Biography of Radhesh Agrahari: Founder and CEO of Golden Feathers- Entrepreneur
Biography of Radhesh Agrahari:
Entrepreneur's Sustainable Journey
Radhesh Agrahari, the founder of Golden Feathers, is an
innovative social entrepreneur committed to reshaping industries for a greener
future. With a deep passion for sustainability, Agrahari has dedicated himself
to using waste to create useful products. His journey began from humble
beginnings in Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh, where he grew up in a large,
closely-knit family led by his grandmother. His love for design, coupled with
his commitment to the environment, laid the foundation for his transformative
journey.
Turning Waste into Opportunity
Radhesh’s journey into the world of sustainability and
innovation began with his concern about food waste, specifically the waste
generated in the chicken butchery industry. After learning about the enormous
waste produced from chicken processing, he saw a unique opportunity to turn
this waste into something valuable. This vision led him to create "Golden
Feathers," a company that transforms chicken feathers, blood, and skin
into a spinnable yarn and other eco-friendly products.
From Concept to Creation
The idea that sparked the creation of Golden Feathers came
from Radhesh’s design thinking project during his post-graduation at the Indian
Institute of Craft and Design, Jaipur. For nine years, he worked on turning
this idea into a practical solution. His perseverance led to the development of
the "6th Natural Fiber," a fabric made from upcycled chicken waste.
The material is not only sustainable but also high-quality, offering insulation
properties similar to wool.
A Mission for Change
Radhesh's mission is to create a significant green impact by
addressing the environmental issues caused by the disposal of chicken waste.
This innovative approach aligns with his commitment to sustainable living and
the principles of the circular economy. By reducing pollution, he has already
contributed to the reduction of 7.76 billion kilograms of carbon footprints.
Golden Feathers is more than just a business; it’s a movement for a cleaner,
greener planet.
Reviving Traditional Craftsmanship
Golden Feathers also has a social impact. Radhesh is
committed to reviving traditional crafts and empowering tribal women artisans.
Through his innovative approach, the company has successfully revived Wet Hand
Spinning, Wet Hand Carding, and Handloom Weaving, benefiting over 10,000 women
artisans. This empowerment has not only provided them with sustainable
livelihoods but has also positively impacted their communities.
An Unconventional Product with Global Potential
What makes Golden Feathers truly unique is the fabric made
from chicken feathers, which is a breakthrough in the textile industry. The
feathers are turned into a soft, durable, and warm fiber, which has been
compared to wool. This product, known as the "6th Natural Fiber," is
being celebrated for its sustainable properties and is gaining traction not
just in India, but internationally as well. Radhesh’s innovative product has
the potential to reach markets in over 80 countries.
Biography of Radhesh Agrahari: Founder and CEO of Golden Feathers- Entrepreneur/chicken waste into eco-friendly products/age/net worth/investor/startu
Creating Employment and Social Impact
At the heart of Golden Feathers lies a commitment to
providing sustainable employment. The company employs over 5,000 ragpickers,
who are trained to collect chicken waste from local butchers. This waste
undergoes 27 meticulous sanitization processes, ensuring the end products are
hygienic and safe. By working directly with these ragpickers and artisans,
Radhesh is providing them with a livelihood and creating a positive economic
impact in their lives.
A Growing Sustainable Business
In 2019, Radhesh launched Golden Feathers with an initial
investment of Rs 50 lakh. The business has faced challenges, especially during
the pandemic, but it has steadily grown. In the first year, the company
generated Rs 65 lakh in revenue, and by 2023-24, it expects to reach Rs 1.12
crore in revenue. With its focus on sustainability, Golden Feathers has not
only survived but is thriving in a competitive market.
Recognition for Innovation and Design
Radhesh’s dedication to sustainability and innovation has
earned him numerous awards and recognitions. In 2020-2021, he was honored with
the German Design Award (Gold) for Excellence in Product Design. His
innovations have also been recognized by prestigious institutions such as the
AEGIS Graham Bell Award for clean tech innovation, the CII Design Excellence
Awards, and the Lexus Design Award 2023. These accolades highlight his role as
a trailblazer in the sustainable fashion and design industry.
Golden Feathers on Shark Tank
Golden Feathers gained national attention when Radhesh and
his team appeared on Shark Tank India, seeking an investment of Rs 5 crore for
5% equity, valuing the company at Rs 100 crore. Although the investment offer
wasn’t accepted, their pitch left the Sharks impressed with the company’s
unique product. The chicken waste-to-fiber process, along with the company’s
commitment to sustainability and social impact, caught the attention of
audiences across India.
A Unique, Eco-Friendly Product Line
Golden Feathers offers a range of products made from its
unique chicken feather-based fabric. These products include elegant shawls,
stoles, diaries, and even quilts. The company’s products are appreciated for
their high quality, warmth, and eco-friendly nature. Customers are particularly
drawn to the fact that these items are not just fashionable, but also
sustainable, offering an alternative to conventional wool products that are
environmentally taxing to produce.
Zero-Waste Practices
One of Golden Feathers’ core principles is reducing waste.
The company uses every part of the chicken waste it collects. Feathers
unsuitable for spinning are repurposed into handmade paper, or fillers for
quilts and pillows. Even the byproducts from the feather treatment process are
converted into compost for local farmers. By ensuring that nothing goes to
waste, Golden Feathers operates as an almost zero-waste venture.
A Business Built on Sustainability
Radhesh’s Golden Feathers is a shining example of how
businesses can thrive by focusing on sustainability. The company uses recycled
paper for packaging and natural dyes for its products, further reinforcing its
eco-conscious approach. Golden Feathers’ business model combines profitability
with a genuine commitment to environmental and social well-being, making it a
pioneer in the green business space.
Expanding the Impact
Looking ahead, Radhesh is focused on expanding the reach of
Golden Feathers. The company aims to process at least 10 tonnes of chicken
feathers daily to provide sufficient employment for its tribal workers. The
venture’s innovative approach, combined with its sustainable practices, is
paving the way for future growth. Golden Feathers is not just changing the way
we think about waste; it’s also creating a model for how businesses can profit
while positively impacting society and the environment.
A timeline for the story of Golden Feathers:
2019 - Golden Feathers is founded by Radhesh Agrahari to
turn chicken waste into eco-friendly products.
2019-2020 - Development of "6th Natural Fiber", a
fabric made from chicken feathers, offering sustainable and high-quality
insulation properties.
2020-2021 - Recognition for innovation with awards like the
German Design Award (Gold) for Excellence in Product Design.
2020 - Launch of products including shawls, stoles, diaries,
and quilts made from the unique feather-based fabric.
2021 - Social impact grows, benefiting over 10,000 women
artisans and empowering tribal communities with traditional crafts.
2021 - Golden Feathers appears on Shark Tank India, gaining
national attention, though no investment was secured.
2021-2023 - Steady growth, with the company expecting to
reach Rs 1.12 crore in revenue by 2023-24.
2022-2023 - Zero-waste practices implemented, repurposing
every part of chicken waste into useful products or compost.
2023 - Expansion plans aim to process 10 tonnes of chicken
feathers daily, providing more sustainable employment.
2024 - Expanding global reach, with Golden Feathers set to
become a leading model in sustainable and profitable business practices.
