Code Effort Private Limited: Transforming Cigarette Butts to Teddies

Code Effort Private Limited, founded by Naman and Vipul Gupta is helping the environment. HOW? You won’t believe it; the startup recycles cigarette butts into eco-friendly products. Their unique V bins and distinct recycling process is turning waste into useful items. Their initiative is not only promoting cleaner environment but also empowering local communities by supporting ragpickers and artisans.

The Problem: Why Does This Matter?

This is a little-known fact that cigarette stubs are the most common type of plastic waste. Not so surprisingly, around 4.5 trillion cigarette buds are discarded worldwide. In Noida, brothers Naman and Vipul Gupta decided to address this environmental problem and find a sustainable solution.

Naman was in his 3rd year of BCom, when his attention shifted to the increasing number of cigarette butts littering streets, parks, and public areas. No matter where they were, the problem of cigarette butts was unavoidable in Delhi-NCR. He realized that this issue was not limited to Delhi but is a nationwide issue.

The Solution: Code Effort Private Limited by Naman and Vipul

In 2018, Naman and his brother Vipul decided to take matters into their hands and put in their effort to solve this issue. They co-founded Code Effort Private Limited to develop a recycling technology that turns cigarette butts into reusable, eco-friendly materials. Interesting, how did they even think about it?

Eventually, Naman was the one who came up with the idea of recycling cigarette butts, which was an innovative approach. Vipul supported his brother’s vision and they both set out on their journey to make a positive impact.

The company collaborates with mills to recycle paper from cigarette butts into fibers, which are then made into yarns for clothing. Their aim is not just to turn waste into useful products, but also to create jobs.

V bins are designed exclusively for collecting cigarette butts. They keep them separate from other trash, thus reducing landfill and pollution. Moreover, they are safe for public areas as they are waterproof and fireproof.

I am surprised to know, since its establishment, the startup has installed over 200,000 V bins nationwide.  Each day, around 3 tonnes of cigarette stub fibers is recycled by Code Effort sustainably. Plus, the handle approximately 5 kg per batch. Moreover, since its foundation, Code Effort Private Limited have successfully recycled over 10 billion cigarette butts.

The Process of Turning Cigarette Butts into Plush Toys

Once the V bins were placed, they finally overcame the first challenge. Then, the collected cigarette butts are transported to their facility in Noida, Sector 134. These butts then undergo a particular process to separate their components. The waste is broken down into three key parts: the fiber (cotton-like material), the paper wrapping, and the tobacco and ash remnants.

Then, the fiber is treated with biodegradable chemicals and dried. Finally, the products are transformed into a soft material for products like plush toys and cushion covers.

To keep true to their mission, the founders’ goal was to use biodegradable chemicals that could safely break down waste.

Resourcing the Raw Materials and Manpower

For plushies and cushions, threads and fabrics are procured from local suppliers in the Delhi-NCR region. In Nangli village, Noida, over 100 skilled women artisans then stitch these materials. The company is enhancing production quality by offering comprehensive training, state-of-the-art equipment, and advanced machinery.

Business Model: How Do They Make Money?

The company deals in B2B operations, especially in white labeling for retail brands. The company provides its products to huge brands such as MG Motors, Reliance Retail, and Nesta Toys.

Challenges/Struggles: What Roadblocks Are They Facing?

Challenges: The 1st issue was to tackle inadequate cigarette waste collection infrastructure. Recycling cigarette butts seemed impossible without proper collection.

Solution: They created V bins to address this problem. They installed these bins in places such as cigarette shops, offices, and smoking areas to ensure waste is collected at the source.

Challenge: Cigarette butts cannot be recycled in regular machines. A custom-made machine was required to recycle cigarette butts.

Solution: The startup partnered with experienced fabricators to create a custom-made machine based on the startup’s requirements.

Challenge: What should be done with the leftover materials: cigarette ash and tobacco?

Solution: Naman and Vipul decided not to discard them. Using a natural biodegradable method, these leftovers are turned into compost. Bacteria and fungi from fertilizer companies is used to turn them into compost powders.

Future Vision: What’s Next?

The startup aims to increase its manufacturing facility and take off more cigarette butts from the landfills and roads. Moreover, the founders plan to expand across different cities and double the amount of recycled cigarette butts.

Key Takeaways: Why Should Users Care?

From the Gupta brothers, we can learn:

• Give solutions to problems which you can.
• There is no need to go extreme, because if we are passionate towards our mission, we will succeed.
• Everything has a sustainable approach, we just have to have the right mindset and an eye to see.