by collaborating and innovating eco-friendly, biodegradable, compostable, and zero-waste tableware products to build a sustainable future.

The Evolution

The Business Partner Pushpalakshmi M shares, “As an EHS professional, I began my career by providing comprehensive Environment Health & Safety training to employees in various factories across Tamilnadu. After several years of experience, I transitioned into the role of EHS manager within factories, where my focus was on creating safer workplaces for employees while also implementing strategies to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste in the manufacturing process. My passion for sustainability and creating a positive impact on the environment was further ignited by my mother's compassionate actions towards animals and our desire to cultivate a beautiful garden that attracts birds each morning. This passion ultimately led me to establish a brand specializing in biodegradable products. Our efforts were recognized when our biodegradable cups won the World Bioproduct Day campaign by the World Bioeconomy Forum. Additionally, I was featured in video bytes at the 2022 annual conference of the World Bioeconomy Forum, further highlighting the success and impact of our brand.”

Sustainable Solutions to Plastic Waste

EcoKadai is a brand that produces eco-friendly and biodegradable products, such as cups and food containers, which can be used as an alternative to plastic. The company's mission is to eliminate plastic from food packaging and collaborate and innovate more eco-friendly, biodegradable, compostable, and zero-waste tableware products to build a sustainable future. The Business Partner Pushpalakshmi adds, “The accumulation of microplastics in the environment and their contamination in food products have become a major global threat to both the environment and human health. Unfortunately, the heavy use of plastic-coated disposable paper cups and plastic food containers has only worsened the situation by directly exposing food items to plastic flakes. According to the Circularity Gap Report 2023, the global economy is currently only 7.2 percent circular. This linear approach to resource consumption, where resources are taken, used, and then discarded, is no longer sustainable. The use of plastic products has only exacerbated this problem, creating an urgent need for more sustainable alternatives. Our focus on biodegradable products can contribute to a more circular economy and help mitigate these pressing environmental concerns. By providing innovative solutions that address these issues, we are committed to making a positive impact on the environment and human health.”

The company began by manufacturing biodegradable cups, made from upcycled agro-waste, that can be washed and reused as cattle feed or for the preparation of garden manure (executed by machine designer SPS Kalyan). This innovative approach not only helps to reduce waste but also promotes sustainable practices. Today, the company has expanded its product line to include biodegradable food containers with lids for takeout and solid food delivery, all of which are plastic-free, and chemical-free, and have been tested by CIPET to be polymer-free.

A Distinguished Player

One of the unique features of EcoKadai is the use of agro-waste rice bran and lemon grass to create biodegradable cups and food containers. The company is continuously conducting research and development to improve the water-resistance and shelf life of its products. They further plan to enter the B2C market to increase awareness of our biodegradable disposable rice bran /lemon grass cups and encourage artisans to make handmade reusable coconut shell cups.

Moreover, the company's B2B clients collect used biodegradable cups in a separate bin, wash them, and reuse them as cattle feed or for making garden manure. This helps them to create a zero-waste environment and adds more value to their business.

EcoKadai is not just a brand, it's a mission. A mission to create a sustainable and eco-friendly future for our planet. The company is continuously collaborating with other manufacturers to produce edible tableware products like edible biscuit cups, edible spoons, and edible straws, which can be healthy and zero-waste snacks after eating food.

“At EcoKadai, we are passionate about innovating eco-friendly biodegradable products that promote a healthy lifestyle and a zero-waste environment. Our focus is on creating sustainable solutions that contribute to building a circular economy. Which makes our products unique among others environmentally friendly and suitable for cattle, marine, and soil. Also, home compostable within 30 days, further reducing waste and promoting sustainability,” the team highlights.

Also Read - EkoPak: Eco Friendly Products & Packaging for a Sustainable and Green Planet