Every innovation comes into existence not only to solve pressing issues but also to inspire others. One such breakthrough emerged when the world was increasingly burdened by plastic pollution and harmful agricultural practices. Craste stands as an inspiration for innovation. Founded by siblings Shubham and Dr Himansha Singh in 2018, Craste is tackling two pressing global issues which are environmental damage caused by stubble burning and the growing demand for sustainable packaging. By transforming crop waste into biodegradable products like eco-friendly packaging and engineered boards, Craste provides sustainable alternatives and empowers farmers by offering them new revenue streams. Craste is originally a path toward a cleaner, greener future with its staying updated with the latest technology.
The genesis of Craste
Craste was born out of the shared vision of Shubham and Dr. Himansha, who sought to reduce the environmental damage caused by burning crop stubble, which contributes significantly to air pollution. Shubham, a chemical engineering graduate, was inspired by his research into biomass and its potential to create sustainable alternatives to plastics. His passion for sustainability led him to leave his corporate job and focus on addressing the twin problems of stubble burning and plastic waste. His sister co-founded Craste, bringing her expertise to the venture and helping to develop the technology that would revolutionise waste management.
Turning Waste into Valuable Resources
Every year, India generates a devastating amount of agricultural waste, with 500 million tonnes produced annually. Much of this waste, particularly wheat and rice stubble, is burned, releasing harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Craste is tackling this issue head-on by purchasing crop residue from farmers at Rs. 6 per kg, which would otherwise be discarded or burned. Using a registered, patent-pending technology called Fumarole, Craste transforms this waste into biodegradable packaging, particle boards, and eco-friendly furniture materials.
By converting crop waste into sustainable alternatives to plastic, Craste is helping businesses reduce their environmental footprint. The company’s engineered green boards – made entirely from agricultural waste – are formaldehyde-free and offer a safer, eco-friendly replacement for traditional wood in furniture and construction. These boards not only meet industry standards for durability but also help curb deforestation and reduce reliance on harmful chemicals.
One of the most innovative aspects of Craste’s model is its ability to provide farmers with an additional income stream. The company purchases crop residue from farmers, encouraging them to stop the practice of stubble burning, which is responsible for a significant portion of Delhi’s air pollution during the winter months. By offering a market for crop waste, Craste provides a sustainable way for farmers to dispose of their residues without harming the environment. This business model not only empowers farmers but also helps reduce emissions that contribute to severe air pollution in India’s northern states, especially during the harvest season.
The green innovation for sustainable growth
Craste’s innovative approach has garnered attention from both the public and private sectors. The company has received several grants, including support from the BIRAC SOCH Award, Biotech Ignition Grant, and AB InBev Grant. Additionally, Craste has been selected for the Stanley Techstars Accelerator, which has helped the company scale its operations and develop custom-made, sustainable packaging solutions for major global brands like Anheuser-Busch and Stanley Black & Decker. As the company grows, Craste continues to prioritise research and development, expanding its portfolio to include even more products made from agricultural waste. With plans for global expansion and increasing interest from regions like Africa, Europe, and the U.S., Craste is poised to become a leader in sustainable packaging and alternative materials.
Craste’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond creating products – it’s about fostering a circular economy where agricultural waste is not seen as a problem but as a resource. By turning crop residues into valuable products, Craste is reducing plastic use, tackling air pollution, and empowering farmers to contribute to a more sustainable future.
With its innovative approach and continued focus on sustainability, Craste is not only transforming the packaging and furniture industries but is also leading the charge for a greener, cleaner world. Through its efforts, Craste proves that sustainability can drive innovation and growth while benefiting both the environment and the economy.
