Imagine starting your day with an aromatic and foamy coffee in a takeaway cup. Now, what if I told you that the cup is actually made out of that same coffee residue? Unbelievable? Not really!
This is just one of the many innovative solutions changing the way we think about waste. In India, two young entrepreneurs are leading this transformation with their venture — ‘ The Mend Packaging’. In 2020, they founded The Mend Packaging, a bootstrapped company pioneering biodegradable and sustainable packaging solutions.
By innovating with materials like mushrooms, banana peels, tomatoes, and coffee waste, The Mend Packaging is not just replacing traditional plastic but redefining how businesses approach sustainability.
The birth of The Mend Packaging
Rhea Kothari and Rishika Reddy’s journey into sustainable packaging was driven by a mix of curiosity and concern. “During the lockdown, with everyone relying on deliveries, we noticed a surge in packaging waste. Huge, non-eco-friendly boxes were being used even for small items, creating mountains of trash,” recalls Rhea.
Studying global sustainability trends, she recognised India’s dire need for alternatives to single-use plastic. Partnering with Rishika, who shared a similar vision, the duo embarked on a mission to introduce materials that could break down naturally without harming the environment.
Starting from scratch, they spent months researching and experimenting with eco-friendly materials. “Since my family has been involved in the printing industry, we’ve had conversations about the packaging industry and what has been missing in the field,” shares Rishika.
“We wanted to fill that gap where packaging not only served its purpose but also left no trace behind,” adds Rhea. Their work eventually led them to explore natural fibres, agricultural waste, and fungi-based packaging that decomposes within weeks.
“To be honest, we initially wanted to create more awareness and education about sustainable packaging methods,” Rhea admits. “But I’m happy we ventured into the manufacturing aspect as well.”
More than just a packaging company
The Mend Packaging is more than just a manufacturer of sustainable materials — it is a full-fledged service provider in the packaging space. “We offer consulting, design and branding, and manufacturing services, helping businesses transition to eco-friendly alternatives at their own pace,” says Rhea.
“Since 70% of consumers decide to buy a product based on its looks, we have taken immense care in the appearance of our packaging,” she continues. While sustainable packaging is often expected to look dull and brown, The Mend Packaging embraces colours and textures to provide a unique yet functional look.
With a small yet efficient team of 10 in their Mumbai office, including technical experts from IIT and experienced professionals in packaging, they provide end-to-end solutions tailored to client needs.
The company has worked with over 280 vendors, collaborating regularly with 50, and operates a strong supply network across Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Delhi. “We have developed over 70 product categories while replacing over 5 lakh non-recyclable shipping boxes and over 80,000 non-recyclable plastic bags.”
Some of their clients include Daughter Earth, Juicy Chemistry, No Nasties, Honest Milk Co., and many more from industries such as food, hospitality, jewellery, and cosmetics.
Innovating with nature
One of the most remarkable innovations is the use of mycelium — the root structure of fungi. This material, often dubbed ‘nature’s plastic,’ is lightweight, durable, and fully compostable. Additionally, they have integrated banana peels, tomatoes, and coffee waste, reducing industrial by-products that would otherwise contribute to landfill waste.
The company’s solutions are now being adopted by small businesses and sustainable brands looking to lower their carbon footprint. “Sustainability is a journey. It’s unrealistic from the lens of cost to ask a small business to switch to sustainable packaging completely,” Rhea says.
“Our consulting services help clients understand if they are using more packaging than required for their product. This also helps in optimising resources and choosing the right material for their brand,” explains Rhea. “We recommend tomato or banana leather for jewellery and accessories, while for perfumes, we suggest mycelium,” shares Rishika.
“We constantly work on research and development, which helps us identify how to use these sustainable materials in durable packaging. These methods are provided to the vendors who implement them effectively,” adds Rishika, emphasising the importance of quality control.
Challenges and breakthroughs
Building a business in the sustainability sector wasn’t without hurdles. As a women-led startup, Rhea and Rishika initially faced scepticism from clients. “We had to prove that our solutions weren’t just ‘idealistic’ but commercially viable and durable,” says Rishika.
“We were lucky enough to get our first client, Plier Designs, three months after starting our business. We made sustainable packaging for an accessories brand, and that gave us the confidence to take this further,” shares Rhea.
“It was our validation that businesses are ready to embrace sustainability if given the right alternatives,” Rhea notes. With a 2x year-on-year growth rate, the company has been able to generate consistent profits while expanding its impact.
Women in sustainability
As a women-led company in a largely male-dominated industry, The Mend Packaging is breaking more than just environmental barriers. Rhea and Rishika actively conduct webinars and knowledge-sharing sessions in entrepreneurship and sustainability.
With certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), Rhea emphasises, “Sustainability isn’t just about materials; it’s about empowering people to drive change.”
Looking forward, the company aims to expand its product line, integrating more locally sourced biodegradable materials. They are also working on making their solutions more affordable for small businesses, ensuring that sustainability is not just an option for the privileged few.
With India’s growing emphasis on eco-conscious policies and consumer demand shifting toward greener alternatives, The Mend Packaging stands at the forefront of a revolution. For Rhea Kothari and Rishika Reddy, sustainability is not just a business — it’s a movement that is here to stay.
As more businesses embrace sustainable packaging, could The Mend Packaging’s vision reshape the future of packaging in India?
Visit their website to know more.
Edited by Megha Chowdhury; All images courtesy The Mend Packaging
