A widespread issue, especially in India, stubble burning contributes significantly to severe air pollution and economic losses, with the Indian government estimating that the costs associated with this practice exceed $30 billion annually. RAW Materials seeks to turn this environmental burden into an opportunity by upcycling agricultural waste, particularly rice straw, into sustainable, high-performance materials for industries such as construction, automotive, fashion, and consumer goods.
What began as a joint thesis project at the Royal College of Art (RCA) and Imperial College London, founded by Ankita Khanna and Yohaan Kukreja, has evolved into an innovative startup with a mission to drive the circular economy. RAW Materials focuses on developing bio-based composites from agricultural by-products, beginning with rice straw, with the aim to scale solutions that reduce reliance on plastics and fossil fuels while supporting a sustainable ecosystem.
With a focus on sustainability, RAW Materials is advancing technologies to create alternatives to disposable footwear, with plans to expand into the automotive and construction sectors. By turning agricultural waste into valuable resources, the company provides both environmental and economic benefits. These solutions not only help mitigate the environmental impact of agricultural waste but also offer viable economic opportunities for farmers, contributing to a sustainable ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.
RAW Materials plans to operate in both India and the UK. In the UK, the company will focus on strategic growth, forging partnerships, and leveraging London’s global standing, particularly for R&D and collaborations with key industry players. Meanwhile, its operational activities—manufacturing, sourcing, and distribution—will be based in India, where the agricultural waste supply chain is most established. This strategic approach allows RAW Materials to tap into the strengths of both countries and position itself for global expansion.
