Startup Turns Corn Waste into Eco-Friendly Bags, Replacing Over 6 Million Plastic Bags

Mohammed Azhar Mohiuddin’s 'Bio Reform' Startup Pioneers Sustainable Packaging with Biodegradable Bags Decomposing in 180 Days

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, while many were exploring social media, Mohammed Azhar Mohiuddin saw a unique opportunity to make a real difference. Instead of following the trend, Azhar embarked on a journey to tackle one of the world’s most pressing environmental issues: plastic pollution.

His startup, Bio Reform, is now leading the charge by producing eco-friendly, compostable bags from corn waste, marking a significant step toward a sustainable future.

Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age, Azhar dabbled in various ventures, from website development to running a cloud kitchen. However, in 2019, he realized that solving real-life problems was more rewarding than just chasing profits. This realization led him to focus on creating an alternative to plastic bags, which continue to be widely used due to their affordability and practical properties.

Azhar’s research led him to discover PBAT (Polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate), a biodegradable polymer derived from plant-based sources like corn and potatoes. Inspired by this, he launched Bio Reform, a Hyderabad-based startup that transforms corn waste into sustainable biopolymers for making compostable bags. In just two years, his company has replaced over six million plastic bags.

The road to success wasn’t easy. Azhar faced numerous challenges, from fraudulent schemes to operational hurdles during the pandemic. Yet, his determination never wavered. With support from his uncle and a timely investment of Rs 1 crore from the Adventure Park incubator program, Azhar set up a manufacturing unit in Hyderabad. Despite personal and professional setbacks, including his uncle's unexpected departure from the company, Azhar persevered, balancing his engineering studies with running the business.

Today, Bio Reform manufactures 4-5 lakh carry bags, biomedical waste bags, garbage bags, food pouches, and book wraps each month. These bags, which decompose within 180 days, have gained traction in the B2B sector, contributing to India’s vision of becoming single-use plastic-free. The startup, which reported an annual revenue of Rs 1.8 crore last year, continues to grow, fueled by Azhar’s unwavering commitment to sustainability.

Azhar’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance. His work not only addresses plastic pollution but also sets a new standard for sustainable packaging in India. As he continues to push forward, Azhar remains focused on his mission to make India a plastic-free nation.

Reference:

thebetterindia.com