Eco-Packaging Breakthrough: 6 Million Plastics Replaced by Kolkata Startup’s Genius Solution

Two former automotive executives, Sagnik Mukherjee and Sanjoy Banerjee, swapped corporate careers to tackle India’s plastic waste epidemic through their Kolkata-based startup, Pepcom India. Launched in 2022, the company produces durable, compostable paper packaging as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic in the food industry. Using FSC-certified paperboard from ITC, their containers withstand heat, grease, and moisture—passing rigorous safety tests while costing just 10% more than plastic.

In 15 months, Pepcom has replaced 6 million plastic units, diverted 200 tonnes of waste, and partnered with 70+ restaurants nationwide, including Biryani By Kilo and Wow China. Despite challenges like convincing cost-sensitive small businesses, their subscription model and ISO/FDA certifications are driving adoption. With ₹2 crore revenue and pan-India reach, the duo aims to make eco-packaging mainstream, proving sustainability and profitability can coexist in India’s fight against plastic pollution.

Eco-Packaging Breakthrough: 6 Million Plastics Replaced by Kolkata Startup’s Genius Solution

In a bustling Kolkata neighborhood, two former corporate professionals are proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand-in-hand. Sagnik Mukherjee and Sanjoy Banerjee, once entrenched in the automotive industry, now spearhead Pepcom India—a startup that’s swapping plastic food containers with eco-friendly alternatives, one paper box at a time. Their mission? To curb the food sector’s plastic addiction while building a scalable business model.  

The Plastic Problem and a Pandemic Pivot 

Globally, food packaging generates millions of tonnes of non-recyclable waste annually, with India contributing significantly. Plastic containers, though cheap and convenient, leach toxins into food and linger in landfills for centuries. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this crisis, as home deliveries surged. Witnessing this unsustainable cycle, Mukherjee and Banerjee ditched their corporate careers in 2022 to launch Pepcom.  

“The pandemic was a wake-up call. We saw demand for takeaway soar, but eco-friendly options were scarce. Restaurants needed practical alternatives, not just ideals,” shares Mukherjee.  

From Paperboard to Practical Solutions 

Pepcom’s innovation lies in its sturdy, compostable paper containers. Sourced from ITC’s FSC-certified paperboard—ensuring sustainable forestry practices—the material undergoes rigorous transformation:  

1. Food-Safe Printing: Custom branding with non-toxic inks.  

1. Precision Engineering: Machines shape and fold the paperboard into leak-proof containers, tested to withstand heat, grease, and moisture.  

1. Quality Assurance: Each batch undergoes microwave, durability, and leakage tests. 

The result? Containers that hold steaming biryanis or oily snacks without compromise. Priced just 10% above plastic (Rs 5.40 for 500ml), Pepcom balances affordability with eco-consciousness.  

Impact by the Numbers 

In 15 months, Pepcom has:  

• Replaced 6 million plastic containers—equivalent to 200 tonnes of waste.  

• Prevented 300 tonnes of CO2 emissions through sustainable production.  

• Onboarded 70+ restaurants, including Biryani By Kilo, Wow China, and Mumbai’s Tamari.  

• Achieved ₹2 crore revenue with a ₹15 lakh monthly recurring income. 

Abhimanyu Maheshwari of Rang De Basanti Dhaba notes, “Switching to Pepcom’s packaging aligned with our sustainability goals without sacrificing functionality. Customers appreciate the change.”  

Scaling Sustainably: Challenges and Strategies 

Despite growth, hurdles persist. “Plastic is entrenched. Convincing small eateries to pay slightly more requires trust,” explains Banerjee. To bridge this, Pepcom introduced a subscription model—allowing businesses to order 1,000 containers monthly, easing budget constraints.  

Certifications like ISO 9001, ISO 22000, and FDA approval bolster credibility, while pan-India reach spans Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, and Gujarat.  

The Road Ahead 

While global expansion is a future goal, Pepcom is focused on India’s 8 million restaurants. “Our vision is to make sustainable packaging the default, not the exception,” says Mukherjee.  

Why This Matters 

Pepcom’s journey underscores a critical lesson: environmental solutions must be economically viable to drive adoption. By merging corporate rigor with ecological passion, Mukherjee and Banerjee offer a blueprint for startups aiming to marry profit with purpose. As regulations tighten and consumer awareness grows, their story is a testament to the power of innovation in turning green dreams into tangible impact.