Decoding Sustainability
Pirul is an innovative company founded by Nupur Poharkar, dedicated to tackling environmental challenges through sustainable practices. Nupur's journey began with her participation in the SBI Youth for India Fellowship, which led her to Khetikhan, Uttarakhand.
During her fellowship, she was exposed to the pressing issues of forest fires and water scarcity in the region, which are significantly impacted by the presence of pine needles. Recognizing an opportunity to create a positive impact, she founded Pirul, a company that utilizes the abundance of pine needles to create sustainable products. In this interview, Nupur shares her journey, the inspiration behind Pirul, and the company's commitment to sustainability.
Haati: Nupur, it's wonderful to have you here today. Let's start from the beginning—can you tell us a bit about your journey and how Pirul came into existence?
Nupur Poharkar: Thank you for having me. My journey with Pirul began during my time with the SBI Youth for India Fellowship, where I was placed in Khetikhan, Uttarakhand. The fellowship exposed me to the unique environmental challenges of the region, particularly the issues of forest fires and water scarcity. These problems are aggravated by the presence of pine needles that cover the forest floor, leading to surface water runoff and, consequently, groundwater depletion. Pirul was essentially born as a product of this fellowship, with a mission to address these environmental challenges by utilizing pine needles in a sustainable and innovative way.
Haati: That's an inspiring start. Why did you choose pine needles specifically as the primary material for your products?
Nupur: Pine needles were a natural choice because of their high resin content, which makes them durable and less prone to degradation. The needles are thin yet strong, allowing us to craft dense, long-lasting products. Also, using pine needles helps mitigate their negative impact on the environment, such as contributing to forest fires and hindering water absorption into the ground. By transforming this waste material into something useful, we not only reduce environmental hazards but also create a sustainable product line.
Haati: That’s fascinating. How does Pirul minimize waste throughout its production process?
Nupur: Our entire production process is centred around the idea of using what would otherwise be waste. The pine needles we use are collected by hand, by local artisans, directly from the forest floor where they have fallen. This not only provides an additional income stream for the local community but also helps clear the forest floor, reducing the risk of forest fires. Moreover, we are committed to minimizing waste in every aspect of our business, including packaging. We avoid using plastic and keep our packaging minimal, ensuring it aligns with our sustainability goals.
Nupur: It’s great to hear about such a comprehensive approach to sustainability. Could you tell us more about the durability of your products?
Nupur: Absolutely. The products we make from pine needles are naturally resistant to fungal infections and bacteria, which adds to their longevity. They can be washed and dried without losing their shape or quality. We also use wood polish on our products to enhance their durability and give them a beautiful finish. This combination of natural resistance and careful craftsmanship ensures that our products are built to last.
Haati: Speaking of durability and materials, what challenges have you faced in maintaining sustainability throughout your production process?
Nupur: One of our core challenges has been finding a sustainable replacement for the wood polish we currently use. While it enhances durability and aesthetics, we are actively searching for more eco-friendly alternatives that align with our commitment to sustainability. It's an ongoing challenge, but we're dedicated to continuously improving our practices.
Haati: That sounds like a worthwhile challenge. Have you considered any certifications to support your sustainability claims?
Nupur: We are looking into obtaining certifications that validate our sustainability practices, but we haven’t obtained any just yet. Certifications are important to us because they offer our customers transparency and trust in our commitment to the environment. We hope to achieve this soon as we grow and expand
Haati: That makes sense. Finally, what types of products does Pirul offer?
Nupur: We have a wide range of products across various categories, including home decor, gifting, and fashion accessories. Each product is handcrafted with care, using pine needles as the primary material. Our aim is to blend sustainability with aesthetics, providing customers with unique, eco-friendly options that also contribute to the local economy and environment.
Haati: Thank you, Nupur, for sharing your journey and insights about Pirul. It’s incredible to see how your company is making a positive impact both environmentally and socially.
Nupur: Thank you for having me. It was great to share Pirul’s story, and I hope it inspires more people to think about sustainability in their own lives.