In a bid to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability, an Indian entrepreneur has developed a biodegradable plastic-like carrier bag for small businesses, using sugar, cellulose, and corn fibers. Mohammed Azhar Mohiuddin, the founder of Bio Reform, has replaced over 6 million plastic bags in checkout counters across India using his innovative product.
Mohiuddin’s journey focused on finding an alternative to traditional plastic shopping bags. After researching biodegradable polymers, Mohiuddin identified PBAT (Polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate), a biodegradable material that was first developed in the 1980s. He secured seed funding and launched the project, overcoming numerous challenges.
Today, Bio Reform manufactures almost 500,000 bags per year at a gross revenue of $180,000. The company’s efforts have contributed to a significant reduction in plastic waste and pollution. According to Mohiuddin, addressing plastic pollution is an urgent problem that requires collective action. “Issues related to plastic pollution are not limited to affecting aquatic life and animals anymore. Today, microplastic has reached our bloodstream. Bottled water contains microplastics. Addressing this is an important and urgent problem,” he stated
Despite the challenges he faced, Mohiuddin remains committed to his mission to make India plastic-free. “I feel content when I go back to sleep, knowing that I am contributing to a larger cause. However, much more needs to be done to achieve our goal.”
Bio Reform’s biodegradable carrier bag is a testament to innovative solutions that can help mitigate the environmental impact of plastic waste. The company’s success serves as a model for other entrepreneurs and businesses looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
