Bengaluru-based green packaging start-up Bambrew has raised a pre-Series-A funding of USD 2.35 million from Blue Ashva and Sunpack Industries. It also saw investments from Mumbai Angels and other angel investors.

The funds will be used to build a platform for sourcing green packaging, increase the supply capacity, expand operations in multiple cities, invest in research and development of new sustainable materials, and further strengthen the team.

Founded by Vaibhav Anant 2018, Bambrew produces a host of eco-friendly products made from bamboo, sugarcane and seaweed, and is a strong advocate of responsible development and environmental sustainability. It claims that its products are “100% handmade, durable, reusable, fully biodegradable, and the perfect natural substitute for plastic”.

Commenting on the funding round, Anant said, “People and businesses are having increased awareness of the perils of single-use plastic (SUP) usage. We are elated to see the changing consumer behaviours to consider alternatives. This strengthens our vision and belief to reduce the usage of SUP and help make our planet a better place for the current and future generations.”

“We have been able to scale our operations manifold over these past few years and take great pride in our collaboration with the largest eCommerce player in the world as well as other major players in this space,” he added.

Meanwhile, Satya Bansal, founder, Blue Ashva Capital said, “Single-use plastics have been widely used for various applications, even though their negative environmental impact has been well understood for decades. There are simply two parameters that have driven this choice: price and application. Previous attempts at sustainable packaging have failed on one or both parameters. We are proud to work with the Bambrew team to deliver sustainable alternatives at scale that are not only environmentally friendly, but also cost competitive and multi-application.”

Anant: 100% handmade, durable, reusable, fully biodegradable, and the perfect natural substitute for plastic

The latest infusion of funds will help increase Bambrew’s footprint and supply capacity across metros such as Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, as well as global markets including the US, Europe, and the Middle East.

Plastic crisis
According to Bambrew, 32% of the 78 million tonnes of plastic packaging produced annually is left to flow into the oceans – the equivalent of pouring one garbage truck of plastic into the ocean every minute.

“Plastic is choking our oceans, lakes, and rivers and piling up on our land more rapidly than ever before. Single-use plastic straws form the biggest threat. Plus, they frequently do not make it to a landfill or are recycled,” the company states in its website.

So, what could be the probable solution? “It’s simple. Say ‘no’ to plastic,” says Bambrew.

Why bamboo?
Bambrew chose bamboo for a good reason. Apart from being the best substitute for endangered rainforest hardwoods, it is also a quick-growing and versatile forest product, outwitting all other tree species, the company claims.

Bamboo grows faster than any other plant, producing over 35% more oxygen than hardwood trees, “but most importantly, helps fight global climate change”.

Bambrew believes that bamboo is one of the most planet-friendly substances in existence. “If this doesn’t impress you, bamboo is also stronger than steel.”