Innovative Startup Turns Agricultural Waste into Sustainable Alternatives for Wood

FDT Bureau

Each winter, the Delhi-NCR region suffers from severe smog due to the widespread burning of stubble, which is a major environmental concern. However, Shubham Singh, CEO, Craste, has developed an innovative solution that not only utilizes agricultural waste but also provides a sustainable alternative to imported wood. Craste focuses on creating eco-friendly materials through a circular economy approach. Know more about it on FURNITURE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (FDT).

Shubham’s journey into social entrepreneurship began in 2017 when he was selected as a fellow for the Social Innovation Immersion Programme, a prestigious initiative supported by BIRAC and the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. His work with Craste has earned him notable accolades, including the BIRAC SOCH Innovation Challenge Award and the Millennium Alliance Award, and he has been recognized by Pitch at Palace, an initiative endorsed by the Duke of York.

Craste addresses the dual issues of stubble burning and excessive wood imports by turning farm waste into valuable products. Shubham’s startup provides farmers with an additional income stream while meeting India’s substantial demand for wood. With stubble burning contributing 30 per cent to 40 per cent of Delhi’s air pollution during peak seasons, Craste’s technology offers a viable alternative. The Supreme Court of India has even intervened to curb stubble burning, emphasizing the urgency of finding solutions.

Craste’s approach involves converting agricultural waste into biodegradable packaging, thereby reducing reliance on plastic and mitigating environmental damage. Shubham, along with his sister Dr Himansha Singh, who co-founded the startup with him, has developed a process that uses only a third of the water required in traditional paper production and generates minimal waste. Their R&D efforts have resulted in the creation of Engineered Green Boards, which are formaldehyde-free and made entirely from crop waste, avoiding the need for timber.

The Engineered Green Boards offer a robust and eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood-based products. Made from an abundant supply of agricultural waste, these boards are produced using cutting-edge technology that eliminates the need for formaldehyde, a substance identified as a human carcinogen by the US National Toxicology Program. Available in 4ftx8ft, each board helps prevent the release of up to 30kg of CO2 that would otherwise result from burning crop waste. Their technology, which has gained international recognition, including a listing as one of the global top 10 start-ups in sustainability, aims to empower farmers to operate their own pulp production facilities. This model not only addresses environmental issues but also supports local economies.

Image credit: Craste