Ankit Agarwal and Prateek Kumar: Pioneering Eco-Friendly Innovation with Phool.co

Ankit Agarwal and Prateek Kumar, engineering graduates with a shared passion for environmental sustainability, are the innovative minds behind Phool.co. This first-of-its-kind biomaterial startup is revolutionizing the fragrance and wellness industry while making significant strides in addressing the issue of floral waste. In a recent Series A funding round, Phool.co secured $8 million in investments from Sixth Sense Ventures, further propelling its mission to create positive environmental and societal change.

Founded in 2017, Phool.co is the brainchild of Ankit Agarwal and Prateek Kumar. Their journey began with a commitment to tackling the problem of floral waste, driven by their environmental concerns and a desire to make a meaningful impact. This Kanpur-based startup employs an innovative flower recycling technology to upcycle temple floral waste into organic fertilizer and charcoal-free luxury incense products. Phool.co focuses on collecting floral waste from three major Indian cities, including the renowned Kashi Vishwanath temple. By doing so, they prevent a staggering 13 tonnes of waste flowers and toxic chemicals from reaching the rivers every day. The collected waste is then handcrafted into patented charcoal-free incense sticks and essential oils by self-help women’s groups, utilizing their “flower cycling” technology.

Phool.co’s commitment to innovation goes beyond just fragrance products. They have introduced “Fleather,” a vegan alternative to animal leather, which they aim to commercialize. This initiative seeks to disrupt the global leather goods industry, valued at $550 billion, and make animal leather obsolete. Phool.co has achieved significant recognition and success. It is India’s first direct-to-consumer wellness brand to acquire prestigious certifications like Fair for Life-Fairtrade and Ecocert Organic & Natural. These certifications reflect their dedication to offering environmentally friendly and sustainable products.

The shift towards natural and sustainable alternatives has created a rising demand for Phool.co’s products. The recent Series A round, which raised $8 million, underscores the confidence of investors and environmental advocates in the startup’s mission. The funding will be instrumental in scaling operations, exploring untapped domestic and global growth opportunities, and advancing research and development efforts, particularly in the development of Fleather. Renowned Indian actor and environmentalist Alia Bhatt is among the startup’s supporters. She has not only invested in Phool.co but also endorsed the brand as her chosen gift for special occasions. Bhatt recognizes the exquisite natural fragrances and eco-friendly packaging as standout features. Moreover, she lauds the reduction of chemical usage and floral waste, emphasizing the positive impact on river cleanliness and the planet.

Ankit Agarwal and Prateek Kumar are driving Phool.co toward a future where eco-friendly, sustainable products are the norm. Their innovative approach to addressing floral waste, introducing cruelty-free leather alternatives, and creating luxury incense products positions Phool.co as a beacon of environmental and societal change. The brand’s remarkable growth and dedication to its mission exemplify the positive impact that innovation and environmental consciousness can have on industries traditionally associated with waste and pollution.