Name: Mr. Ravikrishnan Kakkiriikkan
Company & Job Title: Biomart Sustainable Projects Pvt Ltd, Founder & C.E.O.
Little about your professional journey
- Locations: Singapore, U.A.E., and India
- Expertise: Business development, marketing, branding, and advertising
- Achievements: Led business development initiatives in Singapore, managed operations and marketing strategies in the U.A.E., and spearheaded successful marketing campaigns and branding strategies in India. Contributed to the expansion and success of companies across diverse markets.
Your Educational Status & Hobbies
- Education: Master Diploma in Computer Science, Diploma in AutoCAD & Desktop Languages: English, Malayalam, Tamil
- Hobbies: Photography, Traveling
How did you come to your current role/position?
In my last 20-year career, I addressed plastic waste by introducing oxo-biodegradable carry bags and later starch-based alternatives. However, challenges during COVID-19 led to business loss. Realizing the need for a more effective solution, I developed Orangutan Bricks from recycled plastic waste. Now, I aim to expand this project globally, offering a sustainable solution to plastic pollution for a cleaner future.
Who has influenced you the most in life and why?
I’ve been deeply influenced by documentaries on National Geographic and Animal Planet, which vividly portrayed the devastating impact of plastic waste on wildlife. Witnessing animals suffer and die due to ingesting plastic waste spurred me into action, leading to the development of Orangutan Bricks from recycled plastic. This inspiration drives my commitment to tackling plastic pollution and striving for a cleaner, greener future.
What are the biggest challenges you have faced in your life and how did you overcome them?
- The biggest challenges I have faced in my life have been during the research and development phase of creating Orangutan Bricks. Developing a sustainable construction material from recycled plastic waste was fraught with difficulties. We encountered issues with managing heat, smoke, and finding the right combination of materials to produce durable bricks. These challenges were not only technical but also physically and mentally exhausting.
- Despite these setbacks, my dedication to solving the critical issue of plastic waste pollution kept me going. I spent countless hours experimenting, often facing failures, but I never gave up. Through perseverance and relentless experimentation, I eventually found a real-time, effective solution to address microplastic issues to a certain extent.
- Moreover, I realized the potential of integrating AI technology to optimize our processes. Leveraging my background in computer science, I collaborated with my co-founders, who are engineers and AI specialists, to enhance our recycling methods. By utilizing AI, we have been able to improve the efficiency of sorting and processing plastic waste, ensuring higher quality and more sustainable production of Orangutan Bricks.
- This journey has taught me the importance of resilience, innovation, and collaboration. Overcoming these challenges has not only led to the creation of a groundbreaking solution but also strengthened my resolve to contribute to a cleaner, greener future.
What lessons you have learned from your professional career?
Resilience: Never giving up despite challenges, especially during Orangutan Bricks development.
Innovation: Navigating adversity demands creative problem-solving and unconventional approaches.
Sustainability: Prioritizing sustainable practices in product development for long-term ecological balance.
Collaboration: Success hinges on diverse teamwork, blending skills and perspectives effectively.
Adaptability: Adapting to dynamic business environments, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, is crucial.
Technology’s Impact: Integrating AI into processes showcases technology’s transformative power for efficiency and outcomes.
These lessons guide my pursuit of a sustainable future through innovations like Orangutan Bricks..
What do you see as the biggest challenge for brands in the digital space?
The biggest challenge for brands in the digital space is maintaining authenticity amid rapid technological changes. Key factors include standing out in a sea of content, building and maintaining trust, ensuring data privacy, staying agile, leveraging data effectively, maintaining brand consistency, and meeting customer expectations. Navigating these challenges strategically is essential for brand success in the digital realm.
How your product, or solution can help to resolve the pain points of your customers?
Our solution, Orangutan Bricks, addresses several key pain points faced by our customers:
Environmental Impact: By converting plastic waste into durable construction materials, we help customers reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability goals.
Cost Efficiency: Orangutan Bricks are competitively priced, providing an affordable alternative to traditional bricks while offering superior durability and strength.
Waste Management: Our recycling process offers a practical solution for managing plastic waste, which is a significant challenge for many organizations and municipalities.
Regulatory Compliance: With increasing regulations around waste management and sustainability, our solution helps customers meet compliance requirements more easily.
Quality and Performance: Our bricks are three times stronger and half the weight of conventional bricks, ensuring high performance and ease of handling in construction projects.
Innovation and Reputation: Adopting our eco-friendly products can enhance the reputation of our customers as leaders in sustainability and innovation within their industries.
AI Integration: By leveraging AI technology, we ensure efficient sorting and processing of plastic waste, optimizing recycling efforts and operational efficiency for our customers.
In summary, Orangutan Bricks offer a comprehensive, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution that addresses multiple pain points in waste management, regulatory compliance, and construction material performance.
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time, I relax under big trees, visit lakes, and spend time at the beach. These activities deepen my understanding of plastic waste’s harmful effects on the environment, fueling my passion for sustainable solutions.
Do you have any advice for those who want to be an entrepreneur/chief officer?
For aspiring entrepreneurs or chief officers, my advice is to stay persistent and adaptable. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Focus on solving real problems, stay committed to your vision, and build a strong network of mentors. Embrace innovation and continuous learning to stay ahead in evolving markets and technology.
