In a world drowning in plastic, two former corporate professionals from Kolkata decided to chase a cleaner dream. Leaving behind their high-flying careers, Sagnik Mukherjee and Sanjoy Banerjee stepped into the world of sustainable innovation. What followed was the birth of Pepcom India — a passionate venture that has replaced over six million plastic containers with eco-conscious paper-based alternatives and built a thriving business worth over Rs 2 crore.
The rise of plastic in the food industry once seemed like progress. But convenience came at a price. Harmful chemicals, non-biodegradable waste and a legacy of pollution. Amid this crisis, Pepcom emerged in 2022 as a quiet revolution. By September 2023, they launched eco-safe food packaging, crafted from ITC’s strong paperboard, known for its heat and moisture resistance. Their goal was simple yet profound — to offer something safe for both food and the Earth.
From printing to shaping and sealing, each box is crafted with care using FDA-approved, FSC-certified paper and food-safe inks. “The quality of the paperboard is essential,” said Sanjoy. “Our containers must carry anything — from hot curries to oily snacks — without falling apart.”
With certifications like ISO 9001 and ISO 22000, these boxes are not only sturdy but also compostable and recyclable. Restaurants such as Wow China, Rang De Basanti Dhaba and Biryani By Kilo have already embraced the switch, helping Pepcom save 200 tonnes of plastic and reduce 300 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
“Each container we produce is one less piece of plastic in the environment,” said Sagnik. Their pricing is just about 10 percent more than plastic, but restaurants find the quality and sustainability worth it. A 500 ml container is priced at Rs 5.40, and a 750 ml one at Rs 6.25.
Pepcom has reached over 70 restaurants across cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune and Ahmedabad. For small businesses, they’ve launched a monthly subscription model of 1000 containers to ease the shift.
The dream? A cleaner plate for the planet. “India has over 80 lakh restaurants. We see a huge opportunity,” said Sagnik, as they set their eyes on national expansion.
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