Biography of Anish Malpani: Founder and CEO of Ashaya- Entrepreneur
Anish Malpani’s story
Anish Malpani is a passionate entrepreneur who aims to
tackle two major issues in India: waste management and poverty. His journey
began with the simple observation of discarded chip packets, which led him to
realize that these items could be transformed into valuable products. Anish
envisioned a solution that not only addressed environmental concerns but also uplifted
underprivileged communities, particularly waste pickers.
The Birth of Building Without™
In 2020, Anish founded "Building Without™" under
Ashaya, a social enterprise dedicated to reimagining how we perceive waste. The
initiative started with a focus on chip packets, which are often seen as mere
trash. Anish’s goal was to find innovative ways to recycle these materials
while also educating communities about the importance of sustainable practices.
Educational Endeavors
Anish understood that education is a vital part of change.
He organized workshops to engage communities, teaching them how to repurpose
waste into useful products. These workshops quickly became popular, drawing in
participants from various backgrounds who were eager to learn and contribute to
a cleaner environment.
Hands-On Experiences
The workshops provided participants with hands-on
experiences in recycling chip packets. They learned to create various items,
fostering creativity and teamwork. Anish emphasized that these activities were
not only educational but also empowering, giving participants a sense of
ownership over their work and environment.
Facing Skepticism
Despite the enthusiasm, some community members were
initially skeptical about the potential of recycling chip packets. Anish
addressed their doubts by sharing success stories from other regions and
illustrating how recycling could positively impact both the environment and
their livelihoods. Gradually, he won over the skeptics, transforming doubt into
curiosity.
Expanding the Impact
As interest grew, Anish sought to expand his initiative
further. He collaborated with local schools to incorporate waste management
education into their curricula. This move aimed to instill values of
sustainability in younger generations, ensuring that the message of
environmental responsibility would be carried forward.
Success Stories Emerge
As the initiative gained traction, inspiring success stories
began to emerge. Participants who learned to create products from waste started
small businesses, generating income and demonstrating that recycling could be
both profitable and impactful. Anish was thrilled to see his vision taking
shape in real-world applications.
Collaborating for Change
To enhance his efforts, Anish partnered with local
organizations and businesses, which provided resources and support for his
workshops. This collaboration strengthened the initiative and highlighted the
collective responsibility of communities to manage waste effectively. The
partnerships helped elevate the project’s visibility and reach.
Biography of Anish Malpani: Founder and CEO of Ashaya- Entrepreneur/Building Without/Ashaya Recyclers/Age/Net worth/investor/wife/Anish Malpani story
Challenges Along the Way
Despite the successes, Anish faced several challenges,
including sourcing enough empty chip packets and navigating the restrictions
brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. His team conducted numerous experiments,
determined to find the right processes to create high-quality products from
recycled materials. Their perseverance paid off after about a year of hard
work.
A Personal Journey
Anish’s journey into social entrepreneurship was influenced
by his upbringing. Coming from a hardworking family, he initially pursued a
successful career in finance in the U.S. However, he felt unfulfilled and
wanted to make a positive impact in the world. This desire ultimately led him
back to India, where he focused on working with waste pickers and addressing
environmental issues.
Launching the Startup
In 2020, Anish officially launched his startup, Ashaya
Recyclers. His innovative approach involved transforming Multi-Layered Plastics
(MLP) from chip packets into raw materials for creating products, starting with
stylish sunglasses. The startup’s unique process quickly garnered attention and
highlighted the potential of upcycling waste.
Impressive Early Success
Anish’s startup achieved remarkable success shortly after
its launch. Within just a week of introducing their sunglasses, the company
generated Rs 11 lakh in revenue by selling 500 pairs online. This immediate
success validated his concept and showcased the market’s appetite for
eco-friendly products.
Empowering Waste Pickers
In addition to creating sustainable products, Anish aimed to
improve the lives of waste pickers. By collaborating with local collectives, he
ensured that these individuals received fair compensation for their work. Anish
believes in building a system where everyone benefits, especially those who
have historically been marginalized.
A Commitment to the Community
Anish’s business model reflects a commitment to social
impact. He allocates 10% of sales to support the children of waste pickers,
demonstrating a dedication to uplifting the community. This approach not only
enhances the quality of life for these families but also fosters a sense of
solidarity and support.
Looking Ahead
With his innovative spirit and dedication to social change,
Anish is poised for future growth. He plans to expand Ashaya’s operations by
raising funds and exploring new product lines that utilize recycled materials.
Anish envisions a greener, more inclusive economy where waste is seen as a
resource rather than a burden, ultimately transforming the lives of countless
individuals.
A timeline for Anish Malpani's journey with "Building
Without™" and Ashaya:
2019: Anish observes discarded chip packets and envisions a
solution.
2020: Launches "Building Without™" under Ashaya.
2020: Begins community workshops on recycling chip packets.
2020: Expands education initiatives into local schools.
2020: Participants start small businesses from recycled
products.
2021: Faces challenges from COVID-19 and resource sourcing.
2021: Officially launches Ashaya Recyclers, focusing on
upcycling MLP.
2022: Achieves Rs 11 lakh in revenue from sunglasses sales.
2022: Partners with collectives to empower waste pickers.
2023: Allocates 10% of sales to support waste pickers’
children.
2024: Plans for expansion and new product lines to promote
sustainability.
