Mostly, what do students aspire to after completing their studies from prestigious national institutions like IIT and NIFT? Simple, to work for a multinational company, dreaming of packages worth crores of rupees.
But here is a duo who decided to work in the scrap business after studying at those institutions. WHAT?
I know, it is hard to believe, but two brothers are engaged in the scrap business after graduating from those institutions. Parents reaction: recalling 3 Idiots’ scene from Raju’s home. 😑😶
However, just as Raju made it good by the end of his college, Vikash Kumar and Rahul Vashukhi also succeeded with their eco-friendly venture, Minus Degre.
Brothers Vikas (IIT post-graduate) and Rahul (NIFT graduate) collected scrap from door to door, and when they accumulated around 100 tonnes of plastic they recycled and repurposed it into durable furniture. With this, the duo is earning Rs 10 lakh MRR.
How Did they Found their Way into Trash?
It is not an unknown fact that India is struggling and suffocating from over pollution of plastics. Although there are numerous attempts being made and initiatives introduced, day-to-day useable things are still made from plastic which is not letting this cycle end.
The founders were looking to do something different but useful and ended up working to remove plastic. This may sound like a great idea but they were mocked by others while they collected plastic trash.
They were planning for a startup and didn’t have the resources to collect trash from landfills and then segregate it. Thus, the duo decided to keep their pride aside and went door-to-door to collect plastic waste.
No Funding but Strong Will Power
Minus Degre was bootstrapped in 2021 with a plastic recycling machine worth Rs 10,000. Now, the ARR of the company is around Rs 1.20 Cr.
Working and Succeeding
The duo never decided to turn back and run away. Instead, they kept their hold strong and developed durable and designer furniture from recycled plastic. Today, Minus Degre works with Adidas, Tata, and other big brands to help them align with their sustainability goals.
Sustainability is often considered black and white, in short, BORING.
However, that is not the case and Minus Degre is proving it with its colorful and designer products.
About Minus Degre
Quick fact: India is tackling 9.46 million tonnes of plastic waste each year and Minus Degre is committed to tackling it. This plastic not only contaminates our oceans and land but also adversely impacts our climate, food chain, and overall environment.
Mission: To creatively and innovatively integrate products made from recycled plastic into the circular economy.
Minus Degre wants our support in developing a brighter future for future generations.
Strategy: Think Globally, Act Locally.
The company’s strategy has successfully established its presence in 3 European countries and is actively pursuing opportunities to expand into additional markets.
Goal: To integrate recycled plastic into the circular economy across as many countries as possible.
Minus Degre believes that with its support, materials that were once viewed as waste can be transformed into beautiful, meaningful, and sustainable components.
What Next?
To Reach 100% Utilization Rate.
Minus Degre actively promotes local plastic recycling and remanufacturing, not just for reducing CO2 emissions but also for simplifying logistics. The startup is actively working towards zero-footprint manufacturing by using renewable energy and strives for 100% material utilization. Its repurposed furniture and eco-panels are revolutionizing the market at large.
In the words of Minus Degre: They are not just a supplier; they are a dedicated partner, to navigate and achieve genuine sustainability.
With the company’s growing presence in the national and international markets, founders are aiming to launch more designs and products to match customers’ preferences and tastes.
Shop your next batch of sustainable furniture @Minus Degre
Follow their journey @Minus Degree
