Inside Wastelink’s Bet To Build A Circular Feed Supply Chain
Wastelink, an agritech startup based in Delhi, is tackling one of India’s pressing challenges—food waste—by converting it into livestock feed. With India generating approximately 74 million tonnes of food waste annually, Wastelink aims to create a circular economy that not only addresses waste management but also supports the cattle feed industry.
The Company and Its Mission
Founded in 2018 by Saket Dave and Krishnan Kasturirangan, Wastelink focuses on transforming surplus food into standardised feed ingredients. The startup operates a B2B platform that aggregates excess inventory from packaged food companies and agro-processing industries. These surplus food items, often grading rejects or damaged goods, are processed into cattle feed under the brand name ecoFeed. This approach offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional feed inputs like corn and bajra, potentially increasing yields by 15%.
Wastelink’s recent funding of ₹27 crore (around $3 million) from Avaana Capital and others will help expand its processing capacity and enhance its R&D and traceability technology. With a team of nearly 100 and an installed processing capacity of 1,500 tonnes per month, the startup is poised for growth.
Market Context and Competition
India’s animal feed market is one of the largest globally, projected to grow by 15% by 2027. Despite this, the organised sector supplies only a fraction of the demand. Wastelink’s model, which sits at the intersection of surplus sourcing and scientific processing, is complex but offers a structured approach in a largely unorganised category. The company faces indirect competition from players like Billion Carbon, which converts food waste into manure, highlighting the potential for innovation in waste management.
Implications for India’s Startup Ecosystem
Wastelink’s efforts align with broader trends in the Indian startup ecosystem, where sustainability and circular economy models are gaining traction. By addressing inefficiencies in the food supply chain and creating value from waste, Wastelink contributes to a more sustainable agricultural sector. The startup’s focus on traceability and quality aligns with evolving regulatory frameworks, setting benchmarks for food waste management.
As Wastelink scales, it may influence policy developments and inspire similar initiatives across other waste categories. Its success could pave the way for more startups to explore circular economy models, potentially reshaping how industries handle surplus and waste.
Looking Ahead
Wastelink’s journey reflects the potential of turning waste into wealth in India’s dynamic startup landscape. As the company expands its processing capacity and refines its technology, it aims to achieve revenue targets of ₹35–40 crore this fiscal year. The challenge remains to scale efficiently while maintaining quality and trust across the supply chain. With the right strategies, Wastelink could set a precedent for sustainable innovation in the agritech sector.
