THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A Thiruvananthapuram-based couple has developed an initiative that manufactures environmentally friendly bio-paper coating using edible oil as an alternative to the plastic coating that is commonly seen on the outside of paper plates and cups. Nitheesh Surendran (45), an NRI who returned to Kerala during the time of the Covid pandemic, and his wife Anu (40) are behind the initiative named 'Varsya'. The couple also won the government's award for the best manufacturing enterprise.

Nitheesh and Anu started their company in Kazhakoottam in 2020. They developed the technology in 2022. It was Anu's science knowledge that imparted strength to the initiative. Anu is a PG degree holder in Biotechnology. Soybean oil is being used to make the eco-friendly bio-paper coating. The manufacturing unit is in Pappanamcode. The machine will change the composition of the oil and turn it into a thick bio-coating. This will be smeared on the paper. Both bio-coated paper and coated cups are sold here.

Coated paper is sold at a rate of Rs 150 per kg. One coated cup costs Rs 1. The price of a bio-pouch for selling food items is Rs 3. Oil from food items will not spread out.

Varsya has received an order for paper coating on the plates in which chapati made in the Poojappura Central Jail is served. The company is also holding talks with Vande Bharat. It also provides bio-coated products to hotels like Taj and Hilton.

Plates made using bran can be maintained for up to a year if this coating is applied. Varsya was recognized as one of Zomato's top 10 startups for plastic-free food and delivery packaging.

Sold 'pothichoru' in Oman
Nitheesh had a hotel business in Oman. However, his business collapsed during the COVID lockdown. Anu also lost her job at the catering company. The couple then started preparing 'pothichoru' (traditional Kerala meal) at home and selling them in Oman. Nitheesh later came to Kerala and started selling paper cups after buying them wholesale from companies. He used all his savings to manufacture his own cups. In the beginning, Varsya received technical support from CSIR and NIIST. The company also received grants from Startup Mission and Startup India. Nitheesh and Anu live in Manacaud in Thiruvananthapuram. They have two children- Sachid and Shraddha.