From Temple Waste to Global Innovation: The Inspiring Story of Phool
In a world plagued by pollution, waste, and unsustainable practices, one Indian startup saw beauty in the discarded and hope in what was once seen as refuse. That startup is Phool—a brand that began with a flower and bloomed into a revolution.
By 2017, Phool.co was born. Co-founded by Ankit and Prateek Kumar, the startup began “flowercycling”—transforming floral waste into luxury incense, organic compost, and eventually, a groundbreaking product: Fleather, India’s first vegan leather made from flowers.
Their mission? To “flowercycle” the 8 million tons of floral waste discarded annually into eco-friendly products like incense sticks, compost, and eventually something even bigger: Fleather—a revolutionary, cruelty-free alternative to animal leather.
But Phool wasn’t just about sustainability. It was about social change. The startup began employing women from Dalit and underserved communities, offering dignified, safe, and empowering work—many of whom were once manual scavengers.
🌍 Where Phool Stands Today:
13,000+ tons of floral waste recycled
300+ women empowered with sustainable livelihoods
Fleather recognized by PETA and tested by global fashion brands
Backed by investors like Alia Bhatt and Sixth Sense Ventures
Featured by Forbes, Fast Company, and a finalist for the Earthshot Prize
Phool proves that innovation doesn’t always start in a lab—it can begin at a riverbank, with a question, and a handful of discarded petals.
✨ From devotion to disruption, waste to wonder—Phool is a reminder that even the discarded can bloom again.
💰 Backed by Belief: Funding and Growth
Phool caught the attention of global investors and celebrities alike. In 2021, actress Alia Bhatt joined as an investor and ambassador. In 2022, Phool raised $8 million in Series A funding led by Sixth Sense Ventures, helping scale both the incense business and Fleather technology.
With 130% YoY growth and a strong D2C presence, Phool is ready for global bloom.
✨ From Ritual to Revolution
What started as a solution to floral waste is now a story of innovation, empowerment, and sustainability. Phool proves that when you dare to reimagine the discarded, you don’t just clean rivers—you create industries, uplift lives, and inspire a generation.
In a single flower, they found their purpose.
And in every product, they plant hope.
Rutba Qureshi4
Digital Marketing Specialist
Asciatic International Corp
https://www.portrait-business-woman.com/2025/05/rutba-qureshi-mba-in-digital-marketing.html
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