On World Environment Day 2025, with the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution,” the world focuses on reducing plastic waste. India alone generates over 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste every year, much of which ends up in landfills, rivers, or informal channels. Despite policies like the Plastic Waste Management Rules and EPR mandates, recycling remains limited.
StartupTalky spoke to changemakers across India’s climate and waste-tech ecosystem to understand how they’re tackling plastic pollution, innovating alternatives, and overcoming myths that stall progress. From ethical recycling systems to compostable packaging, their work proves that circular innovation is not just possible, but essential.
Turning Unrecyclable Waste into Construction-Grade Products
Swachha Eco Solutions in Bengaluru addresses the challenge of low-value plastic waste that typically ends up in landfills or is burned.
Victoria D’Souza, Co-founder, Swachha Eco Solutions, explained, “We convert multilayer and hard plastics into durable construction materials such as tiles and irrigation pipes.”
With 27 decentralised dry waste collection centres, Swachha blends technology with grassroots partnerships, enabling local recycling of plastics once deemed unrecyclable. Their approach not only reduces environmental burdens but also creates livelihoods. Victoria stresses the need for India to shift from a linear to a circular mindset and for stronger enforcement of producer responsibility. She highlighted the misconception that recycled plastics are inferior, emphasising the durability and climate benefits of local recycled products.
AI-Powered Recycling That Pays for Itself
Plannex Recycling in Gurugram uses AI-driven material recovery systems to segregate complex plastic waste efficiently.
Yuvraj Bhardwaj, CEO, Plannex Recycling said, “We upcycle low-value plastic into durable products like eco-pavers, allowing governments and institutions to meet sustainability targets without compromising performance or cost-effectiveness.”
Their innovation turns previously unviable plastic waste into commercially valuable infrastructure materials. Yuvraj points out the widespread misconception that alternatives are costly or less durable, underlining the importance of awareness around the full lifecycle costs of plastic pollution. He advocates for business-led circular economy incentives and stronger embedding of sustainability in commercial models.
♻️ Circular Economy for Packaging Waste
ReCircle builds ethical circular systems that empower brands to comply with extended producer responsibility and close the loop on packaging waste.
Rahul Nainani, CEO & Co-Founder, ReCircle, explained how their platform, ClimaOne, ensures full traceability of waste, turning it into a valuable resource. He emphasises the necessity of combining grassroots action with corporate accountability to create a circular economy culture in India. The company focuses on transparency and measurable impact, helping brands go beyond offsetting to achieve real sustainability outcomes.
🌱 Faith-Based Packaging: Cutting Plastic from Rituals
Plastic packaging in religious offerings often escapes scrutiny. Nidhi Sabbarwal, founder of Kalyanamm Holy Waste, is changing that.
“We’re replacing plastic in pooja packaging with 100% biodegradable and compostable alternatives,” she highlighted. “Our wrappers are made from craft paper and natural materials that support traditional values while protecting the environment.”
By combining cultural sensitivity with sustainable innovation, Sabbarwal is proving that tradition and environmentalism can go hand in hand.
📦 Sustainable Packaging at Scale for D2C Brands
The shift in consumer expectations has driven demand for eco-friendly packaging, and DCGpac is meeting it.
“The greatest hurdle is the myth that sustainability always means increased cost or reduced performance,” said Suresh Bansal, Founder & CEO, DCGpac. “We use AI-driven demand forecasting and design innovation to reduce packaging volume and carbon footprint, without compromising protection or branding.”
Today, over 30% of packaging orders on their platform include sustainability filters, a sign of how consumer pressure is reshaping supply chains.
♻️ Plastic Credits That Actually Work
EKI Energy Services focuses on scalable plastic credit projects that promote collection, recycling, and responsible disposal with full traceability and impact verification.
Manish Dabkara, Chairman and Managing Director, EKI Energy Services and President Carbon Markets Association of India, explained that their approach integrates plastic credits with carbon and sustainability goals, supporting both environmental restoration and social upliftment.
The company’s model empowers local waste workers and drives verified climate action. Dabkara highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among policy, industry, and communities to build a circular economy mindset in India. A key challenge they face is the misconception that plastic alternatives are costly or less effective, which they address through education, policy support, and real-world success stories.
Waste-to-Fuel Tech Is Getting Cleaner
Blue Planet Environmental Solutions addresses the challenge of non-recyclable plastic waste such as multi-layered wrappers, laminate tubes, PET bottles, and detergent sachets, which are often excluded from conventional recycling. Their proprietary Thermo-Catalytic Depolymerisation (TCD) technology converts contaminated and composite plastic waste into polyfuel and char. Polyfuel serves as an energy substitute in industrial operations, while char is used in road construction and tyre manufacturing.
