Kanpur’s startup Phool.co: Fleather from flower waste, employment to women

New Delhi. The story of Phool.co, which started from Kanpur city of India, is a unique example of how a simple idea, with the right direction and sensitive thinking can bring change in millions of lives. This startup is not only working to keep the environment clean, but is also giving new life to socially deprived women. Anurag Chauhan and team started this company in 2017. Their aim was to convert tons of flower waste generated daily from temples and religious places into some useful form.

Where earlier these flowers were thrown into rivers, now this waste is being transformed into aromatic incense sticks, organic fertilizers and even a unique vegan leather called ‘Phool Skin’ in the lab of Phool.co. The biggest social impact of Phool.co has been on those women who earlier used to do manual scavenging work. The company trained these women and provided them employment, which not only increased their income but also gave them respect in the society. Today, more than 150 women work in Phool.co’s factories, and the company’s female workforce has become its backbone.

Turnover, funding and business model

Phool.co has recycled more than 11,000 metric tons of flower waste so far. The company’s turnover in the year 2023–24 was around ₹ 50 crore, although during this period it suffered a net loss of ₹ 5.2 crore. But the signs of growth are clear, the company is continuously moving into new products and new markets. It has also received funding from many investors. In 2021, Alia Bhatt invested in Phool.co. Apart from this, the startup has won many Sustainable Innovation Awards, including recognition from the United Nations.

Changing identity with ‘Florafoam’ and ‘Fleather’

Phool.co’s innovation doesn’t end here. The research team in its lab has prepared a new bio-based material ‘Fleather’ from flower waste, which looks and feels like real leather but is 100% vegan. Due to this innovation, Phool.co is now getting recognition in the global sustainability circle. Apart from this, the company’s eco-friendly packing material called ‘Florafoam’ also has the potential to become a big product in the coming years.

How will the company expand?

Phool.co is now planning to expand its model to other religious cities of the country like Varanasi, Ujjain and Tirupati. Their aim is to collect flower waste from every major temple of India and convert it into sustainable products in the next 5 years. Anurag Chaudhary believes that if innovation is combined with social sentiment in India, then many such ‘Phool.co’ can be formed, which will write a new story not only of business but also of change.