Flowers speak a universal language. They symbolise love, celebration, special moments, and sometimes even grief. That is why fresh flowers are a popular gift or decoration item for occasions. The global floriculture market, valued at around $55 billion, is projected to touch about $85 billion by 2032. Similarly, as per reports, the Indian floriculture market is expected to grow by 11.7% during 2023-2032. With this growing consumption of flowers comes growing waste accumulation after each cycle, posing challenges in waste management and disposal.
Globally, the story of unmanaged flower waste management is yesterday's news. A new shift in how we see unwanted ornamental flowers is the growing interest in their rich biochemicals and their potential to support a circular floral bioeconomy.
India, which generates over 300 tons of floral waste every day, arguably, stands at the forefront of flower waste innovations. In the last few years, India has witnessed several start-ups developing incense, compost, soaps and candles from floriculture waste from religious places and daily activities.
At the global stage, designer Irene Purasachit has developed bio (floral) foam from the stems of flower waste; British biotech firm Sparxell creates biodegradable colour pigments from plant-based cellulose. In India, Kanpur-based Phool has developed vegan leather from floral waste, which it calls 'fleather'. These innovations are the beginning of a new dawn in this ecosystem.
Read more at Mongabay