Prashant Singh, CEO and Co-founder, Blue Planet Environmental Solutions, explained, “Our decentralised process handles a wide range of plastics without extensive pre-treatment, producing fuel substitutes and materials for immediate industrial use.”
He emphasised the need to embed circular infrastructure alongside policy, calling for accelerated implementation of EPR-linked processing hubs and stronger municipal-private partnerships in India. Singh noted that a common misconception is that waste-to-fuel technologies are unproven or risky; however, Blue Planet’s modular, decentralised plants demonstrate that these systems can be safe, scalable, and commercially viable.
Wellness with a Sustainable Heart
Traya integrates sustainability into personal care by focusing on refillable bottles and eco-conscious product design.
Saloni Anand, Co-Founder of Traya, said, “The most crucial change we need is not just infrastructural, but cultural. Moving beyond plastic in India requires rethinking convenience and affordability, two pillars that currently drive plastic consumption.”
She highlighted the misconception that plastic alternatives are impractical or too expensive, and noted, “There’s a growing, informed segment especially among younger consumers that actively seeks environmentally responsible choices.” Traya advocates collaboration across brands, material scientists, and policymakers to make sustainable options accessible and scalable.
🛣️ The Way Ahead
These founders work in different areas like AI, plastic credits, packaging, and recycling, but they all agree: plastic should be reused as a resource, not thrown away.
To make this happen, brands must invest in sustainable options, consumers need to choose eco-friendly products, and governments should encourage real recycling systems.
In celebration of World Environment Day 2024, the largest international event for environmental awareness led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), we reached out to various companies dedicated to sustainability. We asked them about their future plans for sustainable technology in India and how they envision these plans contributing to a greener country. Here are their responses, outlining innovative strategies and anticipated benefits for India’s environment.
Dr Renuka Diwan, Co-Founder and CEO, BioPrime AgriSolutions
Dr Renuka Diwan, Co-Founder and CEO, BioPrime AgriSolutions
Our purpose is From Nature, For Nature, which drives everything we do at BioPrime. Our technology advancement & efforts are based on the same purpose. We are making strides to preserve the rich biodiversity of the country by creating India’s largest microbial library, named Bionexus. So far we have collected more than 17000+ microbial strains from 400 different locations across the country to learn their behavior for the benefit of the Indian agricultural ecosystem.
We are also deeply concerned about the ill effects of chemical fertilizers on the soil & plant health; to mitigate the risks associated with it, we have commercialized our Nutrient Use Efficiency [NUE] technology based on Bionexus. NUE will enable farmers to reduce the dose of chemical fertilizers without compromising on the crop yields, we are committed to advance our NUE offerings related to N, P & K nutrients in the near future.
Dr. Sat Kumar Tomer, Founder and CEO, Satyukt Analytics Private Limited
Dr. Sat Kumar Tomer, Founder and CEO, Satyukt Analytics Private Limited
Technology plays a crucial role in building a sustainable future. By using our precision agriculture technologies and real-time data, we can conserve resources, reduce pesticides usage, promote soil conservation and ensure a healthy planet for all.
Our digital satellite-based carbon monitoring solutions offer improved accuracy, efficiency, transparency, and global coverage for monitoring and managing greenhouse gas emissions. By leveraging advanced satellite data, these systems support eco-friendly decision-making, reduce carbon footprints, and sustainably enhance crop yields, contributing to a greener future.
Kishan Karunakaran, CEO, Buyofuel
Kishan Karunakaran, CEO, Buyofuel
Looking ahead, Buyofuel’s vision for sustainable technology in India is anchored in ambitious yet achievable goals. We are committed to substituting over 300,000 metric tons of fossil fuels with biofuels within the next 12 months, which will lead to a substantial reduction of approximately 360,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions. This shift not only contributes significantly to environmental conservation but also sets a precedent for sustainable practices in the fuel industry.
Additionally, Buyofuel is actively engaging with waste management communities and the agricultural sector, addressing challenges related to general and agri-waste. This holistic approach not only benefits the environment but also creates a positive social impact, paving the way for a better sustainable future.
Looking further into the future, Buyofuel aims to replace 1% of India’s fuel sales with biofuels within 3-5 years. This strategic goal reflects our commitment to long-term sustainability and our belief in the transformative power of biofuels. India’s significant fuel consumption and waste production present both challenges and opportunities, and we see biofuels as a key solution. By harnessing technology and leveraging our platform’s capabilities, we want to make a substantial contribution towards creating a more resilient and sustainable energy ecosystem in India.
Devndra Chawla, CEO and MD, GreenCell Mobility
Devndra Chawla, CEO and MD, GreenCell Mobility
GreenCell Mobility intends to continue using sustainable technologies to revolutionise India’s mass mobility sector. Our plans include growing our electric bus fleet and charging infrastructure across the country. We want to integrate electric vehicles into everyday life by working with stakeholders and raising public awareness about green transportation.
