In Bengaluru, the startup UnWOOD is transforming the plastic waste crisis into a solution for education and sustainability. The company collects chip packets, milk pouches, and other non‑recyclable plastic from households and vendors, recycling them into durable, weather‑resistant school benches and desks.

Each bench crafted by UnWOOD repurposes approximately 44,000 plastic packets—meaning what was once trash now provides comfortable seating for students who previously sat on cold, dusty floors. The durable “unWOOD” material not only diverts plastic from landfills but also prevents deforestation by replacing wooden furniture.

Beyond physical impact, UnWOOD is redefining educational experiences and environmental awareness. The startup partners with NGOs and schools, involving students in waste‑collection drives to teach recycling principles, while expanding their reach to underserved regions across India .

The venture is already making waves: dozens of schools are adopting unWOOD benches, with plans to scale to thousands. Its dual-pronged approach—addressing plastic pollution and improving educational infrastructure—exemplifies a powerful circular‑economy model. As UnWOOD continues to grow, its benches stand as tangible symbols of eco‑innovation, student empowerment, and community resilience