Innovation

Paper is normally produced using tree pulp combined with water and chemicals. This conventional production process of paper harms the ecosystem with destruction of trees and consumption of more water which in turn causes ecological imbalance.

World consumption of paper has grown rapidly over the recent years. Nearly 4 billion trees worldwide are cut down each year for paper representing about 35 percent of all harvested trees. Whereas, paper produced by Bluecat Paper is made using waste materials such as coffee husk, cotton rags, lemongrass, mulberry, corn husk, banana and cotton. With water crisis being one of the major problems faced in the country, Bluecat Paper has also incorporated an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) to recycle and use the water during production.

The company sources raw materials from textile industries in and around the city and also obtains farm waste within 60 km radius which are segregated and chopped accordingly. The method of producing the paper starts with converting the wastes into fine pulp using a paper pulp beater. The pulp is beaten to the required consistency to facilitate sheet formation process. Water at the right pH value is used during sheet formation to ensure paper of finest quality. Excess water during the process goes through effluent treatment plant, thereby helping them to save over 45,000 litres of water a day. Paper sheets are then air-dried naturally for better texture and strength before undergoing smoothing process. It roughly takes about 4 days to produce this sheet of paper. Cotton rags of different varieties used during production imparts the natural color to sheets which eliminates the need to use chemicals. The products thus produced are completely handmade and earth friendly.

Inspiration

An ecologically conscious founder, Kavya Madappa, initially came across the idea of making paper using waste materials rather than tree produce. The journey of Bluecat Paper was then started with a motive to save trees and conserve natural resources. Keen on reducing the secondary waste that piles up in the city, the company obtains waste from various sources to make environmental friendly paper products. The team approaches textile industries and farmers for residual waste which can be used as raw materials for creating sustainable paper products. This way, the company makes a conscious effort to save the environment.

Overall impact

The products by Bluecat Paper are absolutely eco-friendly and sustainable. Being created out of only waste, the primary objective is to prevent cutting of trees which is conventionally the main source of making paper. Also, the handmade offerings made are produced using recycled water during the production in order to conserve water. The eco-friendly paper bags offered by the company are suitable substitutes for non-biodegradable bags in the market.

Business benefit

Bluecat Paper is located in the industrial estate of Peenya (in Bangalore) where the key raw materials required for production are easily accessible. The company has created an extensive product line that contains notebooks, journals, writing pads, calendars, letterheads, envelops, bookmarks, visiting cards and more. Home accessories such as table mats, lamp shades, carry bags, paper furniture and gift wraps are a part of their extremely creative offerings. Also, certain products such as wedding cards and invites have basil seeds embedded in them. This way, after the single use of the invites, users can simply pot and watch it grow. Their distribution channels consist of company website, e-tailers, stores, and different clients.

Social and environmental benefit

Paper making has an impact on the environment because it destroys trees in the process. Industry experts indicate that while using the chemical pulping to produce one ton of printing paper, approximately 24 trees are required. With trees being felled for paper making on one hand and also the wastes being generated from different sources on the other hand, the founder of Bluecat Paper is working consciously towards bringing the right change. Trees also play a vital role in preventing global warming and deforestation. The company primarily focuses on saving the trees by using only waste for making paper. Driven by rapid urbanisation and growing populations, the rate of waste being generated in the world is increasing. The founder emphasises on the need for conversion of these wastes into something creative and beneficial for the society.

Interview

Kavya Madappa, Founder