Kochi Firm Transforms Plastic Crisis into Opportunity
In a state grappling with an ever-growing plastic waste crisis, a Kochi-based startup is redefining sustainability by transforming discarded plastics into long-lasting, eco-friendly products. Carbon & Whale, an emerging player in the green economy, has built its identity on innovation and environmental responsibility, turning plastic waste into modular furniture and durable infrastructure solutions that outlast traditional materials.
The startup operates with a unique corporate ethos where job titles reflect the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The chief executive officer is known as the chief eco officer, the chief operating officer as the chief zero officer, and the chief technology officer as the chief trash officer—each leading a mission to combat plastic pollution. Their work has already started making an impact, with their recycled plastic products becoming a fixture in metro stations, shopping malls, and public spaces across Kerala and Bengaluru.
With a goal to repurpose over 10 lakh kilograms of plastic waste, Carbon & Whale is engaging with schools, colleges, and non-profit organisations to build a community-driven solution to waste management. The startup’s efforts are particularly significant in Kerala, which generates approximately 450 tonnes of plastic waste daily, much of it ending up along its 590-kilometre coastline. By redirecting single-use plastic from landfills and water bodies, the company is driving a much-needed circular economy within the state’s waste management system.
Siddharth A K, co-founder and chief eco officer of Carbon & Whale, traces his commitment to sustainability back to his childhood in Delhi and the summers spent on Kerala’s beaches. His mother, a passionate environmentalist, introduced him to the idea of beach cleanups, a practice that continued even after her passing. For Siddharth, collecting discarded plastic from the shore was never just about waste removal—it was about preserving something deeply personal. That sentiment evolved into a structured vision in 2022 when he, alongside co-founders Alvin George and Sooraj Varma, established Carbon & Whale to address Kerala’s plastic crisis at scale.
Their product range includes rust-free benches, stronger-than-concrete paver tiles, and plant pots designed to withstand seasonal changes, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional materials. Through collaborations with major institutions like Kochi Metro, Kerala Tourism, and retail conglomerate LuLu Group, Carbon & Whale is bringing its eco-friendly products into mainstream urban infrastructure. These partnerships are not just a testament to the startup’s viability but also an indication of shifting attitudes towards sustainable development in India’s urban landscape.
As Kerala continues to expand its efforts towards sustainable urbanisation, enterprises like Carbon & Whale demonstrate how innovation and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. Their work highlights the importance of community involvement, corporate partnerships, and policy support in tackling one of the most pressing environmental challenges of modern times. While their initiative alone may not eliminate Kerala’s plastic problem, it is undoubtedly paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future. SEO Title: Kochi Startup Recycles Plastic for Urban Solutions
