Anees Ahmed, founder of Chennai-based startup Global Green Coir, has transformed coconut husks into a thriving business. His company converts coconut waste into Cocopeat, a soil substitute used in making coir pots, bricks, blocks, and grow bags, which are in high demand nationally and internationally.
Cocopeat, derived from coconut husks, is an eco-friendly alternative to soil that boosts plant growth and enhances soil fertility. Previously, it was considered a waste product, often discarded as a pollutant. However, its potential was first recognised by Dutch innovators in the late 1990s.
Today, Anees Ahmed has tapped into this market, turning what was once waste into a ₹75 crore annual enterprise. Global Green Coir exports Cocopeat to several countries, especially in Europe, where soil fertility is a significant challenge.
Tamil Nadu, according to Anees, is India’s leading producer of Cocopeat, with most of the supply catering to international markets. The company also enriches Cocopeat with nutrients, creating customised products for different agricultural needs.
Global Green Coir’s meticulous process ensures that impurities like leaves and fibres are removed, delivering high-quality products that meet global standards.
