The biggest challenge that the mankind is facing today is the amount of Carbon that we are emitting and the impact that it is having on environment, not just in terms of good quality of air that we want to breathe but also in terms of climate change and other impacts on agricultural cycles and food production. The need for cleaner environment solutions has created different pathways to adopt advanced technologies. Among the latest technologies, carbon sequestration and biochar are occupying the most promising markets. According to a recent report by Markets and Markets, the global carbon capture & sequestration market which was estimated to be USD 4.25 Billion in 2016, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.6 percent, touching a gross value of USD 8.05 Billion by 2021.

Shankar M K, an ex-Microsoft employee was quick enough to sense an opportunity in this development. Cashing on this opportunity, Shankar established ArSta eco Pvt. Ltd., an eco company set up with the mission to build and integrate modern

technology with traditional techniques in an attempt to ‘Get More From Less’. Recalling the initial days of the company, Shankar says,“In 2014, we got a set of investors from Europe who were interested in what we were doing. They brought in angel investments and the company started growing. Within a short span of time, the firm got the support from various large eco companies from Europe and after one and half years ArSta eco could develop its own biomass pyrolysis reactor.

ArSta eco’s core competency lies in the efforts it makes towards making positive environmental impact

India produces in excess of 500 Million tons per year of agricultural residue and little use is made of this residual waste matter. ArSta eco has developed an integrated technology process model to efficiently convert the Agri residue into clean, solid and gaseous energy sources and organic biochar. “At ArSta eco, we have developed our own technology where we thermally degrade the products to produce Carbon, Vinegar and Gas. The carbon generated is a good agri substrate, known popularly as biochar. It is one of the most wanted material which plays a crucial role by acting as a water retention agent, reducing water consumption in horticulture and agriculture by

almost 50- 70 percent and also helping in fertilizer absorption. Vinegar produced is a natural biopest repellent which instead of killing pests just repels it. We also convert biochar into fuel which is used for burning stoves in rural areas. With no smoke and health hazards, biochar is indeed a clean fuel,” says Shankar M K, Founder and Director, ArSta eco.

ArSta eco’s core competency lies in the efforts it makes towards making positive environmental impact. A true eco company, ArSta eco is a carbon negative firm which has been successful in producing products that don't have any impact on environment. Today, ArSta eco has already established a niche in the sector with its unique offerings of Charcoal Briquettes, Coconut Shell Charcoal, single Use Charcoal Grill, Clean Energy and Bio Grow across the globe including Europe, US and Korea. “Our products stand-out in the market because they are environmental-friendly and they perform better than other products in the market. We are endorsed by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund as a company that works against deforestation and are partnered with World Champion of Barbecue, called Barbecue Weasel, a Cococabana product,” adds Shankar.

In the coming years, the company plans to first stabilize its existing brand Cococabana in the European market. Having paved its path through the Middle East and South America markets, in future ArSta eco plans to establish presence and build some brand value across the markets of North America.