Fuloni on a mission to reduce plastic waste in gardens

Founder Hasan Al Mehdi talks about plantable pots & bioplastics to reduce harmful waste

Guwahati: You might be using more plastic in the garden than you think. Only 9% of plastic garbage gets recycled and 50% of it ends up in landfills. Approximately two-thirds of plastic waste is made up of things with a lifespan of under five years.

In the potting shed, plastic is a highly useful material because it produces inexpensive, lightweight and stackable pots. Going plastic-free is an important challenge. But an Assam-based startup called Fuloni Enterprise has developed its eco-friendly planting practices in order to promote gardening without using plastic.

India’s first plastic-free plant and home garden store, Fuloni, is a D2C brand establishing the benchmark for plastic-free gardening.

Mehdi, the founder of Fuloni, talks to Business-Northeast about the company’s mission, how they promote plastic-free gardening, their range of products, and how well the state has received them.

Revolutionary mission of Fuloni:
Fuloni’s revolutionary mission is centred around combating plastic pollution in the horticulture industry and promoting eco-friendly alternatives. Our mission is to tackle plastic pollution in the horticulture industry by recognising the detrimental effects of petroleum-based plastic pots on the environment and aims to reduce their usage.

Fuloni seeks to replace traditional plastic pots with three types of eco-friendly alternatives: plantable pots, compostable pots and bioplastics. As part of the efforts, we grow tissue-cultured plants in pots that are 100% biodegradable and provide plant lovers with an eco-friendly option for starting their gardens. Fuloni’s commitment extends to the entire process, including the delivery of plants in biodegradable pots to the doorsteps of plant enthusiasts.

What Fuloni offers:
Fuloni’s product offerings are diverse and encompass a wide range of eco-friendly and plastic-free options for gardening enthusiasts.
Fuloni collaborates with local artisans to create a variety of planters, plant decor and garden furniture. These products are crafted using premium natural materials such as bamboo, rattan, water hyacinth, kauna grass, moonj grass, sabai grass, murta plant, jute and other sustainable resources. This approach not only supports local craftsmanship but also promotes the use of renewable materials. Fuloni provides a range of gardening essentials that are entirely plastic-free, such as products like terracotta pots, tools, accessories, seeds, compost and potting soil mix. 
We use compostable and recyclable materials for packaging the products with minimal ecological footprint.
Our products are delivered in a 100% plastic-free manner showcasing a holistic approach to promoting eco-friendly gardening and contributing to a greener future.

How longer the products stand:
The longevity of the products varies based on the materials used and the specific product type. 
Fuloni’s products are made from completely biodegradable materials, such as bamboo, rattan, and other natural resources. These materials are carefully chosen for their durability and sustainability. Natural materials like bamboo and rattan are known for their exceptional durability, especially when properly cared for. With attentive maintenance, these products can withstand the test of time, contributing to their long-lasting nature.
Fuloni’s plantable pots and compostable pots are intentionally designed to gradually decompose. The specific breakdown time of these pots varies depending on the material used. For instance, coir pots, which are made from coconut fibre, may break down within six months to a year under suitable conditions.
Fuloni’s broader range of products, which include handcrafted planters, garden furniture, and other items made from natural materials, can endure beyond five years with proper maintenance and appropriate conditions. 
Fuloni’s approach to product longevity goes beyond initial design considerations. We have implemented a comprehensive strategy that involves collecting and reusing plastic pots, along with robust recycling initiatives.

Packaging at Fuloni:
Fuloni uses compostable and recyclable materials for packaging its products. This includes materials such as corrugated boxes, wood wool, and shredded papers. One of Fuloni’s key priorities is to maintain a plastic-free approach to packaging. 
Fuloni’s packaging choices not only avoid plastic but also demonstrate a conscious effort to choose materials that are environment-friendly and biodegradable. This ensures that their packaging materials can naturally break down over time without causing harm to the environment. We have adopted a holistic approach that spans the entire product lifecycle, from the manufacturing process to the packaging stage. 

Fuloni’s proactive approach towards sustainable practices:
Fuloni’s proactive stance toward sustainable practices is evident in its approach to sourcing, manufacturing, and overall operations. While they might not have pursued specific environmental certifications, Fuloni is steadfast in their dedication to adopting responsible environmental practices. Right from the beginning stages of obtaining materials to the creation of their products, they prioritize methods that minimize negative environmental impacts.
We are actively working towards the mission of promoting plastic-free gardening and leaving a positive environmental legacy.

Collaborations & partnerships:
Fuloni’s collaborations and partnerships with local artisans from the Northeast region play a significant role. Fuloni recognises and values the skills and craftsmanship of local artisans from the North East. By collaborating with these artisans, Fuloni not only supports local economies but also provides a platform for traditional and sustainable craftsmanship to thrive. 
The collaborations involve crafting handmade planters and decor using natural materials. Collaborating with local artisans supports traditional skills and creates sustainable livelihoods, thereby fostering a positive socio-economic impact. It also results in unique and authentic products that carry the essence of the region’s culture and craftsmanship. This uniqueness adds value to Fuloni’s offerings and resonates with customers who appreciate ethically crafted items.

Aligning with eco-friendly practices:
We do acknowledge that our biodegradable pots have limitations when it comes to lifespan compared to traditional plastic pots. However, it highlights the significant advantage of natural decomposition, emphasising our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of the products even if it means accepting certain trade-offs.
Fuloni’s active engagement in developing bioplastic alternatives demonstrates its dedication to innovation and finding solutions that balance functionality with sustainability.
Fuloni’s primary focus remains steadfastly fixed on sustainability and the reduction of plastic waste. 
Fuloni clarifies that their intention is not to replicate the properties of plastic exactly with their bioplastic alternatives. Instead, they aim to align with environmentally friendly practices while curbing the ecological impact associated with plastic usage. 
Fuloni’s approach reflects a thoughtful and pragmatic perspective on eco-friendly practices.

Presence of Fuloni in the market:
Fuloni’s presence in the market has garnered a strong and positive response, particularly in the region of Guwahati. The fact that we were able to attract over 380 customers exclusively from Guwahati highlights the demand for the products. The enthusiastic participation of these customers translated into substantial plant sales amounting to Rs 8,53,074. This reflects the interest in their products and demonstrates the viability of the business model within the market.
Fuloni’s success can be attributed to a multi-faceted approach, combining a dynamic presence on social media platforms with the support of walk-in customers. This combination of online and offline engagement has contributed to organic sales growth. Fuloni’s dynamic presence on social media platforms has played a pivotal role in their market presence. It has allowed us to reach a wider audience and create a community of like-minded individuals interested in sustainable gardening. It has now positioned Fuloni as a leading brand in this niche market segment.

What customers felt:
Customers’ feedback about our products reflects our commitment to eco-friendly gardening practices. Customer reviews and testimonials have endorsed the effectiveness and eco-friendliness of Fuloni’s products. 
The testimonials often liken Fuloni’s products to established traditional alternatives. The testimonials echo Fuloni’s mission, indicating that customers understand and support the brand's goals. Fuloni attributes the positive feedback to their unwavering dedication to delivering top-tier, sustainable solutions. This dedication is likely a significant factor in building customer trust and loyalty.

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