As the world wrestles with the environmental crisis posed by single-use plastic, two visionary young men from Kerala are reshaping the narrative. Alvin George and Sidharth A K, both 29, are the co-founders of Carbon & Whale, a clean-tech startup based in Kochi. Through their pioneering efforts, they have transformed tonnes of discarded plastic waste into stylish, functional modular furniture, creating not only a profitable business but also a path toward sustainable waste management. Their journey, marked by perseverance, innovation, and environmental consciousness, stands as a testament to the impact two determined individuals can have.
An accidental partnership with purpose
Alvin and Sidharth met purely by chance at an official event two years ago. Alvin, an engineering graduate, and Sidharth, a business administration graduate, found a shared passion for the environment and a mutual frustration over the lack of effective solutions for plastic waste. The mounting problem of single-use plastic waste ending up in landfills or being incinerated further fuelled their determination to take action. They envisioned a way to tackle this global issue by creating something that not only mitigated plastic waste but also served a practical purpose.
The two joined forces with Sooraj Verma, a professor at the Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET), to develop a sustainable method for managing single-use plastic waste. Sooraj’s technical expertise, coupled with Alvin and Sidharth’s ambition, laid the foundation for Carbon & Whale, a clean-tech startup with a mission to address plastic waste from a completely different angle.
A revolutionary idea: Turning plastic into furniture
While recycling is often touted as the solution for plastic waste, Alvin and Sidharth recognised its limitations. Many forms of plastic recycling do not effectively address the problem, as most plastic eventually ends up as waste again. Alvin shared with Open Digest, “Our approach was to give single-use plastic a new lease on life, transforming it into something durable with a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, so it could serve productive purposes.”
Carbon & Whale’s solution was to convert single-use plastic into modular furniture. By repurposing discarded plastic into products with practical value, they ensured that the material wouldn’t return to landfills or pollute oceans anytime soon. Their furniture, ranging from stools to benches, has been warmly received by the public for its durability and aesthetic appeal. Designed with both functionality and eco-friendliness in mind, their furniture resonates strongly with environmentally conscious consumers.
The market quickly recognised Carbon & Whale’s innovative approach. Their furniture, made from upcycled plastic waste, garnered attention from consumers and corporations alike. Several corporations, as part of their social responsibility initiatives, partnered with Carbon & Whale to fund the creation of modular furniture for public spaces, including parks. These partnerships allowed Alvin and Sidharth to further expand their business while amplifying their positive environmental impact.
Since its inception, Carbon & Whale has processed over two tonnes of plastic waste, sparing this material from ending up in landfills or waterways. In just two years, their modest beginnings evolved into a multi-crore business. In the financial year 2022-2023, their revenue was a modest Rs 69,447, but by 2024-2025, this number had skyrocketed to five crore. This growth reflects not only their commitment to sustainability but also the public’s growing demand for environmentally responsible products.
Beyond their business partnerships, Alvin and Sidharth have worked tirelessly to build a strong network of support within their community. They collaborated with local communities, volunteers, and environmental advocates to raise awareness and gather support for their initiatives. They have set an ambitious goal: to convert one million kilograms of plastic waste into modular furniture. This bold target symbolises their dedication to creating a cleaner environment, one piece of furniture at a time.
“We’re working hand-in-hand with local communities, volunteers, and partners to make our surroundings free from single-use plastic waste,” Alvin explained. Their journey is as much about community engagement as it is about business. By involving communities in their mission, they aim to foster a culture of environmental responsibility and inspire others to contribute to the fight against plastic waste.
The road to success has not been without challenges. Establishing a clean-tech business in a niche market demanded a considerable amount of persistence. From navigating the technical challenges of plastic repurposing to securing funding, Alvin and Sidharth faced numerous obstacles. Developing the technology to convert plastic waste into durable, attractive furniture required not only financial investment but also patience and determination. Incubating their startup at CIPET was instrumental in overcoming these technical challenges, as it gave them access to the resources and expertise needed to perfect their process.
Moreover, convincing both the public and corporate partners of the value of furniture made from repurposed plastic presented its own set of challenges. Eco-friendly products are often met with scepticism, as some consumers question the quality or durability of items made from waste materials. However, Alvin and Sidharth’s unwavering belief in their mission helped them overcome these barriers. They invested in educating their customers and potential partners, demonstrating that their products were not only eco-friendly but also high-quality and long-lasting.
Carbon & whale’s vision for the future
Looking ahead, Alvin and Sidharth have ambitious plans for Carbon & Whale. With the demand for sustainable products on the rise, they are aiming to expand their operations, both in terms of scale and geographical reach. Their ultimate goal is to establish Carbon & Whale as a leader in the sustainable furniture market, setting a benchmark for quality and eco-consciousness.
Their mission is not just about growing a profitable business; it is about creating a legacy of environmental responsibility. By turning single-use plastic into furniture, they are not only addressing a pressing environmental issue but also inspiring others to consider how they can make a difference. Their journey embodies the idea that real change begins with small, dedicated actions. For Alvin and Sidharth, it started with a shared concern, a chance meeting, and a vision for a cleaner planet.
Making waves with whale
In a world grappling with waste and pollution, Alvin George and Sidharth A K have emerged as unlikely heroes, using innovation and determination to combat one of today’s most persistent environmental challenges. Through Carbon & Whale, they are turning waste into wealth, one stool and bench at a time, and showing the world that even single-use plastic can have a long-lasting, positive impact.
Their story is an inspiring reminder that sustainable solutions are not only possible but also profitable. Alvin and Sidharth’s journey reflects the power of vision, innovation, and community engagement in building a cleaner, more sustainable world. As Carbon & Whale continues to grow, so too does the hope that their efforts will inspire more individuals and businesses to take responsibility for the environment, proving that even the smallest changes can make a world of difference.
