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"Zerocircle: Ex-Google Employee's Seaweed-Based Packaging Revolution"
In a pioneering move towards sustainable packaging solutions, Neha Jain, a former Google employee, has founded Zerocircle, a startup dedicated to converting seaweed into affordable and eco-friendly alternatives for plastic packaging. Zerocircle's innovative approach aims to address the environmental challenges posed by single-use plastics, offering a dissolvable, home-compostable, and bio-digestible option.
Jain, who transitioned from the tech industry to pursue sustainable design, emphasizes the importance of considering both the source and end-of-life aspects of materials in sustainability efforts. The startup's seaweed-based packaging not only minimizes environmental impact but also supports coastal communities and provides livelihood options.
The journey began with a collaboration between Jain and marine biologist Dr. CRK Reddy, who recognized seaweed's potential as a low-impact resource for making bioplastics. After successful experiments in Maharashtra, Zerocircle now collaborates with seaweed farms in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu to produce materials for handbags, clothing bags, food film, and other plastic alternatives.
Despite facing challenges, including the impact of COVID-19 on their pilot project, Zerocircle has made significant strides. In 2020, the startup secured an initial investment of Rs 20 lakh and raised $300,000 in a pre-seed round from Rainmatter Foundation. They also reached the finale of the prestigious Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Prize.
Looking ahead, Zerocircle aims to reduce annual plastic consumption by 2500 to 3,000 tonnes within the next three years. The startup is actively working on scaling production and envisions becoming as affordable as food contact-safe paper once in full commercial production by Q1 of the upcoming year.
Stay tuned for Zerocircle's groundbreaking contributions to the eco-friendly packaging landscape, as they strive to revolutionize the industry with their sustainable and scalable seaweed-based alternatives.
To know more about Zerocircle visit their website.
Watch the video here.
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