"Don’t underestimate the power of a simple idea—sometimes, the most impactful solutions are the simplest ones. What matters is believing in your vision and staying committed to making a difference."
Of course! The story behind Freshpaper goes back to when I was about 12 years old and visiting my grandmother in India. During my stay, I accidentally drank some tap water, which wasn’t safe. My grandmother quickly made me a cup of her homemade remedy—fenugreek tea. To my surprise, I didn’t get sick.
That experience stuck with me, even years later, when I was working on a science project in high school. I started researching the antimicrobial properties of spices and herbs, like fenugreek, and wondered if these natural properties could be used to prevent food spoilage.
It all began with strawberries. I dipped them into spice mixtures in my kitchen to see if it would make them last longer—and it worked! That was my lightbulb moment. I realized that something as simple as a natural spice blend could help address a massive issue like food spoilage, which impacts so many people globally.
But at that time, it was just an experiment. I had no idea it would one day turn into Freshpaper or become such a big part of my life.
Q. How did you go from experimenting in your kitchen to developing Freshpaper as a viable product?
After that initial experiment, I kept tinkering with the idea. I didn’t have access to a fancy lab or big resources, so most of my work happened in my kitchen. I was focused on making it as simple as possible—something that could be used by anyone, anywhere.
In college, I started looking at the bigger picture. I learned about the scale of global food waste and how it disproportionately affects small farmers and low-income families. I realized that the same properties I had experimented with could have a profound impact, not just on individuals but also on communities.
When I finally decided to pursue it seriously, it wasn’t easy. I had no idea where to start. For years, I kept the formula in a notebook and didn’t know how to turn it into a product. But something inside me kept saying, “This idea could help people.” That’s what kept me going.
Q. What were the biggest obstacles you faced in turning your idea into reality?
There were so many challenges! I think the biggest one was self-doubt. I was just a young person with an idea, and I didn’t have a traditional entrepreneurial background. I kept asking myself, “Will anyone take me seriously? Can I actually make this work?”
Another challenge was funding. I was bootstrapping the whole thing, and there were times when I had to get creative with very little money. I remember printing my first batch of Freshpaper using a local printer and hand-packaging each sheet myself.
I also faced a lot of skepticism. The concept of Freshpaper is so simple that many people found it hard to believe it worked. I had to spend years proving that this humble piece of paper infused with spices could actually reduce food spoilage.
Q. Was there a specific moment when you realized Freshpaper was making an impact?
Absolutely. One of the first moments was when I set up a booth at a local farmers’ market. I had no idea what to expect. I was nervous that no one would care or that they’d think the idea was silly. But to my surprise, people were really interested.
I’ll never forget one woman who came up to me with tears in her eyes. She told me she had been struggling to afford fresh produce for her family and that Freshpaper could make a real difference for her. That moment was incredibly powerful.
Another pivotal moment was when Freshpaper started gaining traction globally. We were getting messages from farmers in places like Kenya and India who were using it to preserve their harvests. That’s when I realized the potential scale of impact Freshpaper could have.
Q. Freshpaper is incredibly simple. How did you ensure it stayed that way while being effective and scalable?
Simplicity was always the goal. I wanted Freshpaper to be something anyone could use—whether they were a farmer in a rural village or a family shopping at a grocery store. That meant it had to be affordable, easy to use, and not dependent on infrastructure like refrigeration or electricity.
We designed Freshpaper as a compostable sheet that could be placed directly in a fruit bowl, produce drawer, or even packaging for larger-scale use. Its simplicity is what makes it scalable. We’ve been able to bring it to communities all over the world because it doesn’t require any complicated setup or technology.
Q. Sustainability is clearly central to your mission. How does Freshpaper align with eco-friendly practices?
Sustainability has been a core value from the very beginning. Freshpaper is made with biodegradable materials, and we’ve worked hard to minimize waste in our production and packaging processes.
Our goal is not just to reduce food waste but also to reduce the environmental impact of food spoilage. Spoiled food contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, and if we can extend the shelf life of produce, we’re also reducing the resources—water, energy, labor—that go into growing food.
Q. Freshpaper has been recognized globally and even displayed at the Smithsonian. How does it feel to receive that kind of recognition?
It’s truly humbling. Seeing Freshpaper at the Smithsonian was a dream come true. I grew up visiting museums and being inspired by stories of innovation, and to think that Freshpaper is now part of that legacy is surreal.
But the most meaningful recognition comes from the people who use Freshpaper. When I hear stories of farmers who can sell more of their crops or families who can save money by wasting less food, that’s what really matters to me.
Q. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially young people and women?
First, don’t underestimate your idea. Some of the most impactful solutions are the simplest ones. If you believe in your vision, don’t let anyone discourage you.
Second, surround yourself with people who support you. Whether it’s mentors, friends, or family, having a strong support system can make all the difference.
Finally, don’t be afraid of failure. Every mistake teaches you something valuable. Looking back, some of my biggest failures turned out to be my greatest opportunities for growth.
BIO :
Kavita Shukla is the inventor of Freshpaper, a groundbreaking product that extends the freshness of produce using a simple, natural spice blend. Inspired by her grandmother’s home remedy during a childhood visit to India, Kavita transformed a high school science project into a global solution tackling food waste. Recognized by the Smithsonian and featured in over 30 countries, her work has empowered farmers, families, and businesses worldwide. Kavita is a passionate advocate for sustainability, innovation, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
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