Innovation

Carragreen has introduced two innovative products: one involves creating stationery from wastepaper, and the other centers around a redesigned cake box. While the concept of cake boxes is not new, their innovation lies in the design. This idea stemmed from the surge in online food orders during and post-COVID-19, particularly with the booming cloud kitchen structure. The uniqueness of Carragreen cake box lies in its design – once it is received, tearing along perforations transforms it into plates and spoons. They not only patented this design but also ensured its success across various food packaging applications and her team comprises mostly women.
Addressing environmental concerns, the material used by Carragreen is paper, which is both biodegradable and compostable. Depending on the coating, it decomposes in 8 to 12 days, making it environment friendly. Importantly, they contribute to sustainability by utilizing waste materials instead of cutting down trees. The manufacturing process involves collecting wastepaper and strips from factories, minimizing the ecological footprint.
By utilizing waste paper as a primary raw material, Caragreen addresses environmental concerns related to paper waste. This approach contributes to the SDG focused on responsible consumption and production.

Inspiration

Surbhi, the founder, was initially inspired by the challenge of meeting price points for eco-friendly products. The prevalent use of plastic in the market was due to its affordability, creating a mental and physical barrier to eco-friendly alternatives. Overcoming this challenge required addressing the added costs associated with creating and promoting a new product, a common struggle for startups and companies in their initial years.
These challenges became opportunities for innovation, pushing her to create better products. However, the associated challenges included the need for various certifications, especially for products claiming to be non-toxic, like pencils and spoons because they were targeting schools and children, which needed them to be safe and free from harmful substances, requiring meticulous attention to detail.
As the product range expanded to include spoons and boxes, additional risks emerged, particularly in storage and distribution. Maintaining a pest-free environment became paramount, given the direct contact of the product with consumers' mouths. Any issues with the products, such as damage or contamination, could be magnified as people tend to scrutinize new products more than established ones in the market.
Surbhi's initial idea of using recycled paper faced a shift due to external factors, such as the plastic ban and the COVID-19 pandemic. Adapting to these challenges, the leader pivoted to producing spoons and boxes as alternatives to plastic, capitalizing on the rising demand during the pandemic and the growing interest in sustainable alternatives. The positive response from consumers further motivated the leader in their quest to provide eco-friendly solutions.

Overall impact

Short-Term Effects:
Product Innovation Adoption: In the short term, Carragreen's innovative use of carrageenan is likely to result in the adoption of its products in various industries, such as food and packaging. This adoption can be measured through sales data, market penetration rates, and customer testimonials indicating a positive reception.
Reduced Environmental Impact: Immediate benefits may include a reduction in the use of synthetic additives and thickeners in the food industry, leading to decreased environmental pollution. Monitoring changes in production processes and material usage within a short timeframe can provide evidence of the initial positive impact on the environment.
Long-Term Effects:
Environmental Conservation: Over the long term, Carragreen's innovations may contribute to environmental conservation by promoting sustainable farming practices and reducing soil degradation. The evidence could be derived from longitudinal studies assessing changes in soil health, biodiversity, and overall ecosystem resilience in areas where Carragreen's products are widely adopted.
Circular Economy Contribution: The long-term effects may also include a significant contribution to the development of a circular economy, particularly in the packaging industry. Monitoring the reduction in plastic waste, and the increased use of carrageenan-based materials over several years can provide evidence of sustained positive impacts.
Evidence:
Evidence of short-term effects can be gathered through market analytics, consumer feedback, and industry reports. Long-term impacts, on the other hand, maybe substantiated through longitudinal studies, environmental monitoring, and comparative analyses of regions or industries using Carragreen's innovations versus those that do not.

Business benefit

Carragreen specializes in manufacturing eco-friendly products, including spoons and Carraboxes, an innovative multipurpose solution crafted from recycled and biodegradable paper for cutlery and stationery items like pencils, pens, and notebooks. The company received a crucial grant from IIM Bangalore, facilitating founder Surbhi Shah in bootstrapping the business. In the initial stages, Surbhi shouldered most tasks, including designing marketing campaigns on Instagram. As Carragreen expanded, it enlisted interns for day-to-day operations and hired two full-time employees dedicated to managing Accounts and Designs for their products. Presently, the company employs 11 full-time staff members and actively seeks female machine operators to join their team."

"As of 2022, Carragreen boasted five major clients, including esteemed names like Haldirams and Balaji Snacks. Their monthly sales reached an impressive 4-5 lakh spoons, generating revenues close to Rupees 90,000. Following their appearance on Shark Tank and the strategic partnership with Anupam and Peeyush, the business witnessed an astounding threefold growth. Carragreen's products are now skillfully marketed and sold by a robust team, engaging customers through door-to-door sales and online platforms via their website."

"The journey of Carragreen signifies remarkable growth and strategic partnerships. From its origins with Surbhi single-handedly managing operations to expanding its workforce and clientele, the company has evolved significantly. With an emphasis on sustainability and innovation, Carragreen remains committed to producing eco-friendly solutions. As the business continues to thrive, it seeks to further strengthen its team by actively recruiting talented women as machine operators, aiming for continued success and expansion."

Social and environmental benefit

Carragreen, a company dedicated to sustainable innovation, significantly benefits both society and the environment through its commitment to utilizing carrageenan, a natural substance derived from red seaweed, in various applications. Carragreen's innovative use of carrageenan offers eco-friendly solutions across industries.
In the food industry, Carragreen's carrageenan-based products serve as sustainable alternatives to traditional additives and thickeners. By replacing synthetic and environmentally harmful ingredients, Carragreen contributes to healthier food products while reducing the ecological footprint associated with food production.
Additionally, Carragreen's applications extend to agriculture and water management. The use of carrageenan in soil conditioning and water retention promotes sustainable farming practices, enhancing crop yield and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. This approach aligns with environmental conservation efforts, minimizing soil degradation and promoting biodiversity.
Furthermore, Carragreen's dedication to eco-friendly packaging materials supports the global movement towards reducing plastic waste. By incorporating carrageenan-based materials, the company addresses environmental concerns associated with conventional packaging, contributing to a circular economy.

Interview

Surabhi Shah, Founder

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