In a world where success often means corner offices and high salaries, Vikash, a postgraduate from IIT Delhi, chose to work with discarded plastic instead.
Today, he proudly calls himself an IIT Kabadi Wala — an entrepreneur turning trash into timeless design through his startup Minus Degre, a company redefining how India looks at plastic waste.
A Middle-Class Dreamer with an Extraordinary Vision
Born into a middle-class family in Bihar, Vikash grew up surrounded by the belief that education was the key to a better life. His parents dreamed of seeing him in a big company — but after graduating from IIT Delhi, Vikash chose something unexpected.
He didn’t chase placements. He chased purpose.
“One visit to a landfill changed everything,” Vikash recalls. “I realized our problem isn’t plastic — it’s how we see plastic.”
Amidst piles of wrappers and bottles, he saw opportunity.
The Birth of Minus Degre: Transforming Plastic Waste into Design Material
In 2021, Vikash founded Minus Degre Manufacturers Pvt. Ltd. — India’s first design-led manufacturer of Eco-Panels made from 100% recycled and 100% recyclable plastic waste.
These panels are used in sustainable interior design, replacing wood, laminate, and virgin acrylic in retail stores, furniture, and wall claddings.
How the Magic Happens
Minus Degre’s Eco-Panels are made by collecting and sorting various types of single-use plastics — from MLP (multi-layer packaging) to discarded household waste. The material is cleaned, shredded, and fused through a non-toxic thermal compression process, creating durable, marble-like panels that are waterproof, termite-proof, and completely circular.
“We don’t melt or burn the plastic — we reimagine it,” says Vikash.
Before and After: From Landfill Chaos to Luxury Design
Before:
Mountains of mixed plastic waste — biscuit wrappers, milk packets, discarded caps — lying unused and polluting our land and water.
After:
The same plastic transformed into sleek, marble-like surfaces adorning Tata EV showrooms, Adidas stores, and eco-friendly cafes across India and Australia.
Each panel is a statement: Sustainability can be stunning.
Empowering People Behind the Process
Minus Degre’s journey isn’t just environmental — it’s social. Vikash’s team works closely with local waste pickers and informal recyclers, ensuring fair wages and dignity for those who’ve long been invisible in the waste chain.
“They’re the real climate warriors,” Vikash emphasizes. “We just give their work a new face.”
By integrating this social impact model, Minus Degre has built a truly inclusive circular ecosystem — one that uplifts communities while cleaning the planet.
The IIT Kabadi Changing Perceptions
When Vikash first introduced himself as a “Kabadi from IIT Delhi,” people laughed. But today, those same people proudly share his story.
Minus Degre has already recycled over 250 tons of plastic waste, turning it into panels and recycled furniture for some of the biggest global brands.
From Adidas and Aldo stores to Tata EV spaces, his panels are silently proving that sustainability and sophistication can co-exist.
“We don’t just recycle plastic,” Vikash smiles. “We recycle perception.”
Recognition and Growth
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Featured by The Better India as a pioneer in sustainable materials
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Partnered with Tata EV, Adidas, Aldo, and Shark Shopfit for eco-retail design
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Collaborated with Kuda Bazar and Plogthon to create recycled medals and souvenirs for community drives
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Expanded operations to UK, competing globally in the recycled surface industry
Why Vikash’s Story Matters
India generates over 400 million tonnes of plastic waste every year — and innovators like Vikash are proving that waste can fuel progress. His mission goes beyond business; it’s a blueprint for how sustainability can create economic opportunity, social dignity, and climate hope.
“If an IIT graduate can become a Kabadi,” he says, “then anyone can become a changemaker.”
A Climate-Positive Vision for Tomorrow
Minus Degre is now building toward a zero-waste production ecosystem, where every scrap is reused, and every design tells a story of rebirth.
Through educational workshops, college sessions, and brand collaborations, Vikash is inspiring the next generation to join the circular revolution.
Because the future of design isn’t linear — it’s circular.
Join the Movement
Every recycled panel, every repurposed wrapper, and every inspired story counts.
💬 Share this story if you believe waste is an opportunity!
Let’s celebrate the IIT Kabadi who’s proving that true innovation begins where others stop looking.
