Kolkata-based startup Pepcom India has replaced more than six million single-use plastic containers with eco-friendly, paper-based alternatives. This transition has already prevented 200 tons of plastic waste from entering Indian landfills and mitigated nearly 300 tons of CO₂ emissions—signalling a powerful shift in the food packaging industry. Founded in 2022, Pepcom India was born out of a growing urgency to counter the food sector’s overwhelming reliance on plastic. The company’s inception came during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that spotlighted the need for hygienic yet sustainable solutions. Backed by founders with years of experience in the automotive and manufacturing industries, Pepcom set out to reimagine packaging not just as a necessity, but as a climate-responsible service. At the heart of the company’s innovation is its use of high-grade paperboard sourced from sustainably managed forests through certified partners. This material not only meets stringent food safety standards but also maintains structural integrity under heat, oil and moisture. The containers—microwave-safe, compostable and fully recyclable—are manufactured using food-grade inks and advanced printing and folding technologies. Each batch undergoes rigorous quality testing to ensure safety and durability across various food applications.
Since commencing sales in late 2023, the company has already generated Rs.2 crores in revenue and built a network of over 70 restaurant clients across India. These include marquee names such as Rang De Basanti Dhaba, Biryani By Kilo and Wow China, which have adopted Pepcom’s packaging solutions across major metros including Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai and Ahmedabad. Understanding the barriers small food businesses face when transitioning to sustainable options, Pepcom India has introduced a subscription-based supply model. This allows even modest eateries to order as few as 1,000 containers per month—enabling broader adoption without requiring significant upfront investment. This move aligns with national goals to phase out single-use plastic and offers a scalable model for replication in other sectors. India’s sustainable packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.56% between 2025 and 2033, according to market analysts. With an estimated 80 lakh restaurants operating nationwide, the potential for green alternatives is immense. Pepcom India is well-positioned to tap into this growth, not only by expanding its domestic footprint but also by strengthening its supply chains and manufacturing processes to meet rising demand. While challenges such as awareness, affordability and supply logistics remain, the startup’s rapid progress demonstrates that business viability and climate responsibility can go hand in hand. Pepcom’s trajectory may well serve as a blueprint for India’s broader transition towards zero-plastic urban ecosystems—one container at a time.
Source : https://urbanacres.in/kolkata-startup-replaces-plastic-with-eco-friendly-packaging/
