Walmart has launched new strategic pilot programs with three India-based startups to enhance its US supply chain and sourcing operations. These selected startups—Pune-based KBCols Sciences, Chennai-based GreenPod Labs, and Bengaluru-based Cropin—were chosen after their participation in the Walmart Growth Summit last year.
The pilot initiatives aim to drive large-scale innovation across Walmart’s supply chains, focusing on improving the availability of fresher products, reducing waste, and implementing sustainable manufacturing practices. These programs will test solutions to advance sustainability and efficiency in both food and textile industries.
Specializing in non-GMO natural dyes made from fermented microbes derived from agricultural waste, KBCols provides an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes. Their dyes require less water and energy in the production process, promoting sustainable practices in textile manufacturing. Walmart’s pilot program will test KBCols’ dyes on woven materials and jersey cotton to evaluate their properties.
GreenPod Labs produces sachets filled with plant extracts that activate the natural defense mechanisms of fruits and vegetables, slowing ripening and extending freshness. This innovation can prolong the shelf life of produce during transportation, open new sourcing geographies, and improve overall product quality. Walmart, in partnership with UC Davis, will test these sachets for effectiveness in its produce supply chain.
Cropin provides an AI-powered agricultural technology platform that offers insights into crop yields, health, and seasonal transitions. Walmart’s pilot will evaluate Cropin’s technology to improve resource optimization, ensure consistent harvest quality, and enhance yield estimation accuracy. These insights could help Walmart source perishable commodities more effectively, reducing waste and improving product availability.
Kyle Carlyle, Vice President-Sourcing Innovation & Surety of Supply, Walmart emphasizes, the company focuses on building a supply network aligning with its sustainability and efficiency goals through its collaboration with global innovators. These three startups exemplify the company’s commitment to boost the growth of textile industries, he adds.
These pilot programs reflect Walmart’s broader strategy to harness innovative technologies for building sustainable, efficient, and resilient global supply chains.
