Bio Reform : Plastics That Vanish in 180 Days

Bio Reform is redefining the future of packaging by creating 100% biodegradable and compostable bags that disappear in just 180 days, unlike traditional plastics that linger for centuries. Founded by Mohammed Azhar Mohiuddin from Hyderabad, Bio Reform is tackling one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges: plastic pollution. (Bio Reform)

So, what does Bio Reform do exactly? They produce eco-friendly bags made from corn waste, specifically engineered to replace harmful plastic products. Their bags are durable, water-resistant, and customizable, meeting the practical needs of businesses while protecting the environment. 

Bio Reform’s products are a better alternative to conventional plastics, which are notorious for polluting oceans, rivers, and landfills. By using biodegradable polymers like PBAT (Polybutylene adipate terephthalate), Bio Reform ensures that their products decompose fully and safely, leaving no harmful residue behind. This approach not only reduces waste but also supports the global shift towards sustainable living.

In just a few short years, Bio Reform has grown from a small idea into a promising business. They’ve gained recognition for their innovative approach in the green business sector. With their products, Bio Reform is leading the charge towards a plastic-free future, proving that sustainability can be both practical and profitable.

Corn-ered the Market: How a Student’s Idea Took Root

Mohammed Azhar Mohiuddin, a civil engineering student turned eco-warrior, founded Bio Reform with a vision to combat the global plastic menace. His entrepreneurial spirit was ignited during his college days when he participated in an incubator program that would change his life and potentially our environment. (Azhar Mohiuddin)

Azhar’s interest in sustainable solutions was sparked by his academic research on biopolymers while pursuing his bachelors in Civil engineering at Lords Institute of Engineering & Technology. He found out about PBAT (Polybutylene adipate terephthalate), a biodegradable polymer made from corn and potatoes, which could decompose completely within 180 days. Motivated by this finding, Azhar pitched his idea at Edventure park, an incubator focusing on student entrepreneurs. Competing against over 300 participants, his idea stood out, earning a place among the top ten startups selected for incubation​. (Edventure park)

But the road to success was not smooth. Initially, Azhar faced significant challenges, including the closure of his first factory due to financial constraints. However, his determination didn’t waver. With support from an EdVenture Park incubator program Azhar was able to restart and scale his operations significantly​.

In early 2022, Azhar officially launched Bio Reform in Hyderabad. The startup quickly gained attention for its innovative approach to combating plastic pollution. Though, the road wasn’t all smooth. Today, Bio Reform produces millions of biodegradable bags, offering products that are not only eco-friendly but also affordable.

Breaking Down Barriers: The Rise of Biodegradable Plastics

Who said plastics had to last forever? The biodegradable plastics market is busting this myth, gearing up for significant growth, and redefining sustainability standards worldwide. From humble beginnings of $4.31 billion in 2023 , this market is projected to skyrocket to $17.23 billion by 2033, marking a CAGR of 15.28% from 2024 to 2033 ​(Precedence Research).

Market Drivers and Trends

At the heart of this growth is the urgent need to combat plastic waste. Biodegradable plastics, which decompose naturally through microbial action into water, CO2, and biomass, offer a promising solution. They are crafted primarily from renewable resources like corn starch and plant oils, contrasting sharply with the enduring nature of conventional plastics​.

Regional Hotspots

Europe is leading the charge, with the highest market share and aggressive environmental policies driving demand for eco-friendly products. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is not far behind, anticipated to grow rapidly due to rising industrialization and eco-conscious consumer bases in countries like China and India.

Leading the Way

Companies like BASF SE, NatureWorks, and Mitsubishi Chemical are at the forefront, investing heavily in research to pioneer new forms of biodegradable plastics that are both functional and environmentally friendly.

However, the market isn’t without challenges. The cost of producing biodegradable plastics is still higher than conventional plastics, which can be a barrier for widespread adoption. Yet, with technological advancements and increasing economies of scale, these costs are expected to decrease, making biodegradable plastics more accessible.

