Rhea Mazumdar became a popular entrepreneur in the environment-friendly cutlery business with her ecoware products. Ecoware is the brand name of the range of cutleries and containers that have already grabbed the attention of the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry.
Eco-friendly alternative
Shocked at the use of plastic and aluminium for packaging food in India, Rhea M Singhal, on her return from the UK, came up with an eco-friendly alternative in 2009. Aluminium and plastic were used in abundance to pack food. Rhea wanted to make an alternative to this by developing a product that is safe for food intake and at the same time biodegradable. She aimed at making something that would not change the nutritional value of food. A pharmacologist, she knew the negative effects of plastics. Her main concern was the rise of cancer patients in the country. She realised that people needed more awareness about plastic use from a health as well as environmental perspective. Most of the time, people eat directly from containers that were made out of plastic, tin or aluminium. There is not much awareness of the fact that plastic, tin and aluminium, when coming in contact with hot food or when reheated, leads to cancer.
The idea of Ecoware, using biodegradable material which decomposes within 90 days, was born from that. Rhea turned agricultural waste into biodegradable, disposable packaging boxes and plates. India is a biomass nation where agricultural waste is burnt every year, leading to pollution. “I tried to nip the problem in the bud by finding a solution for the environment as well as the farmers. We source the agri-waste from farmers and turn them into disposable boxes and plates to pack and eat food from,” Rhea said.
Versatile products
The company made a profit of only Rs 50,000 in the first year. But she wasn’t ready to stop her journey. In 2010, she got her major client and that was the turning point. She got an opportunity to supply her products for serving food at the Commonwealth Games. Ecoware products can withstand temperatures ranging from -20 to 140°C. With so many food delivery apps emerging, the biggest challenge the QSR industry faces is the packaging. The food needs to be delivered hot and in leak-proof containers. Some of the prominent clients of Ecoware are IRCTC, QSR chains Haldiram’s and Chaayos. Last year, Ecoware had a turnover of over $2million, and Rhea Singhal hopes to double it this year. Ecoware products are costlier than other plastic plates or bowls. But it is versatile and can be used in the freezer or the oven. Ecoware spoons and forks start at Rs 90 for a pack of 25. Ecoware cups cost Rs 195 for a pack of 50. A pack of 50 clamshell boxes costs Rs 740, while a stack of 50 round plates costs Rs 147.
Ecoware products are made from the 5,000 sq ft factory in Noida. The products are sold online, offline and to vendors in the wholesale market. Ecoware contributes towards women empowerment, encourages an eco-friendly lifestyle, and supports farmers. This is what makes Rhea’s endeavour different.
