Rudy Patel is transforming the landscape of sustainable manufacturing. As co-founder of beyondGREEN and ForeverGreen, he develops certified compostable products that replace traditional plastics. His journey from immigrant roots to leading a nationwide Walmart partnership exemplifies purpose-driven leadership. Rudy’s commitment to innovation, quality, and environmental responsibility positions him at the forefront of eco-friendly manufacturing in the United States.
LISTEN TO THE FULL PODCAST EPISODE HERE
Beverly Hills Magazine: Rudy Patel, welcome to the show! We’re thrilled to have you. Let’s dive right in—what inspired your entrepreneurial journey?
Rudy Patel: My family inspired me. My grandfathers and father were entrepreneurs, and growing up, I saw their businesses face limits and challenges. As a third-generation entrepreneur, I wanted to jump into the family businesses to carry on their legacy and help them grow, driven by both the hard times and good moments I witnessed.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s a powerful “why.” What challenges did you face immigrating to the U.S. at a young age, and where did you come from?
Rudy Patel: I came from India at eight years old in 1998. Adjusting was tough—my English wasn’t perfect despite attending an English school, as I was surrounded by native languages. Starting second grade in the U.S., blending in was hard; I was scared and nervous, but over time, I adapted, and now people don’t even notice I immigrated.
Beverly Hills Magazine: I relate, having immigrated from South Africa around the same age. Tell us about Beyond Green and the lessons you’ve learned from starting it.
Rudy Patel: Beyond Green, started in 2016 with my brother and father, taught me what college couldn’t. My father, previously in plastic manufacturing, wanted to clean up his environmental impact. Inspired by seeing plastic pet waste bags littering nature, I suggested compostable pet bags, launching Biodog Grateable. We shifted manufacturing to the U.S., initially seen as crazy, but it gave us a competitive edge. Key lessons include consistency—without it, you regress—and persistence, learning from my father to keep going despite adversity. You must treat your business like yourself and yourself like a business for stability.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s profound. How did you develop your patented compostable material blend?
Rudy Patel: In January 2016, my father and uncle, both chemical engineers, developed a compostable material in India. I suggested using it for pet waste bags, an easier market to enter. Now, we partner with a major global chemical manufacturer, creating unique, cost-effective material blends for clients like Walmart and Amazon, ensuring compostable products compete with plastic prices to eliminate pollution.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Impressive. Tell us about the power of doing hard things quietly, like building Beyond Green’s infrastructure without immediate recognition.
Rudy Patel: It’s tough, especially in 2016 when few understood biodegradable versus compostable. Greenwashing—fake “sustainable” products—made consumers skeptical, and microplastic additives confused the market. Educating consumers was a huge challenge, as we had to prove our authenticity amidst distrust. The EPA, FTC, and organizations like the Biodegradable Products Institute helped regulate and legitimize the market, but it required persistent, quiet work to build trust and infrastructure.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s a critical effort. Can you clarify the difference between biodegradable and compostable?
Rudy Patel: A banana peel is biodegradable and compostable, but not all compostable items are biodegradable. Compostable products are either home compostable, decomposing in six months in a backyard, or industrial compostable, requiring a facility. In the U.S., “biodegradable” is banned in marketing to avoid confusion, with standards like BPI and EN 13432 ensuring legitimacy.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Transparency is key. What are Beyond Green’s plans for expansion in the next five to ten years?
Rudy Patel: Beyond single-use compostable products, we’re entering green tech. We’ve prototyped home composters for industrial compostable products, allowing consumers to compost at home. We’re exploring solar-powered products and carbon sequestration, aiming to offer both single-use and green tech solutions as a brand and contract manufacturer, available via our website and retail partners.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Exciting innovations! Who are your retail partners, and how can people access your products?
Rudy Patel: Our products are on Walmart.com, Chewy.com, Petco.com, and Amazon. Searching “Beyond Green products” online brings up multiple links. They’re available through our website and major retailers, ensuring easy access for consumers.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Perfect. How do personal growth and purpose fuel Beyond Green’s company culture and innovation?
Rudy Patel: The entrepreneurial journey, especially since 2018, was rough—sometimes asking staff to delay paychecks. Mindfulness and presence helped me accept challenges without breaking. My father taught me to flow like water, not fight the current, building resilience. Overcoming insecurities, like public speaking, gave me courage. Our culture is family-like, with potlucks and games, treating everyone as equals. Loyalty shines when staff treat the business as their own, fostering collective growth.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That familial dynamic is powerful. How do you balance work with your personal life?
Rudy Patel: It’s tough—I often bring work home, but I love it, so it’s passion, not work. I escape into nature for hiking and camping or binge movies to recharge. Like you, I value rest, inspired by the Sabbath, to rejuvenate and give my all during the workweek.
Beverly Hills Magazine: I feel the same—work is joy when it’s your passion. What marketing strategies have been most effective for Beyond Green, and how will you re-educate the public on compostable products?
Rudy Patel: Blogs on our website, LinkedIn, and guerrilla marketing—like info notes in product boxes—work well. We paused heavy marketing during growth, but retailers’ sustainability divisions and organizations like BPI now educate consumers, reducing our burden. The public’s growing eco-awareness aligns with our mission to replace plastic with compostable alternatives.
Beverly Hills Magazine: You’re part of a global movement. Rudy Patel, it’s been an honor. We wish you boundless success with Beyond Green and your mission to revolutionize sustainability!
Rudy Patel: Thank you so much. It’s been a joy, and I’m excited to keep pushing for a greener future!
Rudy Patel’s dedication to sustainability and innovation has made a significant impact on the fight against plastic pollution. Through beyondGREEN and ForeverGreen, he provides practical, eco-friendly alternatives that are accessible to consumers nationwide. His leadership and vision continue to inspire change, proving that sustainable manufacturing is not only possible but also profitable. As he looks to the future, Rudy remains committed to expanding his reach and driving positive environmental change.