During the COVID-19 quarantine, brothers Rahul Washukhi and Vikash Kumar decided to leave their corporate positions. They did not have a ready business idea, but they aimed to find a way to make a tangible difference in the environment. They began studying the problems in their immediate surroundings in Ghaziabad that went unnoticed by people. Plastic waste caught their attention.
Washukhi noted that at the time, most packaged products contained plastic packaging, and much of this plastic eventually ended up in huge landfills. It was then that they started experimenting, hoping to create something useful.
This experiment led the brothers to develop a method for recycling plastic waste into a solid material, which they named Eco-Panel. In 2021, this venture was established as a technology startup called Minus Degre under the name Climatetech. The company collects and processes plastic waste, transforming it into Eco-Panel, and then uses this material to produce goods for both businesses and consumers. The company's products can be adapted to various needs, including furniture, interior solutions, and everyday items.
Based in Ghaziabad, Minus Degre now has a team of 15 people and recently opened a 16,000 square foot factory to produce its products. The name Minus Degre refers to cold, reflecting the startup's broader goal of reducing the impact of plastic waste on the environment. To date, the startup has recycled 300 tons of plastic waste.
The process begins with sorting and collecting plastic waste by type. Then, the material is crushed and washed to remove impurities. The cleaned material undergoes compression during a controlled cycle of heating and cooling. Depending on the type of plastic and the heating and cooling parameters, it transforms into Eco Panel, which can then be molded into various products.
Washukhi reported that the company developed both the method and the equipment for its implementation. However, Minus Degre does not currently plan to patent this process. He explained that 'a patent is easily deciphered, and we do not want to reveal anything to our competitors.' However, he added that he is unsure how long they can continue operating without a patent, as venture capitalists (VCs) might require patenting when approached.
The company claims that the resulting Eco-Panel can be used similarly to other solid materials and molded into a wide range of products according to customer requirements. This includes seating modules and furniture, as well as small consumer goods. Over the past five years, the startup has stated that it has attracted over 200 B2B clients, most of whom are from the retail sector, including companies such as Adidas and Steve Madden. Furthermore, since its inception, the company has served over 3000 B2C customers.
The company's website features various products: from keychains priced at 149 rupees to curved benches costing 24,000 rupees. Washukhi emphasized that many use Eco-Panel as a substitute for marble or quartz, noting the lack of domestic eco-friendly materials in India, and that they are trying to fill this gap.
The startup has also collaborated with government bodies, including the governments of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. One project with the Bihar government involved installing Eco-Panel benches in parks. The latest project with the Uttar Pradesh government included the installation of over 90 seating modules at Noida International Airport, also known as Jewar Airport. According to Washukhi, such initiatives help change the perception of recycled materials.
He explained that people still do not perceive recycled materials as premium products, and the company aims to change this situation by ensuring that their products look and feel high quality. The goal is for people to realize the value of these items, as continued use of virgin plastic only increases the amount of waste on the planet.
Currently, Minus Degre is funded by the founders' own money without disclosing the investment amount. The startup achieved an annual revenue of 1.25 crore rupees in the financial year 26. With the new factory in Ghaziabad, which is now operational, the company plans to multiply its production capacity and is targeting a revenue of around 2.5 crore rupees in financial year 27. At this point, Minus Degre is not yet profitable; its primary task is to stimulate demand for Eco-Panel and expand production and distribution capabilities while continuing to focus on premium clients.
