The need for sustainable solutions has never been more pressing. Recognizing the detrimental impact of floral waste on our ecosystems, Maya Vivek and Minal Dalmia, two Telangana-based social entrepreneurs, embarked on a mission to address this issue head-on. In 2019, they founded Oorvi Sustainable Concepts, a pioneering venture dedicated to recycling flower waste and transforming it into eco-friendly products.
Maya Vivek and Minal Dalmia, both driven by a shared vision of empowering marginalized women while contributing to environmental sustainability, embarked on their entrepreneurial journey with a purpose-driven mindset. Maya, with over two decades of experience in international logistics and freight forwarding, and Minal, deeply rooted in her family business, sought to channel their expertise towards a meaningful cause. Their friendship, forged while picking up their kids from school, laid the foundation for their collaboration.
The genesis of Oorvi Sustainable Concepts was inspired by a video showcasing Kanpur-based entrepreneurs recycling flowers, sparking Maya and Minal’s interest in adopting a similar cause. With a firm belief in the transformative power of waste management, they ventured into floral waste recycling, envisioning a business model that would benefit both women and the environment. In 2019, armed with prototypes and a clear vision, they officially established Oorvi Sustainable Concepts.
At the heart of Oorvi’s mission lies FloRejuvenation, a proprietary process through which floral discards are transformed into a range of eco-friendly products. By infusing new life into floral waste, Oorvi aims to mitigate the adverse environmental impact while creating value-added products with global appeal.
Oorvi’s impact extends beyond environmental conservation, with a strong emphasis on empowering marginalized women in their locality. Collaborating with over 40 temples and engaging local communities, Maya and Minal have created opportunities for women to receive training in waste segregation and product manufacturing. Through flexible work hours and convenient arrangements, they enable women to balance work commitments with familial responsibilities, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
The journey of Oorvi Sustainable Concepts has been marked by significant milestones and recognition. Supported by initiatives such as IDEA and WE Hub, the startup has received invaluable mentorship and guidance, propelling its growth trajectory. Notably, Oorvi was honored with the India Sustainability Award 2022 and the prestigious Best Green Startup award at the Green India Awards 2019, underscoring its impactful contributions to sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
Despite facing challenges, including the onset of the pandemic, Maya and Minal’s resilience and dedication have driven Oorvi’s success. Today, the startup processes over 1,000 kilograms of floral waste every week, preventing it from polluting water bodies and landfills. With a commitment to sustainability and social impact, Oorvi Sustainable Concepts continues to innovate and inspire, proving that purpose-driven entrepreneurship can drive positive change for both people and the planet.
As Maya Vivek aptly sums up, “What is holy today is becoming waste tomorrow, so we should try to make it holy again.” Through their innovative approach and unwavering dedication, Maya, Minal, and the entire team at Oorvi Sustainable Concepts are indeed making a meaningful difference, one flower at a time.
