How Gaukriti is Redefining Natural Living with Cow Dung Paper

Cow, respectfully called mother “Gaumata” the mother Cow in India, has been a driver of the economy for centuries.

Cows hold a spiritual importance and are a vital economic asset to Indian culture.

They provide nourishment in the form of milk, curd, and ghee, which are essential dietary components. India is the largest producer of milk in the world and controls 23% of the total global production.

Diary is the single largest agricultural sector, contributing 5% to the Indian economy.

Cow dung was used as a natural fertilizer, improving soil fertility and crop yields. It was also used as fuel for cooking and heating.

In the heart of India, a revolutionary idea took root to respect the cultural and economic contribution of Cows that would challenge conventional notions of waste and sustainability.

Bhim Raj Sharma, the visionary founder of Gaukriti, saw the potential in a seemingly ordinary substance: cow dung.

Read on to learn more about his innovative determination and promise to make this world a better place for cows.

The Start of Gaukriti:

Bheem Raj Sharma was living a comfortable life while running a successful business in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

It was Dr. Niranjan Verma’s seminar that ignited the spirit of working for cows in society. Sharma was moved by the Gaushala’s efforts to bring sustainability and make better places for cows and their wellbeing.

Inspired by the selfless care for cows and the Indian heritage, an idea stuck with him:

“Why not use Cow Dung to make paper?”

Based on the ancient Indian tradition of using cow dung as a natural fertilizer and fuel, Sharma envisioned a future where this cow dung could be transformed into something extraordinary, a paper that would not be made from Trees.

Surprisingly, the paper industry is one of the largest contributors to Global Carbon Emissions and Climate Change. Approximately, 15 billion trees are cut globally.

Determined to combine his business acumen with environmental consciousness, Sharma pondered over a novel idea: creating paper from cow dung.

This inspiration struck him during a flight from Chennai, where he was returning from a visit to Guruji's ashram.

Today, Gaukrit sells over 3,000 sheets of paper every day. He has clients across New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

The Invention of Cow Dung Paper and Gaukriti:

Explore Gaukriti’s eco-friendly Notebooks, Diaries, Pooja Products, and more on Refresh, India’s leading natural and organic marketplace.

Creating cow dung paper, though intricate, is rooted in simplicity.

Bheem Raj Sharma, the visionary behind Gaukriti, took a significant risk by investing his daughter's marriage savings to establish a unit dedicated to this innovative process.

Cow dung is collected and processed to extract fibers, combined with other natural materials to create a unique and sustainable paper.

After months of experimentation and refinement, Sharma successfully produced the first sheet of smooth, durable cow dung paper in 2017, overcoming initial ridicule and skepticism.

This eco-friendly paper is used to manufacture a range of products, including notebooks, diaries, greeting cards, and packaging materials, offering a sustainable and stylish alternative to traditional paper products.

Gaukriti's innovative approach has not only provided a sustainable solution to waste management but has also empowered rural communities.

By sourcing cow dung from local farmers, the company has created employment opportunities and improved the livelihoods of many.

An Eco-Friendly Model:

Gaukriti has a unique business model for manufacturing their cow-dung-based paper and related products.

1. Collection: Cow dung is collected from local farms, ensuring a sustainable and ethical supply chain.
2. Processing: The collected cow dung undergoes a meticulous cleaning and drying process to remove impurities and moisture.
3. Fiber Extraction: The dried cow dung is then processed to extract fibers, which are the building blocks of paper.
4. Mixing and Blending: The extracted fibers are mixed with other natural materials like cotton waste and cow urine. This unique blend enhances the paper's strength and durability.
5. Paper Making: The mixture is transformed into a fine pulp, which is then pressed and dried to form sheets of paper.
6. Product Creation: These paper sheets are further processed to create a range of eco-friendly products, including notebooks, diaries, greeting cards, and many sustainable items

Gaukriti aims to keep the packaging of items biodegradable, except for a few where plastic is essential for protection.

Bheem Sharma has sustainably revolutionized the packaging industry.

In Conclusion, Gaukriti's story is a testament to the power of innovation and the potential of unconventional materials.

Beyond its environmental impact, Gaukriti's products offer a unique aesthetic appeal.

By transforming cow dung into a valuable resource, the brand is not only contributing to environmental sustainability but also inspiring a new generation of eco-conscious consumers.