Panaji: Seven startups, including one from Goa, have made it to the second round of the single-use plastic (SUP) challenge which is being funded by the German Federal ministry for economic cooperation and development (BMZ).
Over the next one month, the seven startups will attempt to replace single-use plastic using biodegradable materials such as discarded coconut shells, sugarcane bagasse (pulpy fibrous material), cellulose-rich agriculture waste like rice straw, banana covers and bamboo.
While the challenge is being implemented by Goa Institute of Management’s Atal incubation centre (AIC-GIM) in partnership with climate collective foundation (CCF), the pilot project is being rolled out at Taj Resort & Convention Centre, Goa.
“These seven startups will be heading to the next round and the pilots will run from September. The food and beverage partners in Goa will then place their orders and AIC-GIM will fund the manufacturing process and provide mentorship throughout,” said Rajesh Joshi, the chief executive officer of AIC-GIM.
Among the seven startups is Kasoi, a Goa-based startup which will introduce tableware made from discarded coconut shells.
Another startup, Kagzi is using wheat straws to replace single-use plastic.
“We extend our support to AIC-GIM foundation and the CCF for the global SUP challenge,” said senior vice-president-Goa at the Tata Group’s hospitality firm Indian Hotels Co Ltd (IHCL) Vincent Ramos. IHCL aims to completely eliminate single-use plastic across all its resorts by 2030.
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