In 2019, Abhinav Talwar and Maithri V founded Vasshin Composites – a company in Delhi, India that blends pine tree threads (its ‘leaves’) with polymers and minerals to make eco-friendly cutlery and other tableware.
During the summer, pine trees shed their threads, which are exceptionally flammable and often catch fire. These forest fires negatively affect the climate and ecosystem, so finding a positive use for them is incredibly brilliant.
Abhinav said:
The rough and thick texture of the pine needles are capable of easily sparking a fire, especially when there are heatwaves. Once they fall to the forest floor, they even hinder the growth of other plants and vegetation. So, the state government was keenly looking at ways to use these needles for commercial purposes. I wanted to contribute to their effort. That was when I began doing my research.
The eco-design startup is safeguarding the biological system and helping consumers replace plastic!
Maithri said in an interview with the medium Social Story:
Forest fires are a huge source of carbon dioxide, and their release affects biogeochemical cycles, leaving behind serious consequences such as climate change and environmental degradation. Therefore, even if we can contain it to a small extent by converting pine needles into something functional, it will end up benefiting flora and fauna.
Our association with Vasshin Composites has been fruitful. Their biodegradable products have been well received and have helped us prevent plastic from reaching landfills.
Every tea you drink adds to your sustainable choices. Adding these chai cups to your kitchen will have your guests appreciating your taste for unique products and applauding for your sustainable responsibility. Our chai cups have a unique touch and feel! Order now!#ecofriendly pic.twitter.com/fzmQdwEsEM
— Vasshin Composites (@VasshinIndia) February 19, 2021
Abhinav and Maithri decided to work together to support their chronic interest in promoting a good and environmentally stable buying mentality. Their synchronized drive to instill a sustainable lifestyle in people led to the development of several products.
Founded by Abhinav & Maithri V in 2019, Vashhin Composites blends pine needles with polymers, metals, and other minerals to manufacture eco-friendly, anti-microbial tableware.@VasshinIndia @makeinindia @CMOFFICEHP @jairamthakurbjp @moefcc @DEFCCOfficialhttps://t.co/OEwdB3TSDG
— SocialStory (@_SocialStory) September 4, 2020
Abhinav said:
Even though we started out creating and selling compostable materials, we got better at assembling bowls, espresso cups, kitchen plates, dinner plates, and other kitchen stuff using pine threads. Each of the articles has been registered on Amazon, as well as on our website.
The raw material is purchased from various suppliers, but we coordinate with the respective forest management committees of the Himachal towns to obtain the pine threads. Usually, they collect the needles from the forests, put them together into compact blocks, and transport them to us.
This International Mother Language Day, let us come together to celebrate the one universal language that every person on this tiny blue planet knows the language of their mother, MOTHER NATURE!#motherlanguageday2021 #internationalmotherlanguageday2021 #MotherLanguageDay pic.twitter.com/EWJ810hR7C
— Vasshin Composites (@VasshinIndia) February 21, 2021
Each acquisition of Vasshin Composites’ cutlery represents the prevention of forest fires and a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions by 95.71 grams, carbon monoxide by 6.52 grams, and nitrous oxide by 0.2 grams.
Abhinav and Maithri are in talks with an investor to obtain further funding. Their goal is to expand the production capacity this year to facilitate the prevention of forest fires further.
