UKHI, an IP-driven biopolymer and sustainable packaging startup, has raised ₹10.5 crore in a seed funding round led by Venture Catalysts, with participation from 100 Unicorns, 888 VC and DCG Pack. The capital infusion underscores growing investor interest 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. Operating at the nexus of materials science and sustainability, the company targets plastic pollution by offering commercially viable bio-based substitutes for single-use and short-life packaging.
Use of funds and commercial strategy
The seed proceeds will be deployed to scale production of the company’s flagship product, EcoGran, expand its intellectual property portfolio and bolster research and development capabilities. UKHI also plans to deepen partnerships across the packaging value chain—from converters to consumer goods firms—to accelerate commercial adoption and broaden market reach.
EcoGran: feedstocks and performance
EcoGran is a patent-pending biopolymer produced from agricultural residues and lignocellulosic biomass such as rice stubble, hemp stalks and flax. By substituting petroleum-derived feedstocks with farm waste, the process reduces dependency on fossil inputs and creates additional income opportunities for farmers.
UKHI states that EcoGran is biodegradable and compostable while remaining cost-competitive with conventional plastics. The company emphasises maintaining performance metrics required by sectors such as FMCG, food packaging, cosmetics and retail, positioning its material as a scalable alternative that does not compromise durability or manufacturing compatibility.
Early traction and conversion metrics
Since commercialising its material, UKHI has supplied more than 200,000 kg of biomaterial to early customers. The startup reports a trial-to-commercial conversion rate exceeding 90%, signalling a strong product–market fit and rising acceptance of sustainable packaging solutions among brand owners and converters.
Macro tailwinds: regulations and circularity
India’s regulatory measures to curb single-use plastics, coupled with increasing corporate ESG commitments, have expanded demand for biodegradable and compostable materials. UKHI’s model supports circular economy objectives by converting agricultural waste into industrial inputs—helping to mitigate stubble burning and associated air pollution while aligning with national sustainability targets.
Growth targets and market expansion
With fresh funding, UKHI intends to expand manufacturing capacity and accelerate market penetration. The company has set a near-term target to displace up to 2.4 million kilograms of single-use plastic, a move aimed at reducing plastic waste and associated carbon emissions.
Backed by seasoned investors and growing customer traction, UKHI aims to combine materials innovation with scalable production to become a significant player in India’s sustainable materials and green packaging ecosystem.