Mission Compost-able:  Bio Reform’s Mission to Unwrap Plastic Problems

Bio Reform’s mission is to solve one of the world’s most pressing environmental issues—plastic pollution. They aim to make biodegradable products accessible and affordable, encouraging both businesses and consumers to make the switch from harmful plastics to greener alternatives. Their mission is rooted in the belief that sustainable living should be the norm, not the exception​. (About)

Problems They Solve

Bio Reform tackles several critical problems related to plastic pollution. Traditional plastics take hundreds of years to decompose, polluting oceans, rivers, and landfills. Bio Reform’s products, on the other hand, decompose within 180 days, drastically reducing the environmental impact. The company also addresses the issue of consumer awareness by promoting the benefits of biodegradable materials. 

Business Model

Bio Reform operates on a B2B (Business to Business) and B2C (Business to Consumer) model. They produce a range of biodegradable products, including carry bags, food pouches, and garbage bags. These products are sold directly to consumers via their online store and to businesses looking to reduce their environmental footprint. The company also offers customized products tailored to specific business needs, allowing brands to incorporate their own logos and designs into biodegradable packaging​.

Bag It Up: Bio Reform’s Products That Don’t Cost the Earth

Compostable Carry Bags

The flagship product of Bio Reform is their range of compostable carry bags. Made from corn waste and other biodegradable materials, these bags come in various sizes, ranging from small 8×10 inch bags to large 16×20 inch ones. They are durable, water-resistant, and decompose fully within 180 days. In addition to carry bags, Bio Reform also offers specialized products like food pouches and biomedical bags. (Products)

Customizable Bags

One of the standout features of Bio Reform’s product line is the ability to customize bags based on client needs. Businesses can order bags with their own branding, logos, and designs, making them perfect for marketing campaigns or promotional events. This customization service has made Bio Reform a popular choice among companies looking to enhance their green credentials.

Film Products

Bio Reform also produces compostable film products, which can be used in various packaging applications. These films are a great alternative to the plastic films commonly used in packaging and wrapping. Available in multiple sizes, these films are both flexible and durable, ensuring that they meet the rigorous demands of commercial use​.

Garbage Bags

Their garbage bags are another key product, designed to replace the traditional plastic garbage bags that clog up landfills. These biodegradable garbage bags are strong enough to handle heavy loads while ensuring that the waste management process is as green as possible​.

Understanding PBAT : The Technology behind Bio Reform

The foundation of Bio Reform’s technology is PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate), a biodegradable polymer derived from natural sources. PBAT is known for its plastic-like properties—flexible, durable, and resistant to water—making it the ideal material for products that need to perform like traditional plastics without the environmental toll.

What is PBAT Made Of?

PBAT is a copolyester, meaning it’s made from a combination of different chemical compounds. The main components are adipic acid, butanediol, and terephthalic acid. Unlike conventional plastics, which are typically derived from petroleum-based materials, PBAT incorporates renewable resources such as corn starch, potatoes, or other plant-based materials. This unique composition allows it to break down naturally when exposed to environmental conditions like heat, moisture, and microorganisms.

How Does PBAT Biodegrade?

Under the right conditions, PBAT can decompose into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass without leaving harmful residues. This process occurs much faster than traditional plastics, which can take hundreds of years to degrade. PBAT’s breakdown is facilitated by enzymes from bacteria and fungi that consume the polymer, turning it back into organic matter that enriches the soil.

Applications of PBAT

PBAT is widely used in the packaging industry for products like shopping bags, food packaging, and agricultural films. It is especially popular for single-use items that are often discarded after a short period, as it helps reduce the environmental impact of waste. Moreover, PBAT’s ability to blend with other bioplastics makes it versatile, allowing manufacturers to tailor its properties to meet specific needs​.

