4 Eco-Friendly Innovations from Northeast India Driving Sustainability

Northeast India’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage have inspired a wave of sustainable innovations that address everyday challenges. Here are four remarkable ventures that blend tradition with modern eco-friendly solutions.

1. Scented Soy Wax Candles in Longpi JarsManipur-based venture ‘October Pumpkin’ combines Longpi black pottery with soy wax candles. Founded by Rinchon Kashung and Aleks Vashum in 2019, the enterprise supports over 300 artisans while promoting sustainability. Longpi pottery, crafted from serpentine stone and clay, is handmade and sun-dried. The candles, infused with unique scents like “In the Library,” burn longer and are eco-friendly. October Pumpkin’s initiative has secured Rs 15 lakh funding from BITS Pilani’s ‘Womenpreneur for Bharat 2.0’ program.

   
   

2. Zero-Energy Cold Storage UnitsTo address post-harvest losses, the Nongstoin Social Service Society (NSSS) in Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills has set up zero-energy cold storage units for farmers. These affordable units, built using local materials like bricks, bamboo, and river sand, keep produce fresh for up to four weeks. Farmers can store their fruits and vegetables without electricity, reducing losses and supporting community livelihoods

   
   

3. Anti-Microbial Banana Fibre FabricNagaland’s Hengna & Maben Private Limited is turning banana fibre into anti-microbial fabric with potential medical textile applications. Co-founded by Nengneithem Hengna and Major Tanay Maben, the company also produces handicrafts, coasters, jewellery, and eco-friendly packaging. The enterprise has trained 700 artisans across Northeast India and is exploring the production of paper from banana stem mulch.

   
   

4. Bamboo Composite BoatsAkvotransiro Tech Pvt Ltd, based in Assam, is creating lightweight, biodegradable bamboo composite boats. These boats, made from 85% bamboo, are more sustainable and shock-absorbent than traditional wooden or fibre-glass boats. Founder Ravi J Deka’s innovation has applications in rescue operations, eco-tourism, and forest patrolling. The boats’ efficiency, durability, and lower carbon footprint have drawn interest from global buyers.

   
   

These eco-friendly ventures demonstrate how local ingenuity can lead to sustainable solutions, providing livelihood support while protecting the environment.