A Chat With Dr Ben Kultys, Founder Of Velcorian on Keeping The Kitchen Safe From Microplastics, Bacteria, And Unnecessary Waste

Tell us about Velcorian

At Velcorian, we believe that what we prepare our food on is just as important as the food itself. Our mission is to eliminate hidden dangers from the kitchen: microplastics, bacteria, and unnecessary waste, by creating and offering products that are safe, elegant, and durable.

People are awakening to these issues, and we provide the much needed solutions.
We’ve developed our flagship product: a range of microplastics free, antibacterial, antifungal, and dishwasher safe chopping boards, designed with both health and aesthetics in mind. They’re unique, look beautiful on the counter, and are made to last over 15 years.

How did you come up with the idea for the company?

As a veterinarian and public health expert, I’ve spent years working to protect the food chain -ensuring contaminated or illegal food doesn’t reach the public, controlling diseases like bird flu and tuberculosis, and safeguarding health at every step.

One day, when I was throwing out yet another bamboo board (it hadn’t survived an “accidental” dishwasher cycle), I paused. We had bought it only after learning how harmful plastic boards are to our family’s health. I thought to myself: “There has got to be a better way.”

Plastic chopping boards shed microplastics directly into our meals. Our children are already exposed to enough of that – especially in schools, where plastic boards are used daily. Every time kitchen staff chop fruit, vegetables, sandwiches, or meat, microscopic fragments of that board are shaved off and end up in the food. We’re only beginning to understand how much harm it causes.

Then there are wooden boards. They trap moisture, bacteria, and fungi, are difficult to maintain, and can’t go in the dishwasher. So they’re constantly being replaced, as few people have the time and patience to spend time on maintaining them. The cycle continues – unhygienic, wasteful, and unsustainable.

I wanted a better solution for my own home. When I couldn’t find one, I decided to create it.

What is your advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Start with something that genuinely matters to you. If you’re solving a problem that truly bothers you, you’ll never run out of motivation. Take one step toward your goal each day – even a small one. And be prepared to do things differently, because building something meaningful often means going against the current.

Keep it lean, listen closely to your customers, dismiss the doubters, and stay grounded in your values.

What most excites you about Velcorian?

It’s the positive feedback and the realisation of how much potential there is. I get messages from parents and chefs telling me how much they love the product, not just for what it does, but for how it makes them feel in the kitchen. It’s easy to maintain, hygienic, and more beautiful than the alternatives.

But this is about more than just convenience. When people use Velcorian, they’re protecting their families from microplastics and bacteria while also reducing waste. That combination of health, satisfaction, and sustainability is what drives me every day.

And there’s more to come. We’re developing new products, including something for the professional space. I can’t share too much just yet, but it’s designed for those who take food hygiene seriously, whether at home or in a commercial kitchen.

How has the company evolved over the last year?

Velcorian started with a single prototype in my own kitchen a year ago. Today, we have a product range with two collections, six colours, and a growing community of health conscious, design-focused customers. We’ve built strong manufacturing relationships and launched a successful Kickstarter campaign, supported by influencers and early adopters.

We’ve also started offering complementary products that align with our values and vision and we’re always exploring new ideas that reflect our mission.

What can we hope to see from Velcorian in the future?

We’re looking ahead to retail expansion and new products that reflect what our customers care about most. We’ll continue partnering with chefs, interior designers, and health professionals who share our vision.

And soon, we’ll be unveiling even more – a new chapter in our mission to raise the standard of what belongs in both home and professional kitchens. The goal is to make healthy, beautiful, sustainable kitchenware the norm, not the exception.