Innovation

Ecoyaan is an innovative online marketplace founded in 2023 by Sarwan Singh, designed to bridge the gap between conscious consumers and brands genuinely committed to sustainability. Headquartered in India, Ecoyaan curates eco-friendly, health-conscious, and ethically sourced products, enabling individuals to transition to sustainable lifestyles. Unlike traditional e-commerce platforms, which prioritize price and popularity over environmental impact, Ecoyaan focuses on transparency and trust by vetting products for authenticity and countering greenwashing through a robust in-house verification framework and AI tools.

This innovation addresses critical challenges in sustainable consumption, including consumer distrust, lack of transparency, and limited awareness about sustainable alternatives. By offering rigorously vetted alternatives—such as plastic-free home essentials, coir-based Christmas trees, and biodegradable baby diapers—Ecoyaan empowers customers to make informed, eco-conscious choices. The platform also supports small-scale, innovative brands by connecting them with a niche audience interested in responsible consumption, ensuring these brands receive the recognition and market visibility they deserve.

Ecoyaan directly contributes to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 12, Responsible Consumption and Production, by promoting products made from recycled or biodegradable material. Through its innovative approach, Ecoyaan is not just a marketplace but a catalyst for a global shift toward sustainability, encouraging individuals and businesses to actively participate in creating a better, more sustainable world.

Inspiration

Sarwan Singh, co-founder and CEO of Ecoyaan, was inspired to create the platform through a combination of personal values, professional insights, and a powerful emotional moment. Reflecting on his time at PwC, where he worked on renewable energy projects and net-zero transition consulting, Sarwan realized that while governments and corporations were taking steps toward sustainability, individual consumer behavior also needed a transformation. His minimalist lifestyle and love for nature further fueled his vision to make eco-conscious living more accessible.

A pivotal moment in his journey came from watching the Netflix series 'Our Planet', where he saw the tragic impact of plastic pollution on albatrosses unable to take their first flight.

"Imagine some animals, species living far from human civilization, but still getting affected by what we do, how we consume things," he shared. This stark realization became the driving force behind his decision to leave his corporate career and launch Ecoyaan in 2023.

Sarwan's motivation also stemmed from a gap he identified in the consumer market. "We know companies and countries are moving toward net zero, but what about every human being? What if they also start consuming in an eco-friendly way?" he reflected. His vision was clear: to build a platform that empowers individuals with transparency, information, and eco-friendly alternatives while helping brands committed to genuine sustainability thrive in a competitive market. This combination of passion, insight, and purpose led to the creation of Ecoyaan, a step toward a greener, more responsible future.

Overall impact

In the short term, Ecoyaan has addressed critical barriers to sustainable consumption, such as distrust in product claims, misinformation, and the lack of transparency in traditional marketplaces. By implementing a rigorous vetting process and utilizing AI tools to verify claims like "plastic-free" or "vegan," Ecoyaan has built consumer trust and encouraged individuals to embrace eco-friendly alternatives. This approach has already driven adoption in categories such as biodegradable diapers and coir-based Christmas trees, demonstrating early success.

The long-term effects of Ecoyaan’s innovation are poised to create systemic changes in consumer behavior and industry practices. By promoting responsible consumption, the platform contributes to reduced waste, lower carbon footprints, and the preservation of natural ecosystems, aligning with the UN SDGs such as Goal 12, Responsible Consumption and Production. Ecoyaan also supports small-scale sustainable brands by giving them visibility and access to a niche audience thus fostering innovation and ethical production methods.

Evidence of Ecoyaan’s impact is reflected in consumer feedback and growing demand for sustainable products on its platform. For example, Sarwan highlighted the success of sustainable diapers in India as a dual response to health and environmental concerns. Additionally, Ecoyaan's role in vetting products gives consumers confidence to invest in sustainability, creating a ripple effect that promotes widespread adoption and environmental consciousness. These outcomes suggest that Ecoyaan is successfully driving meaningful change, both in the present and for the future.

Business benefit

Since its founding in 2023, Ecoyaan has achieved significant milestones that reflect its growing influence in the sustainable retail market. By creating a trusted online marketplace for eco-friendly products, the business has not only opened new markets for niche sustainable brands but also catalyzed a shift in consumer behavior toward responsible consumption. Ecoyaan’s focus on transparency and authenticity has fostered trust, enabling the platform to attract a dedicated customer base and generate steady revenue growth.

The business has also driven innovation by introducing AI tools to verify product claims, such as "plastic-free" or "vegan," which has set Ecoyaan apart from competitors. This innovation has created new investment opportunities, as the platform appeals to impact-focused investors seeking to support sustainable ventures. Ecoyaan’s marketplace has opened new revenue streams for brands producing innovative, eco-friendly products while simultaneously helping consumers make informed, environmentally responsible choices.

Furthermore, the business has prioritized employee well-being and satisfaction by aligning its workforce with its sustainability mission. By hiring passionate individuals committed to environmental change, Ecoyaan has cultivated a motivated and retention-driven team. This employee-centric approach enhances productivity and positions the company as a desirable workplace for top talent in the sustainability sector. As a result of these efforts, Ecoyaan has successfully expanded its product offerings, such as sustainable diapers and biodegradable Christmas trees, demonstrating its ability to meet growing consumer demand while supporting global sustainability goals.

Social and environmental benefit

Ecoyaan connects conscious consumers with brands offering environmentally friendly, ethically sourced, and health-conscious products. Unlike traditional marketplaces, Ecoyaan vets products rigorously, countering issues like greenwashing and misinformation to ensure authenticity.

The innovation stems from Sarwan’s vision of empowering individuals to adopt sustainable lifestyles. Through AI-powered tools and in-house frameworks, the platform verifies claims such as "plastic-free," "vegan," and "organic," providing consumers with reliable options. Products range from biodegradable diapers to coir-based Christmas trees, showcasing a variety of alternatives that align with eco-conscious living. By creating a niche sustainable marketplace, Ecoyaan has opened new markets for small-scale brands while fostering responsible consumption among its customers.

The impact of this innovation is multi-dimensional. In the short term, Ecoyaan has built consumer trust and increased the visibility of genuinely sustainable brands. In the long term, it aims to reduce environmental degradation by encouraging systemic shifts in consumption patterns and production practices. Additionally, the business contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and Goal 13: Climate Action. Ecoyaan is more than a marketplace; it is a platform driving a global movement toward a more sustainable future.

Interview

Sarwan Singh, Co-Founder

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