Furthermore, our commitment to safety, innovation and efficiency will prompt us to examine the integration of renewable energy and smart fleet management technologies. Collectively, these activities will be critical towards our mission of a cleaner, greener future.
Our mission is to provide affordable, accessible and sustainable solutions to 20 million low-income households by 2030. Our focus remains on improving the lives of the rural communities with products that are tech-driven and energy efficient. We have recently launched 2 new models of the cookstoves for smaller families and commercial use respectively. We have plans to introduce more products to improve the daily lives of the communities and scaling our operations.
Manish Dabkara, Chairman and MD, EKI Energy Services Ltd.
Manish Dabkara, Chairman and MD, EKI Energy Services Ltd.
We are poised for significant growth and transformation over the next few years. As per the current govt policies, which is likely to continue with their return, renewable energy transition is in focus, which means there will be more projects generating carbon credits while making India greener as well as generating an economic cushion for this decarbonization journey.
The government has decided to undertake a massive rooftop solarisation drive, which aligns with our vision of clean energy. Policies for compliance and voluntary carbon trading, along with Green Credits Programme and campaigns like LiFE (Lifestyle For Environment) initiative are going on in full swing, assisting private players like us in undertaking more sustainable projects.
On the other hand, we also aim to be the pioneers in increasing the contribution of biofuels and bioenergy in India’s green energy transition story. We aim to establish more biogas plants and step-up the production of bio briquettes.
We intend to leverage the most for the environment with our involvement in organisations like India Clean Cooking Alliance, Carbon Market Association of India, Centre of Excellence (on the lines of LiFE initiative), allying ourselves with the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) vision of universal clean cooking access in Africa, our own clean cooking initiative, under which we have distributed more than 2 million improved cookstoves and also initiated a pilot project for the distribution of indoor solar cooking devices to the underprivileged. This stride is bound to continue in the coming years.
Ravi Kaushik, Founder and CEO, AiRTH
Ravi Kaushik, Founder and CEO, AiRTH
Airth is working on a three-pronged strategy to contribute to making India greener and healthier through its sustainable air purification technology.
1. Enhancing Indoor Air Quality in Schools and Hospitals
We are in the process of installing advanced air purification systems in schools, hospitals, and other critical public buildings across India. Improving indoor air quality in these settings will protect vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and patients with pre-existing health conditions, from harmful pollutants, thereby enhancing overall public health.
2. Public Awareness and Education Campaigns
Airth is soon launching nationwide campaigns to educate the public on the importance of air quality and the benefits of air purifying technologies. Increased public awareness will drive demand for cleaner air solutions and encourage responsible behaviour regarding pollution, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.
3. Promoting Renewable Energy-Powered Air Purifiers
We are designing and deploying the next versions of Airth air purifiers powered by renewable energy sources like solar and wind. This initiative will reduce the carbon footprint of air purification technology and make it sustainable in areas with limited access to electricity, contributing to India’s green energy goals.
BatX Energies plans to significantly expand its recycling capacity to meet the growing demand for battery recycling. By 2030, the company aims to establish multiple facilities across India, increasing its total recycling capacity to 50,000 metric tons per annum (MT/A).
CO2 Savings:
With the expanded capacity, BatX Energies expects to save approximately 2.6 million kgs of CO2 emissions by 2030 equivalent to 800 thousand trees planted. This is achieved through their advanced recycling technologies, which significantly reduce the carbon footprint compared to traditional mining and disposal methods.
Support for Sustainability Goals and EV Policy:
These initiatives support India’s sustainability goals and EV policy by:
Promoting a circular economy through efficient recycling of lithium-ion batteries.
Reducing the environmental impact of battery waste.
Ensuring a reliable supply of critical minerals for the EV industry.
Contributing to India’s commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070 and enhancing the domestic EV ecosystem.
Pluss Advanced Technologies aims to expand its PCM applications, promoting energy efficiency and passive thermal backup across sectors like automotive, textiles, electronics and buildings. They plan to venture into buildings to further enhance green building initiatives, incorporating PCM materials to reduce heating and cooling costs. In textiles, for thermal comfort applications and for electric battery cooling applications with thermal inertia.
Pluss plans to look at food security in a big way with their PCM solutions for off-grid crop storage, minimizing post-harvest losses. These plans align with India’s sustainable development goals, enhancing quality of life while protecting the environment.
Deepak Pahwa, Chairman, Pahwa Group and Managing Director, Bry-Air
Deepak Pahwa, Chairman, Pahwa Group and Managing Director, Bry-Air
Looking ahead, Bry-Air is committed to driving sustainability across the world through continuous innovation and strategic partnerships. Our future plans include scaling up the deployment of our air-to-water generators across water-stressed regions throughout the world, aiming to provide a sustainable water source to millions. This initiative not only addresses water scarcity but also aligns with the country’s goals for sustainable development.
