Top 10 Circular Economy Startups in India

India’s circular economy sector is gaining momentum with innovative startups focusing on sustainable production and consumption. These startups are redefining waste management, resource efficiency, and sustainable practices. Here, we highlight ten leading circular economy startups making significant strides in India.

Table of Contents

EcoKaari

Summary: EcoKaari, founded in 2019 and headquartered in Pune, specializes in upcycling waste plastic into handcrafted products. They employ traditional handloom techniques to create bags, accessories, and home decor items, promoting sustainable living and providing employment to local artisans.

ASPECT	DETAILS
Founded	2019
Headquarters	Pune
Services	Upcycling plastic waste
Innovation	Handloom techniques
Social Impact	Employment for artisans

ReCircle

Summary: ReCircle, established in 2015 in Mumbai, focuses on creating a zero-waste ecosystem by recycling various waste materials. They offer waste collection services and ensure that waste is recycled or upcycled, thus reducing landfill dependency.

ASPECT	DETAILS
Founded	2015
Headquarters	Mumbai
Services	Waste collection and recycling
Mission	Zero-waste ecosystem
Website	ReCircle

3. EnvoWaste

Summary: EnvoWaste, founded in 2018 in Delhi, provides waste management solutions for businesses and households. They focus on segregating waste at the source and converting organic waste into compost, thereby reducing environmental impact.

ASPECT	DETAILS
Founded	2018
Headquarters	Delhi
Services	Waste management
Specialties	Composting organic waste
Innovation	Waste segregation at source

4. Greencore Solutions

Summary: Greencore Solutions, established in 2016 and based in Bengaluru, offers end-to-end e-waste management services. They ensure proper recycling and disposal of electronic waste, recovering valuable materials and reducing environmental hazards.

ASPECT	DETAILS
Founded	2016
Headquarters	Bengaluru
Services	E-waste management
Key Feature	Safe disposal of e-waste
Innovation	Material recovery

5. Re-Turn

Summary: Re-Turn, launched in 2019 in Chennai, focuses on creating a circular economy for packaging materials. They provide solutions for returning, reusing, and recycling packaging, aiming to reduce waste and promote sustainability in the packaging industry.

ASPECT	DETAILS
Founded	2019
Headquarters	Chennai
Services	Packaging recycling
Key Feature	Reusable packaging solutions
Mission	Sustainable packaging

6. Jai Kisan

Summary: Jai Kisan, founded in 2017 in Mumbai, aims to create a sustainable agricultural ecosystem by promoting organic farming and recycling agricultural waste. They provide farmers with the resources and technology to convert waste into valuable inputs.

ASPECT	DETAILS
Founded	2017
Headquarters	Mumbai
Services	Sustainable agriculture
Innovation	Recycling agricultural waste
Social Impact	Empowering farmers

7. Carbon Masters

Summary: Carbon Masters, established in 2014 in Bengaluru, converts organic waste into biogas and organic fertilizer. Their innovative approach addresses waste management and energy production, contributing to a sustainable circular economy.

ASPECT	DETAILS
Founded	2014
Headquarters	Bengaluru
Services	Biogas production
Key Feature	Organic fertilizer
Innovation	Waste-to-energy solutions

8. Saahas Zero Waste

Summary: Saahas Zero Waste, founded in 2013 in Bengaluru, provides comprehensive waste management solutions. They focus on segregating, recycling, and upcycling waste, promoting a zero-waste culture in communities and businesses.

ASPECT	DETAILS
Founded	2013
Headquarters	Bengaluru
Services	Waste management
Mission	Zero-waste culture
Key Feature	Community engagement

9. Graviky Labs

Summary: Graviky Labs, established in 2015 in Bengaluru, converts air pollution into sustainable ink and paints. Their innovative technology captures carbon emissions and transforms them into useful products, reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability.

ASPECT	DETAILS
Founded	2015
Headquarters	Bengaluru
Services	Pollution-to-ink technology
Innovation	Carbon capture
Product	Sustainable ink and paints

10. Infinite Cercle

Summary: Infinite Cercle, launched in 2020 in Pune, focuses on creating sustainable fashion through upcycling and recycling textiles. They promote circular fashion by designing and producing eco-friendly clothing and accessories, reducing textile waste.

ASPECT	DETAILS
Founded	2020
Headquarters	Pune
Services	Sustainable fashion
Key Feature	Upcycled textiles
Mission	Circular fashion

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Circular Economy Startups in India

Q: What is a circular economy startup?
A: A circular economy startup is a company that focuses on sustainable production and consumption by designing out waste, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. These startups aim to create a closed-loop system where resources are reused and recycled.

Q: How do circular economy startups contribute to sustainability?
A: Circular economy startups contribute to sustainability by reducing waste, conserving resources, and minimizing environmental impact. They develop innovative solutions for recycling, upcycling, and efficient resource use, promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly economy.

Q: What sectors do circular economy startups in India operate in?
A: Circular economy startups in India operate in various sectors, including waste management, recycling, sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly packaging, e-waste management, and sustainable fashion. These sectors focus on creating closed-loop systems for resource use and waste management.

Q: Are there any government incentives for circular economy startups in India?
A: Yes, the Indian government provides various incentives and support programs for circular economy startups, including subsidies, grants, and access to funding through initiatives like the Startup India program. These incentives encourage innovation and investment in sustainable practices.

Q: How can I support circular economy startups as a consumer?
A: As a consumer, you can support circular economy startups by choosing their products and services, spreading awareness about their initiatives, participating in their recycling programs, and providing feedback to help them improve. Supporting these startups promotes sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Q: Can circular economy startups be profitable?
A: Yes, circular economy startups can be profitable. By focusing on resource efficiency and waste reduction, they can lower operational costs and create new revenue streams through recycling and upcycling. Growing consumer demand for sustainable products also drives profitability.

Q: What challenges do circular economy startups face in India?
A: Circular economy startups in India face challenges such as limited access to funding, regulatory hurdles, high initial costs for developing new technologies, and market acceptance. Additionally, there may be challenges related to scalability and competition from traditional businesses.

Q: How do I know if a startup is genuinely promoting a circular economy?
A: To determine if a startup is genuinely promoting a circular economy, look for certifications, partnerships with reputable organizations, transparency in their environmental impact reporting, and adherence to international sustainability standards. Reviews and case studies can also provide insights into their practices.

Q: What impact do circular economy startups have on local communities?
A: Circular economy startups positively impact local communities by creating jobs, reducing environmental pollution, promoting social inclusion, and fostering economic development. They often engage with local stakeholders to implement sustainable practices that benefit the community.

Conclusion

India’s circular economy startups are playing a crucial role in transforming the way resources are used and managed. By focusing on sustainability, these startups are helping to reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote a more eco-friendly economy. As these companies continue to innovate and grow, they are paving the way for a more sustainable future in India.