Stronger than thermocol, safer for the planet – mushroom mycelium packaging biodegrades in 60 days, not 2000 years.
Delhi’s Annual Crisis of Smoke and Smog
Every October and November, Delhi is shrouded in a thick blanket of smoke caused by stubble burning across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The toxic haze contributes up to 26% of the city’s air pollution, leading to school shutdowns, rising asthma cases, and hazardous AQI levels. For Arpit Dhupar, an asthmatic engineer, this was not just statistics—it was a daily struggle for breath.
The Birth of a Biotech Solution
Instead of waiting for policies to catch up, Arpit decided to find a biological solution. He co-founded Dharaksha Ecosolutions, a startup that transforms agricultural residue into biodegradable alternatives to plastic packaging. Their breakthrough came with mushroom mycelium—the web-like root structure of fungi that acts as a natural glue.
How Dharaksha Turns Waste into Wealth
- Raw Material: Paddy stubble, otherwise burned by farmers, is collected and sterilized.
- Mycelium Growth: The fungi colonize the straw, binding it into solid shapes inside molds.
- Packaging Strength: The end product is lighter yet stronger than thermocol, with resistance to shocks, water, and fire.
- Eco Credentials: Unlike thermocol which takes nearly 2000 years to decompose, mycelium packaging biodegrades in just 60 days under natural soil conditions.
Beyond Pollution Control – A New Economy
- For Farmers: Instead of burning waste, farmers sell it, creating an additional income stream.
- For Cities: Reduced smog and plastic waste means cleaner air and less landfill burden.
- For Industry: Companies get packaging that is affordable, durable, and compliant with India’s plastic ban policies.
Achievements and Recognition
- 7,000 tonnes of agricultural waste processed into sustainable products so far.
- Raised $2.95 million in seed funding in 2024 from Avaana Capital and Shark Tank India investors to expand operations.
- Products tested and certified to meet industrial standards, gaining traction in e-commerce, electronics, and FMCG packaging sectors.
- Featured in sustainability forums and hailed as one of India’s top circular economy startups.
A Vision for the Future
Dharaksha is not just about replacing thermocol—it’s about reimagining how we view waste. With plans to expand into furniture, insulation panels, and construction materials, mycelium technology could disrupt multiple industries while solving India’s dual crisis of agricultural burning and plastic waste.
Final Word
What started as an asthmatic founder’s fight against smog has now become a green business revolution. By harnessing the power of fungi, Dharaksha proves that innovation rooted in nature can heal the environment, empower farmers, and provide industries with sustainable alternatives.
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Author: Team BTP
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