In the bustling city of Bengaluru, a family-run startup is revolutionizing the food packaging industry with eco-friendly solutions. Aecoz, founded by Dhanvita Sathyanand, her husband Srinidhi Rajaram, and her brother Bharath Sathyanand, is setting new standards by producing 100% biodegradable food packaging. Their innovative approach has not only garnered significant revenue but also made a substantial environmental impact.
From Corporate Careers to Sustainable Ventures
Before embarking on their entrepreneurial journey, the trio held esteemed positions in the corporate world:
- Dhanvita Sathyanand: Technologist at Misys.
- Srinidhi Rajaram: Vice President for Global Operations at JP Morgan.
- Bharath Sathyanand: Mechanical Engineer with extensive operational expertise.
In 2015, they ventured into the hospitality industry by establishing Cartier Hotels, a four-star establishment in Bengaluru. This experience unveiled inefficiencies in procurement processes within the food and hospitality sectors, prompting them to create Agrainz—a platform designed to streamline raw material sourcing for restaurants. However, the COVID-19 pandemic posed unforeseen challenges, leading to the cessation of Agrainz.
Birth of Aecoz: Merging Sustainability with Innovation
Undeterred by previous setbacks, the family identified a pressing need for sustainable packaging solutions, especially in the wake of environmental concerns over single-use plastics. In 2020, they launched Aecoz, focusing on producing biodegradable cups, bowls, and containers tailored for the food industry.
Key Features of Aecoz Products:
- Material Sourcing: Utilizing paper reels primarily from ITC, constituting about 85-90% of their raw materials.
- Eco-Friendly Coating: Applying a water-based barrier to ensure the packaging is suitable for food contact and enhances durability.
- Biodegradability: Products are 98% biodegradable within 180 days, as certified by the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET). Post this period, they achieve complete degradation.
- Production Efficiency: Advanced machinery enables the production of 40-45 pieces per minute, catering to various sizes ranging from 50 ml to 1000 ml.
Environmental and Economic Impact
Since its inception, Aecoz has achieved remarkable milestones:
- Plastic Reduction: Prevented over 400,000 kilograms of plastic from entering the environment.
- Product Output: Manufactured and sold more than 45 million units, including cups, bowls, containers, lids, and boxes.
- Revenue Growth: Recorded an impressive annual revenue of ₹5.2 crore in 2024.
Building a Prestigious Clientele
Aecoz’s commitment to quality and sustainability has attracted several esteemed clients:
- MTR: Initially skeptical about the durability of paper-based packaging for hot liquids like rasam and sambar, MTR was convinced after rigorous testing and has since adopted Aecoz’s solutions.
- Milano Ice Creams: For over three years, this Italian gelato brand has utilized Aecoz’s packaging, praising its leak-proof and customizable features.
- Other Notable Clients: Lulu Hypermarkets, Magnolia Bakery, and Ritz-Carlton.
Expanding Horizons: Entering International Markets
Recognizing the global shift towards sustainable practices, Aecoz has ventured into international markets, notably the United Kingdom. With approximately 50% of packaging in the UK being paper-based, Aecoz aims to showcase Indian innovation on a global platform.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While Aecoz’s products are approximately 35% more expensive than traditional plastic packaging—a reflection of material and production costs—the company is actively working to make sustainable options more accessible. Efforts include:
- Cost Reduction Initiatives: Striving to decrease costs from 60% to 30% to accommodate small-scale restaurants.
- Advocacy for Policy Enforcement: Emphasizing the need for stricter implementation of plastic bans, especially in urban centers like Bengaluru.
Connect with Aecoz:
- Website: www.aecoz.com
- Instagram: @aecozbioware
- Contact: +91 9742906942 | +91 9972968828
- Email: admin@aecoz.com
Address: Site No. 7, Katha 3251, Magadi Main Road, Near Machohalli Gate, Janashakti Nagar, Kodigehalli, Bangalore – 560091
Join Aecoz in their mission to create a sustainable future, one biodegradable package at a time.
