A green solution to waste management

Convincing people that a “green product” can be as effective in industry as a traditional chemical solution long in use is the biggest challenge for S. Sivaram Pillai, founder of ProKlean Technologies.

The start-up, which he set up with two other friends, offers microbial-based products for cleaning and waste management across industries.

Demonstration & trial

Pillai, a Ph.D in biochemistry, says, “There is a disbelief that a green product can match chemical solutions not just in effectiveness but also in cost.” ProKlean’s products cater to leather and textile processing industries and cleaning solutions for the hotel industry.

The proof is in “demonstration and trial,” which help get customers on board. All products are natural, non-toxic, biodegradable, and priced competitively.

Though the product has just begun garnering early adopters, Pillai is not discouraged. It is his own belief that drove him to take up the challenge.

At an age when most people draw up retirement plans, this biochemist, then in his mid-fifties, heading the agribusiness division of a multi-crore, diversified conglomerate, chose to take on new responsibilities in a growing company in the US, SCD Probiotics, to develop its overseas business. The company has microbial-based products for waste, odour and water management.

Over three years Pillai helped develop its international business. He moved back to India and started ProKlean, which holds the India licence of SCD Probiotics.

“Believe in the technology,” he says. Probiotic organisms offer “limitless possibilities in addressing major pollution issues. Since its inception in 2009 the company has made a strong contribution in addressing the needs of the industries.

Its tagline — profit more, pollute less — says it all, says Pillai. ProKlean has demonstrated that “profitability can increase with its product.” It has been a long and interesting haul and Pillai is confident that the company has got the initial ground work done and is on the threshold of growth.

In 2013-14 it hopes to do business of over Rs 10 crore and “turn profitable or at least break even.” Last year it made Rs 1.5 crore. Multifold growth is possible because ProKlean has convinced the textile customers. Across its businesses the company has built up a strong clientele based in the major leather and textile industry clusters.

ProKlean imports the mother culture, a mixture of 20 different microbes, from SCD Probiotics for a royalty. It ferments the imported culture, makes its own value addition and formulations to develop the final product for the market. In turn it has licensed the US company to market the finished products in the Americas, Europe and China, for a royalty. ProKlean is carving out its markets in Asia, Africa and West Asia. Its focus is on Ethiopia for leather and Dubai for the hospitality business.

The company has a factory in Thirumudivakkam, near Thiruneermalai, to the South of Chennai, where it employs over 25 people. The factory capacity is about 50 tonnes a month with facilities to double the capacity in 90 days. It has sales teams in Tiruppur, Chennai and Bangalore.

Tech & Team work

But the growth is not just about technology but also team work, says Pillai.

At the time the venture was launched he partnered with B. Chandrasekhar, who has a strong background in leather sector, and Vishwadeep Kuila, a brand consultant and expert in marketing. The founders launched the business in 2009 with their own funds and the support of friends. Venture capital support came in handy in 2012 when Chennai Angels stepped in.

It is not just about the belief but also commitment, says Pillai. In the initial years, the founders did not even “pay themselves” but ploughed back the money into the business. Today, the company is confident of its growth.

COMMENT NOW