Eco India: A Mumbai-based start-up is providing sustainable alternatives to daily-use products

Summary

B Eco emerged from a Mumbai beach cleanup in 2018, driven by a mission to promote eco-friendly alternatives in the home and kitchen sector. Utilizing bamboo as a sustainable resource, the brand emphasizes environmental responsibility and economic empowerment for communities reliant on bamboo. With products available in over 1,500 stores, B Eco has experienced significant growth amid a shift towards greener consumer choices. The founders advocate for collaboration among individuals, businesses, and government to foster sustainable practices, avoiding traditional marketing to build a community around their mission.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Be Eco originated from the efforts of three concerned citizens in Mumbai, aiming to promote eco-friendly products.
• ♻️ The brand focuses on sustainable alternatives for home and kitchen products, particularly using bamboo as a key material.
• 💡 The idea for Be Eco was sparked during a beach cleanup drive in 2018, highlighting the issue of plastic waste in the environment.
• 🌱 Bamboo is a renewable resource that regrows in four years, making it a sustainable choice with a zero carbon footprint.
• 🇮🇳 In India, approximately 9 million people depend on bamboo for their livelihoods, yet its potential is not fully utilized.
• 💰 Be Eco products are priced at a 10-15% premium compared to non-green alternatives, reflecting their sustainable manufacturing process.
• 📈 The brand has experienced significant growth, with products available in over 1,500 stores in Mumbai and 300 in Bangalore.
• 🚫 The founders avoid paid marketing, preferring a cooperative approach to business and sustainability.
• 🤝 They emphasize the need for collaboration between companies, individuals, and the government to drive change.
• 🔄 Be Eco is not only focused on product sales but also on initiatives like sanitizing stations and plastic recycling plants to enhance environmental responsibility.

Q & A

What inspired the founders of Be Eco to start their eco-friendly initiative?

The idea was sparked during a beach cleanup in Mumbai in 2018, where they found a long-discontinued food wrapper that highlighted the issue of waste persistence.

What is Be Eco's main focus in terms of product category?

Be Eco focuses on creating eco-friendly alternatives in the home and kitchen product categories.

Why is bamboo chosen as the primary raw material for Be Eco's products?

Bamboo is a sustainable resource that regrows quickly, requires less water, and is carbon neutral, making it an ideal alternative to traditional materials.

How does bamboo contribute to environmental sustainability?

Bamboo takes in the same amount of carbon that it emits, resulting in a zero carbon footprint, and it produces more oxygen than trees.

What challenges does the home and kitchen product category face in India?

The category is dominated by plastic and paper products, which have significant environmental impacts, such as being non-biodegradable and contributing to deforestation.

What steps has the Indian government taken to support the bamboo sector?

In 2018, the government directed $200 million towards the bamboo sector to help boost its utilization and production.

How are Be Eco's products positioned in the market compared to non-green alternatives?

Be Eco's products are priced 10-15% higher than non-green products but are fully biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

What is the current market reach of Be Eco products?

Be Eco products are available in over 1,500 stores in Mumbai and 300 in Bangalore, with a recent growth rate of 30%.

How does Be Eco approach marketing and consumer engagement?

Be Eco has steered clear of paid marketing, focusing instead on community cooperation and educating consumers about the benefits of eco-friendly products.

What are the future plans of Be Eco regarding product development?

Be Eco plans to expand its product lines and introduce eco-friendly solutions, such as alternatives to plastic packaging.