Bagging Profits: The Greenbacks Fueling Bio Reform’s Growth

In just a few years, Bio Reform has significantly altered the landscape of the biodegradable market in India. Currently, Bio Reform is producing 400,000 to 500,000 biodegradable bags per month, which include carry bags, biomedical waste bags, and food pouches. This scale of production has led the company to replace over six million plastic bags in the last two years. 

Bio Reform’s journey was significantly bolstered by its early partnership with Edventure park, a student-focused startup incubator. Azhar Mohiuddin, the founder, initially secured approximately ₹1 crore (about $120,000) in funding from the EdVenture Park incubator program, which was instrumental in setting up the company’s first factory in Hyderabad in early 2022.

In the previous year, Bio Reform reported an annual revenue of approximately ₹1.3 crore (around $220,000) in financial year 23-24, demonstrating the growing market demand for sustainable packaging solutions. (Startup Pedia)

Wrapping Up : Bag It, Tag It, Change the World

With its innovative biodegradable products, Bio Reform is transforming the packaging industry. By turning corn waste into biodegradable bags, they are reshaping the packaging industry and pushing India closer to a plastic-free future. The company’s impact is already significant. They have replaced over six million plastic bags with compostable alternatives just the past few years. 

Financially, Bio Reform’s growth is impressive. With strong revenue performance and continuous market demand, the company is poised for great growth in the coming future. But Bio Reform’s success is more than just a business story—it’s a call to action. It challenges us all to think differently about the problems we face and to turn ideas into impactful solutions.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or someone passionate about sustainability, take inspiration from Bio Reform’s journey. It’s time to act on your ideas. Who knows? Your venture could be the next big thing that makes a difference. For more inspiring stories and insights on startups driving change, check out other articles on Venture Kites.

Lessons Questions

Lessons From Bio Reform

Invest in Your Community

The Lesson & Why it Matters: Giving back to your community strengthens your brand and helps create a loyal customer base.

Implementation: Engage in community initiatives or partnerships that align with your business values.

How Bio Reform Implements it: By addressing the local plastic waste problem, Bio Reform contributes directly to a cleaner environment, benefiting their community and beyond​.

Know Your Market

The Lesson & Why it Matters: Understanding your target market helps you tailor your products and marketing efforts effectively.

Implementation: Conduct market research. Know your customers’ needs and preferences.

How Bio Reform Implements it: Bio Reform focuses on the needs of small and medium businesses that require affordable, sustainable packaging solutions.

Start with a Problem Worth Solving

The Lesson & Why it Matters: The best businesses start with a real problem. Bio Reform tackled the huge issue of plastic pollution by creating biodegradable alternatives.

Implementation: Identify a problem that matters to you and your community. Research its impact and look for innovative solutions.

How Bio Reform Implements it: Bio Reform began with the clear goal of replacing harmful plastic with eco-friendly alternatives, driving both purpose and profit​.

Leverage Sustainable Materials

The Lesson & Why it Matters: Sustainability is no longer optional; it’s a necessity. Using renewable materials can set your product apart.

Implementation: Choose materials that are biodegradable or have a minimal environmental footprint. Focus on sustainability throughout your supply chain.

How Bio Reform Implements it: Bio Reform uses plant-based polymers, such as PBAT, to ensure their bags decompose completely, unlike traditional plastics.

Create Value Beyond Profit

The Lesson & Why it Matters: Companies that prioritize social impact often build stronger connections with their audience.

Implementation: Align your business goals with a broader mission that addresses a significant social or environmental issue.

How Bio Reform Implements it: By prioritizing the reduction of plastic pollution, Bio Reform goes beyond profit, positioning itself as a leader in sustainability and innovation.​

  • Can innovation in everyday products like carry bags truly change the course of environmental sustainability?

  • How can businesses balance cost and sustainability?

  • Are current government regulations doing enough to support the biodegradable industry?

Creative Head – Mrs. Shemi K Kandoth

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply