Hyderabad-based Mohammed Azhar Mohiuddin aspired to delve into entrepreneurship to tackle pressing issues such as plastic pollution.

While there have been several awareness campaigns and protests worldwide on plastic pollution, Azhar believes that plastic usage cannot be curbed unless there is a viable alternative.

“One of the major reasons behind the extensive use of plastic bags is their properties. They are water resistant, thermal, durable, light-weight, and have good tensile strength,” he says.

“I wanted to find a solution that could mirror the properties of plastic while being eco-friendly and cheaper than paper, cloth, or jute alternatives,” he adds.

Azhar started studying about a biodegradable polymer, PBAT (Polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate), which is derived from plant-based sources such as corn and potatoes.

In 2022, his research laid the foundation for a new business endeavour, Bio Reform, which manufactures compostable bags using corn waste, sugars, cellulose, and other natural components to create sustainable biopolymers.

Today, his company produces carry bags, biomedical waste bags, garbage bags, food pouches, and book wraps.

Interestingly, Azhar says that these bags are compostable and can decompose within 180 days. In the past two years, his startup has replaced over six million plastic bags.

On an individual level, Azhar hopes to spearhead a movement toward India’s vision of becoming single-use plastic-free.

“I am glad to be able to contribute my part. Much more needs to be done to make India plastic-free, and I will continue to strive for it,” he says.