UKHI, an IP-led biopolymer and sustainable packaging startup, has raised ₹10.5 crore in a seed round led by Venture Catalysts, with participation from 100 Unicorns, 888 VC and DCG Pack. The capital injection underscores growing investor confidence in India’s climate-tech and sustainable manufacturing sectors.
Founded in 2019 by Vishal Vivek, Priyanka Chauhan and Sandeep Kumar Tyagi, UKHI develops high-performance biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics. The company operates at the intersection of materials science and sustainability, targeting the persistent challenge of plastic pollution while offering industry-ready solutions for packaging and related applications.
The funds will be deployed to scale production of the company’s flagship material, EcoGran; expand its intellectual property portfolio; and bolster research and development. UKHI also plans to strengthen partnerships across the packaging value chain to accelerate commercial adoption and broaden market reach.
EcoGran: a biopolymer from agricultural residues
EcoGran is a patent-pending biopolymer produced from lignocellulosic agricultural residues such as rice stubble, hemp stalks and flax. By replacing petroleum-derived feedstocks with farm waste, UKHI seeks to reduce plastic dependency while creating additional income streams for farmers and mitigating stubble burning.
The company states that EcoGran is biodegradable, compostable and cost-competitive with conventional plastics, positioning it as a viable option for large-scale use. UKHI emphasises maintaining performance standards suited to sectors including FMCG, food packaging, cosmetics and retail, addressing a common trade-off between eco-friendly credentials and functional durability.
Within a short timeframe, UKHI says it has supplied over 200,000 kg of biomaterial to early customers and achieved a trial-to-commercial conversion rate exceeding 90%, indicating a strong product–market fit and rising industry acceptance of sustainable packaging alternatives.
Market tailwinds and policy context
A strengthening regulatory framework against single-use plastics in India, together with rising ESG commitments among corporates, has created favourable conditions for startups offering compostable and biodegradable materials. Brands seeking sustainable supply-chain solutions are driving demand for alternatives to traditional plastics.
UKHI’s model supports circular-economy objectives by converting agricultural waste into industrial inputs, which can reduce environmental harm from stubble burning and align with national sustainability targets. As consumer and corporate environmental awareness grows, eco-conscious packaging is transitioning from a niche requirement to mainstream procurement criteria.
Growth plans and outlook
With the fresh seed capital, UKHI plans to expand manufacturing capacity and accelerate market penetration, targeting the replacement of up to 24 lakh kilograms of single-use plastic in the near term. The company expects that combining materials innovation with scalable production will position it as a significant player in India’s sustainable materials segment.
Backed by prominent investors and showing increasing customer traction, UKHI aims to deepen industry partnerships and scale operations, seeking to convert early commercial wins into broader adoption across packaging-intensive sectors.
