The Novel Bed

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed two critical crises in India: a dire shortage of hospital beds and an overwhelming surge of non-biodegradable waste. In just two years, more than 10,000 tonnes of masks and PPE kits were discarded, with nearly 100 million masks being thrown away every month. These materials, not biodegradable, polluted landfills and water bodies while hospitals struggled to accommodate patients gasping for breath during the deadly second wave.

The Novel Bed Project turned this challenge into an tribute by creating eco-friendly, costeffective hospital beds entirely from waste. We used 1007 used PPE masks , 37 used PPE kits, 119 kg of coffee waste, 1.5 kg of recycled paper for lamination, and 47 kg scrap for framework. Masks and PPE kits were collected through community donations and recycled using proprietary technology. Each bed, built as a tribute to lives lost during the pandemic, was donated directly to hospital facing shortages. The initiative also provided livelihood opportunities to women who had lost their jobs during the crisis, ensuring the solution was both sustainable and socially inclusive.

The project not only diverted hazardous pandemic waste from landfills but also delivered life saving hospital beds when every single one mattered most. By merging circular economy  principles with compassion, it showcased how innovation can address healthcare and  environmental challenges simultaneously. The Novel Bed Project gained international  recognition, being shortlisted for the Cannes Lions Ad Awards in France and winning three  Bronze awards at GoaFest. More importantly, it inspired citizens to participate in a movement  where their discarded masks became part of a solution that saved lives and protected the  planet.