sunbird straws

From Purvina’s virgin coconut oil to Cancrie’s nanocarbon batteries, Indian entrepreneurs are blending tradition with innovation — transforming the versatile coconut into impactful products.

Bengaluru-based Professor Saji Varghese founded a startup called Sunbird Straws, which sells eco-friendly straws made from coconut leaves. So far, the company has sold over 20 million pieces worldwide.

“Every year a coconut tree naturally loses upto six of its leaves. I found out that these leaves are simply burnt in most parts of rural India, because they are difficult to dispose off. That’s when I decided to create an eco-friendly product out of the leaves.”