Kunjpreet Arora and Lokesh Puri Goswami: Pioneers in Sustainable Brick Manufacturing

In the picturesque city of Udaipur, two visionary entrepreneurs, Kunjpreet Arora and Lokesh Puri Goswami, embarked on a mission to revolutionize the construction industry by introducing sustainable, high-quality bricks known as ‘Wricks.’ Their innovation has the potential to not only transform the way we build but also make a significant impact on environmental sustainability. Arora and Goswami shared a common passion for contributing to the circular economy. They aspired to replace traditional clay-based red bricks, notorious for their environmental impact, with a sustainable alternative. The result of years of meticulous research and dedication was ‘Wricks’—a ground-breaking solution that derives its raw materials from waste sources.

Arora, the co-founder and CEO of the company, explains, “We initially began by manufacturing cubes. Once we realized the promising results, we ventured into creating an exact replica for bricks.” Their revelation was profound: the brick industry, a fundamental component of construction, was also one of the largest contributors to air pollution, responsible for nearly 9 percent of India’s total carbon emissions. ‘Wricks’ are not just bricks; they are a sustainable construction solution designed to reduce the overall project cost by a remarkable 20 percent. These eco-friendly bricks possess the same characteristics and applications as conventional bricks, making them suitable for all mainstream construction projects, whether residential or commercial.

Arora proudly highlights the attributes of ‘Wricks,’ stating, “They are 40 percent stronger than traditional bricks, exhibit 80 percent waterproofing, are 30 percent lighter, and are entirely made from waste materials.” In addition to their impressive properties, ‘Wricks’ significantly expedite construction timelines. While traditional red clay bricks require a lengthy 14-day manufacturing process, ‘Wricks’ can be produced in just a single day. Arora and Goswami commenced their journey with Angirus in 2019, but the onset of the pandemic forced them to temporarily halt their operations. However, during the past year, the startup received essential support through government grants and CSR funding, enabling them to reestablish their momentum. Subsequently, Angirus secured an undisclosed pre-seed investment from CIIE and angel investors, facilitating full-scale ‘Wricks’ production at their in-house facility in Udaipur.

The start-up is currently focusing on the green building sector, which is garnering substantial encouragement from the government. They aim to establish direct relationships with contractors and builders. Nonetheless, transitioning users from millennia-old clay bricks to this innovative product has presented its share of challenges. Arora acknowledges the difficulty, saying, “It has been a tough journey, but we have encountered individuals willing to experiment, particularly for secondary structures like partitions or storage rooms. As they gain confidence in using ‘Wricks,’ we anticipate their adoption in mainstream construction projects.” While Angirus currently operates at a pre-revenue stage, they have initiated three pilot projects nationwide, with orders for 20,000 ‘Wricks.’ Arora proudly shares their successful creation of a 10×10 ft room using ‘Wricks,’ which proved resilient against seasonal changes. Additionally, government-accredited laboratories have conducted testing with positive results.

In the next 6-8 months, Angirus aims to commence ‘Wricks’ sales to builders and contractors, with a primary focus on earning their trust. Kunjpreet Arora and Lokesh Puri Goswami are not only pioneers in sustainable brick manufacturing but also champions of environmental preservation, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future in the construction industry.