We are also advancing our HVAC solutions by integrating AI and IoT to further optimize energy use in industrial and commercial settings, ensuring minimal energy wastage and maximum efficiency. Our carbon capture technologies are set to play a vital role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with India’s goals for achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Moreover, our VOC abatement solutions will continue to support industries in meeting stringent environmental regulations while promoting cleaner air. By partnering with governmental and non-governmental organisations, we aim to implement these materials, sciences, and technologies widely, contributing to a sustainable and green future for the world. Our comprehensive approach ensures that we address multiple environmental aspects, fostering overall ecological well-being.
Ashvin Patil, Founder and Director, Biofuels Junction Pvt Ltd.
Ashvin Patil, Founder and Director, Biofuels Junction Pvt Ltd.
The recent implementation of the Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) mandate has enabled the usage of a wider variety of agricultural residues and waste as feedstock for production. In line with this, Biofuels Junction plans to expand the use of different types of agricultural residues as feedstock for biomass supply to various upcoming CBG plants. This includes commonly burned residues like paddy straw (Parali) as well as corn cobs, cane trash, cotton stalks, and municipal waste, which are well-suited as feedstocks for CBG. This may greatly help reduce instances of stubble burning and the pollution issue in North India as paddy straw is a well-accepted and proven feedstock for CBG.
Biofuels Junction is also working towards continually investing and enhancing the IT platform, to further streamline the supply chain, reduce costs, and ensure consistent quality and supply of biofuels. By optimizing the biofuel production, distribution and supply chain processes, Biofuels Junction aims to promote efficiency, sustainability and minimize environmental impact.
Mitull Batraa, Co-founder, Udaan E-Vehicles
Mitull Batraa, Co-founder, Udaan E-Vehicles
As we look to the future, one of our primary focus areas is investing heavily in R&D and embracing innovative technologies to maintain our competitive edge in the EV manufacturing sector. We are pouring significant resources into cutting-edge projects related to advanced battery technology, increasing vehicle range, and optimizing charging solutions.
But we know that we cannot do it alone. That is why we are actively seeking out partnerships with leading research institutions and dynamic startups in the field. By collaborating with these brilliant minds, we can stay at the forefront of technological innovation and push the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable transportation.
Our goal is not just to meet the needs of today but to anticipate and shape the trends of tomorrow. We are building a culture of curiosity and using emerging technologies, because we believe that this forward-thinking approach is the key to creating a greener, more sustainable future for India.
Vineet Mittal, Director and Co-Founder, Navitas Solar
Vineet Mittal, Director and Co-Founder, Navitas Solar
Navitas Solar will scale up its annual PV panel capacity to 3 GW by 2025. The capacity expansion includes setting up of a new 1.2 GW manufacturing plant with M10 and G12 mono PERC and TOPCon modules capacity. The company growth strategy is in line with Indian Government’s focus on 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 100% renewable energy for a sustainable and greener India.
On World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5, to encourage global awareness and action for environmental protection, StartupTalky reached out to various companies dedicated to sustainability to understand how their technologies are making a positive impact on the environment.
By asking how various companies’ technology is making a difference in the environment, we aimed to gather real-world examples and case studies showcasing their contributions. Here are their insightful responses, highlighting innovative solutions and benefits for our planet.
Dr Renuka Diwan, Co-Founder and CEO, BioPrime AgriSolutions
Dr Renuka Diwan, Co-Founder and CEO, BioPrime AgriSolutions
At BioPrime, through our ahead of the times research & development in ag-Biologicals, we have developed biological solutions capable of empowering farmers with safe, natural & sustainable products. Our solutions are based on the patented SNIPR platform, which is a sophisticated technology aimed at extracting nature-friendly biomolecules. Our process is based on the concept of the interconnectedness of nature & its symbiotic relationship with healthy microbes. With over 10 years of research, we have developed an effective range of Biologicals capable of enhancing plant resilience, promoting nutrient uptake, and combat pathogens.
The development of these biological products is a formidable alternative, assuring safe, residue-free produce with the assurance of maximum yields. Contrary to the traditional chemical & synthetic agri-input products, our biological products leave a negligible impact on the environment & human health reducing the risk of harmful residues in the produce or the environment.
Dr. Sat Kumar Tomer, Founder and CEO, Satyukt Analytics Private Limited
Dr. Sat Kumar Tomer, Founder and CEO, Satyukt Analytics Private Limited
We embrace sustainable farming practices that protect our environment. By monitoring soil health, crop health and water usage, farmers and agricultural stakeholders can optimize their practices and contribute to a more sustainable future.
A farmer from Kakinada in the Kolar District of Karnataka was facing the potential loss of his crop yield. Struggling to determine whether the issue stemmed from pests, diseases, soil nutrient deficiencies, or lack of soil moisture, he was uncertain about which chemicals to use for pests and diseases or how much nutrients to apply. As a result, he continued to invest heavily in fertilizers and pesticides without finding an optimal solution. However, after successfully implementing our technology, he identified a nitrogen deficiency as the root problem. By applying the precise amount of fertilizer needed, he learned to invest wisely in inputs instead of overspending on unnecessary pesticides, fungicides, and fertilizers.
This approach not only reduced his overall costs but also protected the soil from over-fertilization, harmful chemicals, and excessive irrigation, making every drop count. This sustainable growth model inspires us to further our efforts in environmental protection and sustainability.
Mitull Batraa, Co-founder, Udaan E-Vehicles
Mitull Batraa, Co-founder, Udaan E-Vehicles
Our company’s technology makes a significant positive impact on the environment by focusing on the recycling of key components of e-rickshaws, especially their batteries. For lead-acid batteries, we implement safe extraction processes to recover and reuse lead, thereby preventing potential environmental hazards. In the case of lithium-ion batteries, which are becoming more common, we employ sophisticated recycling methods to recover valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. This not only minimizes environmental impact but also promotes a circular economy by reusing these materials in the production of new batteries.
Moreover, we ensure that other components of e-rickshaws, including metal frames and plastic parts, are recycled using standard methods. The comprehensive recycling of e-rickshaws is crucial to reducing their environmental footprint and ensuring the sustainability of electric vehicles throughout their lifecycle. Our efforts are supported by government regulations and industry initiatives that promote responsible recycling practices, further enhancing the positive environmental impact of our technology.
Kishan Karunakaran, CEO, Buyofuel
Kishan Karunakaran, CEO, Buyofuel
Buyofuel addresses the challenges in the current regime by leveraging technology to bring transparency and efficiency to the biofuels and waste supply chain. The platform digitizes the entire B2B transaction process, providing visibility from enquiry generation to payment and delivery. This digitization enhances transparency and security, contributing to the credibility of the informal biofuels sector. Buyofuel’s focus on all types of biofuels and wastes distinguishes it from other online platforms that often lack sectoral expertise.
The architecture of Buyofuel is designed to be a comprehensive and efficient solution for digitizing the biofuels and waste supply chain. A robust and scalable database system is crucial for storing and managing vast amounts of data related to biofuels, waste transactions, user profiles, and more. This ensures quick retrieval and updates.
What sets Buyofuel apart in terms of environmental impact is its sustainability dashboard and database. These tools calculate the carbon footprint of every transaction, enabling businesses to make informed decisions about their environmental impact. Since its inception, Buyofuel has replaced a remarkable 85,000+ metric tons of traditional fuels with biofuels and supplied over 50,000+ metric tons of various wastes for recycling and repurposing.
This concerted effort has led to a substantial decrease in carbon emissions, mitigating around 100,500+ metric tons of CO2. Overall, Buyofuel’s technology is making a tangible difference in the environment by promoting the adoption of biofuels, reducing waste, and empowering businesses to make eco-conscious decisions through data-driven insights.
Devndra Chawla, CEO and MD, GreenCell Mobility
Devndra Chawla, CEO and MD, GreenCell Mobility
GreenCell Mobility is building a pioneering platform to provide Electric Mobility-as-a-Service (eMaaS) with electric buses and delivering the core value proposition of non-polluting on-demand shared transportation for intra-city travel, as well as inter-city travel with our brand NueGo. We are also developing charging infrastructure and enabling the entire e-mobility value chain, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuel, and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions which are harmful to the environment.
Our electric buses are 100% electric, noiseless, and have avoided over 1,30,000 T Kg of CO2 tailpipe emissions. These efforts underscore our real commitment towards climate change and transforming India’s electric transportation landscape.
The Greenway cookstoves use the Company’s patented combustion technology that reduces the consumption of biomass by 65% and emissions by 70%. With a remarkable efficiency of over 35%, the cookstoves offer a unique solution for cleaner cooking whilst reducing the harmful effects of household air pollution (HAP).
Our surveys have revealed that with the use of cookstoves, the women are able to save 1-2 hours of daily cooking time and about 2-3 hours of time spent in collecting wood. The women use this time to work in the fields or spend quality time with their children or learn a new skill for income opportunities.
Manish Dabkara, Chairman and MD, EKI Energy Services Ltd.
Manish Dabkara, Chairman and MD, EKI Energy Services Ltd.
The biggest resistance to the adoption of decarbonization in the industry has been the financial viability, which is where carbon trading comes in. EKI is one of the largest developers and suppliers of carbon credits globally, which means it works on encouraging decarbonization for polluting industries in a phased manner while facilitating funds for projects that avoid or absorb carbon emissions. We connect businesses and individuals to projects that reduce greenhouse gases, like renewable energy or afforestation. This allows them to offset their emissions. By making companies consider offset costs, EKI indirectly encourages them to decarbonize. Specific examples of campaigns and projects aimed at absorbing or avoiding carbon emissions, undertaken by EKI.
EKI’s clean cooking initiative has revolutionized the way underprivileged kitchens operate, making them more environmentally friendly. By replacing traditional smoky mudstoves, which are prevalent in rural and tribal regions of India and Africa, with improved cookstoves provided at no cost to beneficiaries, EKI has significantly alleviated the burden of firewood collection, economic challenges, and health issues caused by smoke. This initiative has also prevented millions of tonnes of carbon emissions, as improved cookstoves with better designs enable complete combustion of fuel, hence increasing the efficiency, subsequently resulting in less emissions than traditional mud stoves and also reduced deforestation.
Additionally, EKI, in collaboration with state-owned IOCL, has started manufacturing Surya Nutan, an indoor solar cooking device. We have also initiated a pilot program to distribute these solar-powered devices for free to underprivileged communities in India, promoting 100% clean energy for cooking – which means zero smoke in the kitchens and zero emissions.
EKI is actively involved in the research and production of biofuels through its subsidiary, GHG Reduction Technologies. Their initiatives include the establishment of Oorja Biogas plants and bio briquette manufacturing plants, contributing to sustainable energy solutions.
Through Amrut Nature Solutions, EKI has undertaken various afforestation projects to conserve vast tracts of land and their biodiversity. They offer solutions, consultation, and services for sustainable farming, farmland protection, forestation, and the cultivation of wetlands and grasslands. These best practices support emissions reduction and promote environmental sustainability.
Ravi Kaushik, Founder and CEO, AiRTH
Ravi Kaushik, Founder and CEO, AiRTH
Airth’s air purifying technology is making a significant difference in the environment by improving air quality, reducing health risks, and contributing to broader environmental sustainability efforts. Here are several ways this impact can be realized:
Reduction of Air Pollutants
Particulate Matter (PM) Removal: Airth’s advanced air purifiers filter out harmful particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) from the air. This helps reduce pollution levels in urban and industrial areas, contributing to cleaner and healthier air.
Biological Contaminant Control: Airth’s Green Coated HEPA filter technology effectively neutralizes biological contaminants such as bacteria and viruses, creating a safer living and working environment.
Improving Public Health
Reducing Respiratory Issues: By removing pollutants that can cause or exacerbate respiratory issues such as asthma and bronchitis, Airth air purifiers contribute to better respiratory health, especially in children and the elderly.
Lowering Disease Transmission: In public spaces, schools, and hospitals, Airth air purifiers help reduce the transmission of airborne diseases by filtering out pathogens, thus contributing to public health safety.
Supporting Sustainable Practices
Energy-Efficient Designs: Airth’s advanced air purifiers are designed to be energy-efficient, consuming less power while maintaining high performance. This helps reduce the overall carbon footprint.
Case Study: Airth Air Purification in India Post Payments Bank, New Delhi
Project: Airth installed its air purification systems in the IPPB New Delhi office in Feb’2024 to tackle poor indoor air quality caused by pollutants.
Impact: The implementation resulted in a noticeable decrease in pollutants such as PM2.5 and CO2. The PM2.5 in the office used to trend in the range of 400-450 before Airth intervention, which came down to 30-40 after installation. Similarly, CO2 concentration, which was earlier in the range of 2000-2500 PPM, improved significantly to 500-550 PPM. Employees reported experiencing fresher air and fewer respiratory issues, contributing to a more productive and healthier work environment.
BatX Energies leverages Hydro+Electro technology to recycle lithium-ion batteries, achieving a 97.5% recovery rate and significantly reducing CO2 emissions. By supporting India’s Net Zero 2070 initiative, the company contributes to the circular economy and aligns with India’s Critical Mineral Policy and Battery Waste Management Law. BatX’s sustainable practices reduce landfill waste and ensure a reliable supply of critical minerals, fostering a greener future.
A successful case study of Batx includes recycling 2,500 metric tons of batteries in the last 18 months, pushing back 2000 Mts of valuable materials back into the supply chain, and substantially cutting greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to approximately 130,000 kgs of CO2 and 5,909 trees would need to be planted.
Pluss Advanced Technologies leverages PCM solutions to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. From PCM-enhanced refrigeration and HVAC systems for commercial applications that cut energy consumption by 20%, thereby lowering carbon footprints to solutions for storage and transport of perishable items (Agricultural produce, frozen foods, vaccines etc.) which reduces food spoilage by 30%, ensuring fresh produce reaches markets while reducing active cooling methods which are generally higher in emissions and costs; Pluss has a varied range of sustainable cooling technologies that span across industries.
Due to the harsh summers, the country is facing, Pluss has also succeeded in making PCM cooling vests for outdoor workers to have improved comfort and productivity, decreasing the need for energy-intensive cooling solutions. These initiatives demonstrate Pluss’s commitment to sustainable technology, showcasing tangible benefits in energy conservation and impact on the planet.
Deepak Pahwa, Chairman, Pahwa Group and Managing Director, Bry-Air
Deepak Pahwa, Chairman, Pahwa Group and Managing Director, Bry-Air
Bry-Air is at the forefront of environmental sustainability with our advanced dehumidification and quality air solutions. Our advanced desiccant dehumidifiers exemplify our commitment to reducing environmental impact. All our products are energy-efficient, which helps industries achieve significant energy savings, thereby reducing their carbon footprint. With the environment deteriorating at a rapid rate, we continuously strive to upgrade and tailor our products to navigate the challenge innovatively.
Our revolutionary product Air-to-Water Generator, which extracts potable water from ambient air, provides an innovative solution to water scarcity, especially in arid regions. This technology supplies clean water and reduces reliance on traditional water sources, conserving valuable natural resources.
Ashvin Patil, Founder and Director, Biofuels Junction Pvt Ltd.
Ashvin Patil, Founder and Director, Biofuels Junction Pvt Ltd.
Annually, India generates approximately 500 million tonnes of agricultural waste and of this, nearly 200 million tonnes are left unused and often burned, emphasising the untapped potential for biofuel conversion. The conversion of agri-waste to biofuels facilitates the cycle of waste to wealth which not only mitigates environmental damage but also provides economic benefits to farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
Biofuels, particularly solid biofuels like briquettes and pellets, produce fewer particulate emissions compared to fossil fuels. It is also considered to be more carbon-neutral because the carbon dioxide (CO2) they emit when burned is offset by the CO2 absorbed by the plants during their growth. This helps in reducing the overall greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels and lowers the levels of particulate matter in the air, which are major contributors to air pollution.
Biofuels Junction is actively addressing this by working towards converting agricultural waste, like cotton stalks, paddy stubble, soya husk which are traditionally burnt, into sustainable biofuel. Leveraging technology to establish an IT-enabled supply chain platform in the biofuels industry is critical for optimizing supply-demand dynamics.
The innovative IT platform developed by Biofuels Junction connects over 1200 suppliers in the biofuels industry to industrial buyers to replace the usage of fossil fuels in boilers to generate energy. It leverages Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning for various functions related to biofuels and agricultural residue trading and settlement to optimize the entire supply chain. This includes route optimization, quality-based rates and payments, inventory management, and demand forecasting.
In the spirit of World Environment Day, StartupTalky presents an exclusive interview with Hisham Mundol, Chief Advisor at Environmental Defense Fund, India. Explore his expertise as he discusses India’s sustainable growth, EDF’s impactful initiatives in climate action, and the crucial role of businesses and individuals in protecting our environment.
Gain valuable insights on environmental challenges and solutions, inspiring corporate action, and empowering the next generation of climate leaders. Join us in celebrating World Environment Day with this enlightening conversation.
StartupTalky: How can India ensure it grows economically while still protecting our environment?
Mr. Mundol: India needs to grow. That is non-negotiable. That growth needs energy. Increasing the share of renewable energy in our energy systems is the first priority. The second is to foster innovation to drive circularity. Circularity is about recycling, but so much more. It also includes more efficient use of resources as well as energy efficiency. Climate tech and climate policy are also essential for Indian industry to make money by going green.
StartupTalky: What are some amazing ways EDF is helping India fight climate change and pollution, making a real difference in people’s lives?
Mr. Mundol: Across different sectors, Environmental Defense Funds’s (EDF) efforts are aligned to support the country’s economic development — while stabilising the climate and providing a healthy environment. Our approach provides catalytic support in four distinct strategic areas. These include: (1) enhancing sustainable livelihoods in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries to achieve the triple win of improved incomes, secured yields, and protected climate; (2) advancing corporate action to generate shareholder value through sustainable business operations; (3) supporting government capacity in areas like carbon pricing; and (4) helping India balance economic growth and environmental sustainability imperatives.
StartupTalky: How can businesses and the government come together as a team to safeguard our environment for future generations?
Mr. Mundol: Past examples where business and government have come together are instructive to how this can happen. Light Emitting Diode (or LED) bulbs are both longer-lasting and more energy-efficient than conventional lighting. The government incentivised production and companies responded by scaling up volumes which brought down prices. Governments worked with the industry by directing public procurement, and industry responded by marketing LED bulbs to other consumers. LED bulbs are now a multi-billion dollar industry in India. This kind of cohesion is what is needed.
StartupTalky: Could you share an example of a time when EDF worked hand-in-hand with local communities or businesses in India to solve an environmental challenge?
Mr. Mundol: EDF has equipped 40,000 farmers with a new tool to manage nitrogen fertiliser use — and save costs. Nitrogen is essential to crop production, but too little reduces crop yields and depletes soils, and too much accelerates climate change, degrades air and water quality, and increases costs for both farmers and governments. EDF created the N-Balance tool to help farmers, governments, and food companies to determine how much fertiliser is efficiently needed on a given plot for a given crop. N-Balance can help farmers save INR 500–2,500 (about US$6–30) per agricultural season for households which is consequential as their average monthly income is approximately INR 10,000 (about US$120).
In 2023, EDF worked with Samagra Shikshan Evam Vikas Sansthan in Bihar and Syngenta Foundation India in Maharashtra to pilot this tool. We expect these pilots to not only reduce farmers’ costs and optimise government spending, but also encourage other farmers and organisations to adopt the tool in different states.
StartupTalky: What are the biggest environmental problems India faces right now, and what can we do about them?
Mr. Mundol: The two biggest challenges are heat and water. Increasing temperatures are caused by greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide and shorter life but higher-warming gases like methane and nitrous oxide). The most effective carbon sink we have is our forest and biodiversity and we should secure these. On methane and nitrous oxide, there are solutions with proven science and viable economics. For instance, reducing methane emissions from the oil & gas sector is the easiest, cheapest, and fastest way to decarbonise.
Water management should be a strategic national priority. In particular, we need an ambitious and science-based plan to manage groundwater – on which agriculture is majorly dependent but is under severe stress.
StartupTalky: How can India switch to clean energy faster, and how can EDF help?
Mr. Mundol: India’s energy system is transitioning from a conventional fuels-based power system to one where half of energy comes from renewable sources. The transition has significant technical, economic, social, and environmental impacts. Renewable energy has significant advantages but also comes with unique constraints like weather, land availability, and lack of flexibility on when power generation can happen and when it cannot.
State governments need energy modelling capacity to factor in these complexities. EDF recently launched a made-in-India, open-source, transparent, energy transition model – the Indian Zero Carbon Pathways (IDEEA) in partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru and Global Change Program at Jadavpur University (GCP-JU) in Kolkata.
StartupTalky: Why is it important for businesses to care about the environment, and how can they make a positive impact while still being successful?
Mr. Mundol: Very simple. There is money to be made in responsible business! It raises revenues and builds brands and it improves margins. It protects against risk. It attracts and retains talent.
There also happens to be real and big downside if they do not care. The history of the business sector is littered with examples of giant companies that fell by the wayside and entire sectors being upturned by those that did not keep up.
StartupTalky: What strategies do you use to inspire leaders and companies to care deeply about the environment?
Mr. Mundol: The best strategy is to showcase leaders and companies who have done the right thing as far as the environment is concern. A visionary State government is the best voice to inspire and inform action by other State governments. A progressive company is the surest way of inspiring (and indeed perspiring) competitors to follow suit. We want those who act on climate change to serve as lighthouses for their peers.
StartupTalky: Could you share some exciting upcoming projects EDF has planned in India?
Mr. Mundol: Climate change is both the environmental crisis and economic opportunity of the century. By adopting sustainable business practices, companies have a significant opportunity to create shareholder value — though achieving this requires authentic, ambitious, and concerted action by the corporate sector.
EDF’s Climate Corps programme is helping to address this challenge by cultivating the next generation of climate leadership in India. By recruiting, training, and embedding post-graduate students in leading companies and organisations, the programme seeks to support businesses’ efforts to meet India’s development and climate objectives and develop a pipeline of talented professionals equipped with knowledge and skills that will be essential in India’s growing green economy.
In 2023, EDF placed nearly 30 Climate Corps fellows at 13 large national and multinational corporations to support sustainability and environmental projects at top companies including Larsen & Toubro, Tata Steel, Zomato, and others.
StartupTalky: What advice would you give to young people who dream of making a positive impact on the environment here in India?
Mr. Mundol: First of all, thank you from the bottom of my heart for caring and dreaming. The climate and environment are the most defining issues for the planet. There is so much you can do. If it is a career, sustainability is going to be one of the top career options for the next several decades. If it is individual action, every little action adds up. So many of the most amazing changes have come through one person doing one right thing. Lastly, I’d say, stay optimistic. This is tough, but we will make it through to the other side.
Muskaan Kapoor
