Born on October 8, 1994, in Noida, Naman Gupta grew up with a profound love for the environment. Coming from a middle-class family, his upbringing was deeply rooted in values of responsibility and care for nature. His parents and elder brother, Vipul Gupta, played a significant role in shaping his compassionate and driven personality.
A Scholar with a Cause: Educational Background
Naman’s education began in Vishwa Bharati Public School, where he excelled academically. He later pursued a Bachelor of Commerce (B. Com) in Bachelors of Commerce at Delhi University, graduating in 2017. Driven by his curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit, he continued his education with a Master’s in Commerce (M. Com) at IGNOU while laying the groundwork for his visionary enterprise.
Campus Chronicles: The Spark of an Idea
During his college days, Naman often noticed cigarette butts carelessly discarded by his peers. A common yet overlooked pollutant, these small remnants sparked his curiosity. Research revealed the shocking environmental impact of cigarette waste, which takes over 10 years to decompose and releases toxic chemicals into the environment. This discovery planted the seed for what would become a groundbreaking solution.
A Mission Born from Concern: How the Idea Took Shape
In 2018, a visit to a local market became a turning point for Naman. Observing cigarette butts scattered around, he began researching their disposal and environmental effects. Shocked by the lack of solutions, he turned to his elder brother Vipul, an engineer, to collaborate on creating an eco-friendly recycling process. Together, they laid the foundation for Code Effort Private Limited.
Beyond Profits: Why Code Effort Began
Code Effort was not just a business idea but a response to an urgent environmental crisis. Naman envisioned a sustainable model that would tackle cigarette waste while generating employment for marginalized communities. His goal was clear: conserve our depleting environment and foster socio-economic growth through innovation.
Purpose with Passion: The Core of the Business
Code Effort is dedicated to recycling cigarette butts into sustainable products like home decor, toys, compost, paper, textiles, yarns, and more. The initiative addresses three critical pillars:
- Environmental Impact: Mitigating pollution and promoting sustainability.
- Economic Growth: Creating jobs for over 5,000 individuals, including women artisans and ragpickers.
- Social Change: Raising awareness and fostering behavioural changes in cigarette disposal
At the heart of Code Effort lies a groundbreaking recycling process. The company employs over 2,000 ragpickers across 250 districts in India to collect cigarette butts. These are sorted into three components: tobacco, paper, and cellulose acetate fibres. The tobacco is decomposed using natural microorganisms to create compost, while the paper is converted into pulp for products like mosquito repellents and stationery. The fibres undergo a proprietary treatment to become stuffing for soft toys, cushions, and other items. This end-to-end recycling process ensures 100% utilization, leaving no waste behind.
A Vision for Change: Life and Business Aspirations
Guided by the mantra of HDP – Hard work, Dedication, and Patience, Naman aims to scale Code Effort to upcycle 400-500 tonnes of cigarette waste monthly by 2030. The vision extends beyond recycling, with plans to launch Decor Earth Private Limited, a sustainable product brand. For Naman, success lies in creating harmony between economic growth and environmental preservation.
Overcoming the Odds: Challenges and Triumphs
Naman’s journey with Code Effort has been marked by overcoming significant challenges, including raising awareness about cigarette waste and tackling the difficulty of collecting flammable cigarette butts. The introduction of VBins (Value Bins) helped streamline waste collection and encouraged behavioural change. Code Effort now processes 50 tonnes of cigarette waste monthly, with plans to increase to 60 tonnes by year-end. The company has gained recognition in the Limca Book of Records, India Book of Records, and International Book of Records.
From Local to Global: Expanding Horizons
Code Effort’s success in India has led to expansion plans, with operations already in Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, and Vietnam. The company aims to replicate its model internationally, positioning India as a leader in sustainable innovation while supporting the “Make in India” initiative with locally sourced materials and workforce.
Key Takeaways: Lessons for Aspiring Changemakers
- Start Small, Dream Big: Begin with small steps; consistency leads to growth.
- Embrace Challenges: Overcoming obstacles strengthens your vision.
- Balance Profit and Purpose: Success is about creating societal value while achieving economic growth.
- Empower Others: Sustainable solutions come from uplifting communities and creating shared opportunities.
Wisdom from Experience: A Message to New Entrepreneurs
“To every aspiring entrepreneur: Start with a purpose, not just a profit. Challenges are inevitable, but persistence and a clear vision will guide you through. Always strive to create a positive impact on society, and success will follow.”
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