In a small village of Bihar Nawada district, two brothers have quietly built a recycling venture that is redefining how plastic waste is viewed in India and beyond. Named ‘Minus Degree’, the startup recycles nearly 120 tonnes of plastic every year, transforming discarded wrappers and scrap into tiles, furniture, medals, trophies and souvenirs that have reached the Rashtrapati Bhawan and global markets.
Founded by Vikas Kumar and his younger brother Rahul Kumar, the company processes around 10 tonnes of plastic waste every month and has achieved an annual turnover of ₹1.25 crore. What began as a modest experiment during the COVID-19 lockdown has now grown into a sustainable business supplying eco-friendly products to corporate giants and government institutions alike.
From IIT and NIFT to a Village Recycling Unit
Vikas Kumar, who hails from Narhat village, completed his BTech from IIM Kolkata and later earned an MTech in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Delhi. Rahul Kumar, on the other hand, studied Fashion Technology at the National Institute of Fashion Technology and was working in a private firm with an annual package of nearly ₹12 lakh. Despite promising careers, both brothers chose entrepreneurship over corporate comfort.
Inspired by the environment at IIT and driven by a desire to contribute to society, they decided to work on a problem that affects everyone plastic waste. During the lockdown, they began melting plastic lids at home using a small oven worth just ₹6,000, creating items such as earrings, keychains and badges. These early products sold for ₹300 to ₹800 and helped them test the market before formally launching ‘Minus Degree’ in 2021.
Tiles That Look Like Marble, Made From Waste Plastic
Today, the startup produces high-quality tiles that closely resemble marble, along with furniture, trophies and medals. According to Vikas Kumar, most people cannot tell that these products are made from recycled plastic unless they are informed. Their trophies and medals are especially popular with the Bihar government, as they symbolise achievement while also promoting sustainability.
The demand for their products extends far beyond Bihar. Companies such as Tata Motors, IDFC Bank, BMW and Adidas are among their clients. Through the brand ‘Rare Planet’, their recycled artefacts, including medals and pen stands, have reached the Rashtrapati Bhawan, with some furniture even displayed at its souvenir shop. Internationally, their products are exported to the United States, Germany, Taiwan, Canada and Singapore.
Creating Jobs While Cleaning the Environment
Beyond innovation, the startup has also generated local employment. The brothers source plastic waste from over 30 scrap vendors, purchasing material at prices ranging from ₹12 to ₹100 per kilogram. Currently, more than 12 skilled workers are employed at the unit, earning monthly salaries between ₹11,000 and ₹22,000.
From initially collecting plastic waste from friends, the company now recycles between 50,000 and 1,00,000 kilograms of plastic annually. The founders say their core motivation has always been to reduce environmental harm while supporting livelihoods. Looking ahead, they are preparing to set up a larger plant and plan to expand into recycling textile waste, opening a new chapter of green employment in Bihar.
What started as a lockdown experiment has today turned into a powerful example of how innovation, education and determination can convert waste into wealth and put a small Bihar village on the global sustainability map.