Doctors are an important element of our society, and without doctors, a functional society seems far-fetched. Many healthcare professionals have long struggled with uniforms that didn’t accommodate the demands of their gruelling 12-hour shift, sometimes even more. Moreover, many doctors have voiced their opinion on the OR scrubs being disposed of in landfills and causing pollution and toxicity. Enters KNYA Med, a startup that not only redefined medical uniforms for comfort and functionality but has also taken bold steps to make them sustainable.
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The Genesis
Founded in 2017 by Abhijeet Kaji and Vanshika Choudhary, KNYA Med emerged from a simple yet profound insight: healthcare professionals deserve better apparel. Observing the lack of comfortable, functional, and sustainable options in the Indian market, the duo decided to bridge this gap. Their solution was to design medical uniforms that combined high performance with environmental consciousness along with comfort.
The journey wasn’t easy. The Indian healthcare apparel sector has long been dominated by standardised, low-quality uniforms that don’t consider user comfort or sustainability. However, KNYA Med’s innovative approach set them apart from the competition.
Redefining Medical Uniforms With EcoFlex
KNYA Med’s groundbreaking EcoFlex scrub suits are revolutionising the medical apparel sector. Crafted from recycled polyester derived from PET bottles, these scrubs help minimise plastic waste while providing exceptional durability, breathability, and comfort. By converting ocean waste into practical uniforms, KNYA Med plays a vital role in addressing environmental degradation, a significant issue in today’s eco-aware society.
So far, the company has recycled thousands of PET bottles, demonstrating a clear environmental benefit. Their scrubs are tailored for extended shifts, incorporating lightweight, antibacterial, and stain-resistant features. This commitment to functionality and sustainability has struck a chord with healthcare professionals throughout India.
Scaling Impact Across India
KNYA Med’s growth story is as impressive as its products. Over the years, the company has partnered with over 500 institutions and reached healthcare professionals in more than 650 cities. From top-tier hospitals to small clinics, their uniforms have become a preferred choice for thousands of doctors, nurses, and support staff. Some of their top clients are P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Narayana Health, Reliance, Fortis and Global Hospitals. This wide reach highlights the scalability of their model and the growing demand for their products.
In July 2022, KNYA Med’s potential attracted the attention of various investors and the company was able to successfully raise $620,000 in a seed funding round led by DSG Consumer Products, Cipla Health and Narayana Health. This money allowed KNYA Med to expand its product line and strengthen its supply chain, ensuring that they meet the growing demand for their products.
Addressing the Sustainability Gap
According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s 2022 report, India generates an estimated 343 metric tons of medical waste daily. A significant portion of this comes from disposable medical uniforms and protective gear. By offering reusable, eco-friendly alternatives, KNYA Med directly addresses this issue. Their EcoFlex scrubs reduce reliance on single-use materials, helping healthcare institutions lower their ecological footprint.
Moreover, KNYA Med’s focus on sustainability aligns with global trends. As more industries embrace circular economy principles, KNYA Med has positioned itself as a pioneer in the Indian healthcare sector’s sustainability transition, which has helped the company to gain a reputation of a company driven by sustainability.
A Model for Impact-Driven Growth
KNYA Med’s story is a testament to the power of innovation and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. By addressing the dual challenges of functionality and sustainability, the startup has carved out a niche in a traditionally overlooked segment and gave them products which are one of the first in the industry.
For Dr. Meera Shah and countless other doctors around the world, KNYA Med has been a revelation. “Finally, we have uniforms that understand the demands of our job,” she says. “And knowing that they’re sustainable makes wearing them even more meaningful,” she added.
As the healthcare sector in India continues to grow, so does the need for solutions that align with its evolving challenges and aim to make it a sustainable practive. With its innovative products and unwavering commitment to sustainability, KNYA Med is poised to lead this transformation, one scrub suit at a time.
