Agrileaf Wins Big at Zomato’s Plastic-Free Future Packathon 2025

by | May 13, 2025 | Blogs

New Delhi, May 7, 2025 – In a proud moment for Agrileaf Exports Private Limited, our eco-conscious brand was declared the winner in the prototype category at the Zomato’s Plastic-Free Future Packathon 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. This prestigious event, hosted by Zomato in collaboration with Startup India and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), celebrated the most innovative startups working on sustainable packaging solutions for India’s food delivery and dine-in industry.

Empowering the Future with Palm Leaf Packaging

At Agrileaf, our mission has always been clear: to create sustainable, biodegradable, and elegant alternatives to single-use plastic through our Areca palm leaf plates and packaging solutions. Winning the prototype category at the Packathon is a powerful validation of the work we are doing to support a greener tomorrow.
Out of 128 applications received from across 21 States, only 30 startups were shortlisted, and just 5 were invited to present their innovations live at the event. From this highly competitive pool, Agrileaf emerged as the sole winner in the prototype category.

“As a young startup just beginning our journey, winning this award has given us immense confidence. The platform offered critical insights into industry needs and connected us with potential restaurant clients, investors, and government representatives,” said Avinash Rao, founder of Agrileaf.

Recognizing Sustainability Champions

The Zomato Packathon attracted 128 applications from 21 states, with 47 women-led startups showcasing India’s growing innovation landscape in sustainability. Over 40 startups exhibited their sustainable solutions, with the top 10 ready-to-scale and prototype-stage startups selected for final evaluation. Agrileaf’s win underscores the growing demand for eco-conscious alternatives in the food industry and reaffirms the vital role of innovation in shaping a sustainable future.
Additionally, the Zomato Plastic-Free Future Packathon Awards recognized 24 restaurant brands for their efforts in adopting greener packaging practices—further strengthening the movement towards a plastic-free food industry.

A Platform of Purpose

The event was more than just a competition. It was a collaborative hub that brought together over 50 restaurant partners, 35+ startups, and a network of investors and government representatives committed to creating a plastic-free food ecosystem, all committed to creating a plastic-free future. From interactive displays to thought-provoking discussions, the Packathon served as a melting pot of innovation, sustainability, and real-world application.

Zomato’s Green Mission: Creating Impact

Zomato’s Plastic-Free Future Packathon 2025 Program continues to set the benchmark for sustainability in the food delivery space. Since FY23, more than 45,000 MT of plastic waste has been recycled through the initiative. Additionally, over 7,500 restaurants in 400+ cities have been tagged with ‘low plastic packaging’ on the Zomato app.
Looking ahead, Zomato has pledged to:

Achieve 100 million plastic-free orders by 2025
Ensure 100% plastic-neutral deliveries every year by 2030

These goals reflect a long-term commitment to environmental responsibility and industry transformation.

Agrileaf: Proud to Be a Part of the Change

Winning at the Zomato Plastic-Free Future Packathon 2025 has reinforced Agrileaf’s commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable packaging made from naturally fallen Areca palm leaves. We envision a future where every meal served is a step toward a healthier planet.

Together, let’s shape a plastic-free future—one plate at a time.