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Evlogia Eco Care, started by Manigandan Kumarappan, is converting coconut leaves into biodegradable straws.
Plastic straws have been found to be one of the leading causes of marine pollution with approximately 8.3 billion units polluting the world’s beaches. With an aim to eliminate these single-use plastic straws, Manigandan Kumarappan quit his corporate job and started Evlogia Eco Care in 2016.
The Bengaluru-based startup makes 100% biodegradable straws made from fallen coconut leaves, the supply of which comes from farmers in rural areas. The leaves are then cleaned and sterilised, followed by a roughening and glueing process, after which it is finally rolled into a straw.
“The idea was to develop the product in a circular economy. We collect waste and convert it into ‘wealth’, and in the process create employment opportunities.”
