Plastic waste is a pressing environmental issue, polluting oceans, clogging urban drainage systems, and even entering the food chain through microplastics. Recognizing this challenge, a Bengaluru-based family of tech professionals took the leap from high-paying corporate jobs to build a sustainable solution Aecoz, a startup dedicated to biodegradable food packaging.
Founded in 2019 by Dhanvita Sathyanand, Srinidhi Rajaram, and Bharath Sathyanand, Aecoz is on a mission to replace plastic packaging with eco-friendly alternatives. The startup has already made a significant impact, preventing nearly 4 lakh kilograms of plastic from entering the environment. Expanding beyond India, Aecoz has now set up operations in London to cater to global markets.
Hailing from coastal Karnataka, the three co-founders had established successful careers in technology and engineering. Dhanvita worked as a technologist at Misys, Srinidhi held the position of VP of Global Operations at JP Morgan, and Bharath brought extensive experience in mechanical engineering and operations. Despite their stable and lucrative jobs, they shared an entrepreneurial vision.
Their journey began with Agrainz, a procurement company catering to the hospitality industry, supplying essentials to major clients like Cultfit, Eatfit, Swiggy, and Zomato. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a major setback, forcing them to rethink their business model. Witnessing the overwhelming use of plastic in food packaging, they decided to pivot and create Aecoz, an enterprise focused on sustainable solutions.
Despite having an established network in the food industry, the transition to biodegradable packaging was not easy. The pandemic forced businesses to cut costs, making them hesitant to switch to slightly more expensive sustainable alternatives. Convincing potential clients required persistence, extensive negotiations, and multiple product trials.
Funding was another challenge. With no external investments, Aecoz was completely bootstrapped, relying on the founders' personal savings. However, their belief in the mission kept them going, and through continuous efforts, they were able to secure loyal clients and build a profitable business.
Innovative and Customizable Packaging Solutions
Aecoz specializes in producing a wide range of biodegradable packaging options, including:
- Paper Juice Cups
- Paper Dip Cups
- Paper Food Containers
- Paper Salad Bowls
- Paper Meal Boxes
- Pizza Boxes
- Paper Ice Cream Cups
The startup ensures that all products are made from 100% biodegradable paper, certified by the US FDA and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). They also provide customized branding options, allowing businesses to personalize packaging with their logos and designs.
Aecoz has successfully onboarded prestigious clients, including MTR, Lulu Mall, and Magnolia Bakery from New York, which has branches in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru. Their commitment to quality and sustainability has earned them a strong reputation in the industry.
One of their breakthrough moments was securing MTR as a client. Srinidhi recalls how they went through multiple rounds of testing to ensure the packaging could withstand hot liquids like rasam without leakage. Their perseverance paid off, and MTR has remained a loyal client since 2020.
Beyond India, Aecoz exports its eco-friendly packaging to regions like the UAE, North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. With an expanding footprint, they recently established operations in London, aiming to supply European food brands with sustainable alternatives.
From a bootstrapped startup to a Rs 10.25 crore revenue-generating enterprise, Aecoz has witnessed tremendous growth. For FY25, they have already surpassed Rs 4 crore in revenue and are targeting Rs 7 crore by the end of the fiscal year.
With a clear mission to eliminate plastic from the food industry, Aecoz is determined to continue innovating and expanding. Their goal is to establish a global presence and make biodegradable packaging the preferred choice for food businesses worldwide.
As they set their sights on the future, the founders remain committed to sustainability, proving that a passion-driven enterprise can create meaningful environmental impact while achieving business success.
Last Updated Feb 17, 2025, 11:04 AM IST