Greenway is revolutionising clean cooking with India’s largest improved cookstove factory, producing 70,000 units monthly. Through automation, lean manufacturing, and innovative design, the company ensures efficiency, quality, and sustainability. With over 40 international patents, Greenway’s breakthroughs—such as its patented air regulation technology—enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, significantly improving rural energy access. In this conversation, Ankit Mathur, Co-founder & CEO, Greenway Grameen shares insights into Greenway’s manufacturing processes, technological advancements, and its commitment to sustainability and community impact.
1) Greenway operates India’s largest improved cookstove factory, producing 70,000 stoves per month. Could you share insights into the processes and technologies that enable this remarkable production capacity?
Greenway’s production capacity of 70,000 units per month is achieved through an optimized manufacturing process that integrates automation, lean manufacturing and a skilled workforce.
We have invested in advanced machinery including High-Speed Press machines and Customized Spot Welding equipment, that save time and ensure precision and consistency in every unit produced. The in-house toolroom enables quick tool maintenance and fast development of new tools, significantly boosting production efficiency.
Advanced assembly lines to minimize waste and maximize output, allow us to scale production while maintaining high quality.
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Above all, the commitment and motivation of our engineers and workforce, who continuously strive to achieve new production milestones, are instrumental in sustaining this level of success.
2) Greenway’s patented air regulation technology enhances fuel efficiency by up to 65%. Could you elaborate on the development journey of this technology and its impact on rural energy consumption?
The development of our patented air regulation technology was driven by a deep understanding of the challenges faced by rural households, including high fuel costs and inefficient combustion. Our R&D team spent considerable time to apply combustion dynamics most effectively to finalise a design that optimized airflow and heat distribution. The breakthrough came when we developed a system that precisely regulated the amount of air entering the combustion chamber, ensuring complete burning of fuel and minimizing heat loss. This breakthrough innovation not only improves fuel efficiency by halfbut also reduces smoke emissions to one-third. For rural communities, this means lower fuel expenses, improved health outcomes, and a reduced environmental footprint. The technology has been a game-changer in making clean cooking solutions accessible and affordable for millions of households.
3) With a 70% reduction in PM 2.5 emissions, Greenway stoves play a critical role in curbing Household Air Pollution. What strategies have you employed to raise awareness about these environmental benefits?
Raising awareness about the environmental and health benefits of our stoves is a key part of our mission. We’ve adopted a multi-pronged approach that includes community engagement, partnerships with NGOs and government agencies, and digital campaigns. On the ground, we conduct demonstrations in rural areas to show the tangible benefits of reduced smoke and fuel consumption. We also collaborate with other organizations to educate communities about the dangers of Household Air Pollution (HAP) and how our stoves can mitigate these risks. Additionally, we leverage social media, testimonials, and case studies to reach a wider audience and highlight the positive impact of our stoves on both health and the environment.
4) With over 40 international patents for your stove designs, how does Greenway approach intellectual property protection and innovation in a competitive market?
At Greenway, intellectual property (IP) protection is a cornerstone of our innovation strategy. We invest heavily in R&D to develop unique technologies and designs that address the specific needs of our users. Our IP team works closely with researchers and engineers to identify patentable innovations and secure protection in key markets. This not only safeguards our competitive advantage but also encourages continuous innovation. We also monitor the market to ensure our patents are respected and take necessary actions against infringement. By fostering a culture of creativity and protecting our inventions, we stay ahead in a competitive market while delivering value to our customers.
5) How does Greenway integrate feedback from rural communities to refine its products and ensure they meet users’ needs effectively?
Feedback from rural communities is at the heart of our product development process. We engage directly with users through surveys, focus groups, and field visits to understand their needs, preferences, and challenges. This feedback is then analyzed by our product team to identify areas for improvement. For example, insights from users have led to design modifications that make our stoves easier to use, more durable, and better suited to local cooking practices. We also have a robust after-sales service network that collects real-time feedback from customers. By staying closely connected to our users, we ensure that our products evolve to meet their needs effectively.
6) What are Greenway’s upcoming innovations or plans to expand its product portfolio while maintaining a focus on sustainability and community impact?
We are dedicated to driving continuous innovation and broadening our product range to meet evolving needs in rural india.
Greenway is focused on developing product solutions that align with our mission of sustainability and community impact. A significant area of innovation is the creation of infrared (IR) and induction-based stoves, which promise higher energy efficiency and lower emissions than traditional stoves. These technologies aim to deliver cleaner, faster, and more efficient cooking experiences, especially for urban and semi-urban households adopting modern energy solutions.
In addition to stoves, we are expanding into complementary products like energy-efficient LED inverter bulbs and affordable water purifiers, tailored to address the essential needs of rural communities. These innovations are designed to provide reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for lighting and safe drinking water, significantly improving the quality of life of our users.
Ankit Mathur, Co-founder & CEO, Greenway Grameen
