Dharaksha: Pioneering Sustainable Packaging by Transforming Crop Residue

The surge in environmental sustainability concerns and the imperative to reduce plastic waste have fueled a growing demand for alternative packaging solutions in India. Enter Dharaksha Ecosolutions, a B2B startup founded in 2020 by Anand Bodh and Arpit Dhupar. Based in Faridabad, this innovative company is on a mission to convert paddy straw stubble into biodegradable packaging materials.

The Roots of Change: Anand Bodh and Arpit Dhupar were not just business partners but former roommates during their BTech studies. With a friendship spanning over 13 years and numerous collaborative projects, they decided to leverage their skills to tackle a significant environmental issue.

Addressing Stubble Burning: The startup's inspiration came from a concerning issue—stubble burning by farmers due to the lack of viable alternatives for disposing of stubble waste. This practice led to severe air pollution. In response, Dharaksha was born, a name derived from two Hindi root words, "Dhara" (earth) and "Raksha" (saving), signifying the mission to save the earth from pollution.

Innovative Approach: Dharaksha employs mycelium, the root of mushrooms, to decompose paddy straw and create sustainable packaging materials. They've cultivated a unique mushroom strain that feeds on stubble waste, a process rooted in biotechnology. These materials are not manufactured but grown from nature itself, and they decompose in just 60 days in normal soil while boasting a shelf life of over three years.

Versatile and Eco-Friendly: Dharaksha's packaging materials are ideal for secondary packaging, offering protection during transit. They are moisture-resistant, thermal-resistant, fire-retardant, water-resistant, and anti-static, making them a superior replacement for plastic and thermocol.

Stubble Procurement: The startup procures stubble from farmers through a network of aggregators who handle the baling work. After processing, the material is converted into packaging materials. Dharaksha's goal is to reduce stubble waste burning by 40% in the next six to seven years.

Growth and Vision: Initially self-funded with Rs 45 lakh from their savings, the founders have big plans for Dharaksha's expansion. They aim to scale up production significantly, stepping into distributed and franchise manufacturing across India.

Thriving Partnerships: Dharaksha collaborates with various brands, including The Gourmet Jar, BioQ, Fyllo, Kyari, Son of Soil, Bonomi, V-Guard, and Havells, among others, catering to diverse industries.

Investment and Future: The global sustainable packaging market is projected to grow substantially, and Dharaksha has already attracted investments from notable figures. While challenges persist in securing capital for biotech and manufacturing ventures in India, Dharaksha is in discussions with new investors for a Rs 16 crore funding round. The startup aims to remain at the forefront of material science innovation and pollution reduction while seeking brand partnerships to expand its consumer goods offerings.

In summary, Dharaksha Ecosolutions represents a pioneering force in the packaging industry, offering eco-friendly alternatives and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.