Mohammed Azhar Mohiuddin, an Indian entrepreneur from Hyderabad, is tackling plastic pollution by creating an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags. His company, Bio Reform, produces biodegradable bags made from sugar, cellulose, and corn fibers, and has already replaced six million plastic bags in stores across India.

Mohiuddin’s idea for the venture arose during the pandemic when he sought to address a global environmental issue. After researching, he focused on reducing plastic usage, particularly the widespread reliance on plastic shopping bags. He noticed that while large companies were switching to biodegradable materials like paper or jute, the higher cost of these alternatives was a burden for small and medium businesses, which form the backbone of India’s economy.

Inspired to find a cost-effective solution, he began studying PBAT (Polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate), a biodegradable polymer developed in the 1980s from corn and potatoes. After overcoming challenges, including quarantine restrictions and scams, he secured nearly $100,000 in seed funding, allowing him to launch Bio Reform.

Despite facing financial struggles, managing his university studies, and dealing with a backlog of orders, Mohiuddin persevered. Today, Bio Reform produces nearly 500,000 biodegradable bags annually, generating $180,000 in revenue.

Mohiuddin stresses the urgency of addressing plastic pollution, noting that microplastics have infiltrated the human bloodstream and even bottled water. Despite the personal sacrifices, he feels fulfilled by his work and remains committed to making India plastic-free.

“Much more needs to be done,” he says, “and I will continue to strive for it.”

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