Product Special: Avinyakraft’s sustainable solutions

WhatPackaging? (WP?): What is the name of your product? How many product models do you have? 
Vishal Udar (VU): We deliver end to end sustainable packaging solutions. We have ten such models: corrugated boxes, honeycomb boards, paperbags, drawstring pouches, seed paper products, paper pulp trays, paper rolls, bioplastics, and monocartons.

WP?: Describe your process of creation.
VU: First we consult the client. We understand the clients’ needs and their sustainability goals. We then collaborate on custom designs and provide prototypes. We suggest more sustainable options than what the client is currently using, based on durability and protection. We test its functionality, customise it and then produce it.

WP?: What is the target market? For example: clothes, pizza boxes, boxes to pack delicate artefacts.
VU: For retail and e- commerce, we create paper bags and mono cartons. We also make food and pizza boxes and pulp trays. For fragile goods we have honeycomb boards and protective wraps. For gifts, we create drawstring pouches and seed paper. For wholesale boxes and bulk, we create corrugated boxes.

WP? What is the feedback you hear from your customers and customers’ customers?
VU: We are fortunate that it is usually positive. Customers appreciate the customisation options we offer, allowing them to tailor packaging to their specific needs. They value our eco-friendly solutions and often highlight how our products help them align with sustainability goals.

End-users of the packaging (such as consumers receiving retail products or food) have shared that they love the eco-conscious nature of the packaging, particularly appreciating the use of materials like honeycomb boards, seed paper, and compostable options. Many express satisfaction with the product protection and ease of use, along with the satisfaction of reducing waste.

WP?: What is the USP of your product? What sets this product apart from its competitors in the market? 
VU: Customisation, competitive pricing and eco friendly design. 

WP?: When was this company launched?
VU: We launched our product in 2004.

WP?:  How easy is it to use? Could you describe the process of using it as a protective barrier?
VU:  Honeycomb sheets can be used to simply wrap around your product for shock absorption and protection. Paper pulp trays: can be used for a snug, compostable fit. Corrugated boxes offer strong protection during transit, products can be packed, sealed, and shipped. People can place items inside the  drawstring pouches and pull the string for secure, reusable protection.

WP?: Why did you take the decision to manufacture the product in India? 
VU: We chose to manufacture our eco-friendly packaging products in India to support the ‘Make in India initiative. Many products like honeycomb paper pallets and paper wraps (alternatives to stretch film) were previously unavailable in India, leading to a reliance on imports. Instead of importing, we are working with local manufacturers to bring these high-quality solutions to the Indian market, making sustainable packaging more accessible and reducing dependency on foreign products.

WP?: What is the price of this product?
VU: The price of our products varies depending on the customisation, material, and quantity ordered. For an accurate quote, we encourage customers to reach out with specific requirements, and we'll provide a detailed, personalised pricing estimate.

WP?: What kind of feedback have you received from customers regarding this product? Especially about durability and its effectiveness in comparison to bubble wrap?
VU: The feedback we've received about our eco-friendly packaging, particularly honeycomb paper wraps and honeycomb boards, has been positive. Customers appreciate the durability and protective qualities in comparison to bubble wrap. While honeycomb wraps may not be as cost-effective as bubble wrap, they provide superior sustainability—being recyclable, biodegradable, and a more eco-friendly option.

Many customers have noted that our products offer better protection for fragile items, with the added benefit of reducing plastic waste. Despite the higher cost, customers value the environmental impact and long-term benefits of choosing a sustainable solution.

WP?: Could you tell us about your team and the R&D process in detail? What was the journey like?
VU: We believe in investment. This includes focusing on materials like mycelium, bio-plastics, and honeycomb paper pallets as alternatives to traditional packaging and investing in advanced manufacturing processes to ensure high-quality, eco-friendly products.

WP?: Why did you choose the name Avinyakraft? What does it mean to you?
VU: We chose the name Avinyakraft to reflect our core values. "Avinya" comes from the Sanskrit word meaning "innovation" or "creativity", symbolizing our commitment to innovative packaging solutions."Kraft" refers to "craftsmanship", representing our dedication to quality, precision, and the art of creating eco-friendly products.

Together, Avinyakraft represents a blend of innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship—values that drive us to create packaging solutions that are both eco-friendly and high-quality.

WP?: How did you diversify your portfolio to so many products in such a short span of time? 
VU: We’re eager to bring new innovations and trends to the Indian packaging industry, which is why we’ve expanded our product range to provide end-to-end packaging solutions. Our offerings include corrugated boxes, paper-based cutlery, nailless boxes, mono cartons, paper and bio-plastic pouches, paper cups, kraft paper rolls, and more. Additionally, we offer designing and prototyping services for customized solutions.

Instead of competing, we’re teaming up with manufacturers and startups that share the same vision, creating strong collaborations to work together in revolutionizing the packaging industry. This approach allows us to leverage collective expertise, ensuring we meet all packaging needs while staying committed to sustainability and innovation.

WP?:  What was the inspiration behind the move to create your product?
VU: The inspiration behind creating Avinyakraft India came from a deeply personal experience the founder had while traveling through the Himalayan region. During the journey, they were struck by the overwhelming presence of plastic waste littered across the pristine landscapes, especially near railway tracks and remote areas. This sight of environmental degradation left a lasting impact and sparked a realization—there was a pressing need to change the system and offer eco-friendly alternatives to the plastic pollution that was choking the environment.

The founder’s vision was to not only address the environmental crisis but also tackle the price-sensitive nature of the Indian market. They recognized that while sustainable solutions were available, many businesses in India were hesitant to adopt them due to higher costs. To combat this, the idea behind Avinyakraft India was born—to provide high-quality, affordable eco-friendly packaging solutions that could compete with traditional packaging options without compromising on sustainability.

By working with local manufacturers, offering innovative solutions like honeycomb paper pallets, biodegradable wraps, and bioplastic packaging, the goal became clear: make sustainable packaging accessible to businesses across India, helping to reduce plastic waste while meeting the cost-conscious needs of the market.

This vision continues to drive the company today—creating products that protect both the environment and the bottom line of Indian businesses, and ultimately, helping to solve the growing plastic waste problem in India.