India boasts the world’s second-largest bamboo reserves, second only to China. With 136+ species thriving across the country, especially in the northeastern states, bamboo plays a pivotal role in both forests and industries. It covers 13% of India’s forest area, providing livelihoods for millions and serving as a sustainable alternative to timber and plastic. From traditional handmade pens known as kalam or boru to their use in construction, handicrafts, and plastic alternatives, bamboo’s legacy in India is rich and varied.
On World Bamboo Day, we are spotlighting startups from the Greenr Sustainability Accelerator program by TechnoServe that are harnessing bamboo to drive environmental and social impact. From eco-friendly toothbrushes to compostable bandages, these trailblazers are proving that bamboo is the wise man’s timber for the 21st century.
A bandage that heals your wounds—and the earth
For every time you heal your bruise, you also help the earth. Sounds like an enticing proposition, no? Bengaluru-based Earthlings Design offers a sustainable healthcare solution with Marham Bamboo Bandages, one of India’s first compostable bamboo bandages. These bandages naturally break down, minimising landfill waste and eliminating risks for waste handlers. Earthlings is bringing sustainability to healthcare by creating products that are as good for the planet as they are for people.
Gifts from nature, for nature
The price of a well-thought-out gift matches none. And To You From Me (TYFM Enterprises) simplifies sustainable gifting with eco-friendly kits for the hospitality industry. To You From Me (TYFM Enterprises) Eco Gifts makes that task easier by designing eco-friendly kits designed for the hospitality industry including a seed notebook, seed pen, neem comb, bamboo brush, and tongue cleaner, thereby combining practicality with sustainability.
The company is at the forefront of revolutionising corporate gifting by blending innovation with a deep commitment to environmental responsibility. It’s not just a gift to your loved ones but also a gift for nature.
Their corporate joinee kits are crafted from biodegradable materials and recycled paper, making gifts that are thoughtful for both recipients and nature. TYFM Enterprises collaborates with forward-thinking companies looking at integrating environmental responsibility into their brand identity.
Redefining sustainability with biocomposites
Pacing Grass uses cutting-edge biocomposite technology to create a diverse range of products by blending bamboo, rice husk, and other agricultural residues. Their eco-friendly biocomposite materials result in a minimum 40% reduction in carbon footprint compared to conventional alternatives. Pacing Grass creates a wide range of products made from these sustainable materials, including household items, tableware, and engineering components. Their flagship product, the V0 fire-retardant material, can substitute traditional plastics in electrical equipment like junction boxes and light fixtures.
Your eco-friendly ‘Saathi’
Dedicated to creating eco-friendly alternatives, Eco Saathi uses Bamboo, Neem Wood, and agricultural residues to design sustainable products. Their products, including biodegradable toothbrushes, bamboo tongue cleaners, pen stands, hangers, and more, help reduce plastic waste and air pollution. By working with local artisans and farmers in their production process, the company also supports livelihoods. Their other products include handmade soaps, sabai grass planters & coasters, and neem wood combs.
Pioneering green office stationery and home decor
Kerala-based IraaLoom creates eco-friendly handicrafts and home decor using bamboo, recycled paper, cork, and organic fabrics. Sourced from responsibly managed forests and sustainable suppliers, their range of products—ideal for gifting—include stationery, jewellery, kitchenware, and beauty products—all of which are compostable or recyclable. By supporting traditional craftsmanship, IraaLoom helps preserve cultural knowledge and techniques, thereby encouraging economic sustainability and contributing to cultural heritage conservation.
At the Greenr Sustainability Accelerator Program by TechnoServe, we are proud to work with the above businesses, who are part of a group of passionate and innovative founders committed to working towards mitigating climate degradation. The program is currently in its second cohort and has 150 startups in various sectors such as energy, waste management, agritech, green construction, textiles, forestry, personal care, and other direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. Its aim is to mentor 350 sustainability mission-driven startups, unlocking innovation, growing revenue, jobs and scaling environmental impact.
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