Vancouver-based startup Bioform Technologies has secured up to $5 million in funding from Suzano Ventures to support its production of biodegradable plastics made from wood pulp. The company’s sustainable alternative to single-use plastics made from fossil fuels can be molded into various shapes, including cups, lids, envelopes, and garbage bags. Through analyzing its climate impacts, Bioform found that its product generates 80% less carbon dioxide compared to traditional plastic at a commercial scale, utilizing existing pulp mill machinery to produce rolls of plastic.
Once used, Bioform’s bioplastic can be recycled as paper or composted at home, providing a more eco-friendly end-of-life option. CEO Chris Clark aims to produce sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics quickly and cost-effectively, utilizing technology developed by University of British Columbia professors Jordan MacKenzie and Mark Martinez. The company, which currently has 12 employees, plans to begin commercial production by 2027 after securing previous funding rounds, including a $2.4 million seed round and a $1.2 million grant. Bioform was also part of the Creative Destruction Lab incubator cohort in 2020-21.
With plastic pollution increasingly impacting oceans and ecosystems, there is a growing need for environmentally friendly alternatives. Bioform Technologies is not alone in tackling this issue, as researchers at the University of Washington are developing biodegradable plastic made from blue-green algae called spirulina. The global focus on addressing the plastic crisis has created opportunities for startups like Bioform to innovate and provide sustainable solutions to reduce environmental harm caused by traditional plastics.
Bioform’s focus on creating sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics aligns with broader efforts to combat plastic pollution and reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste. By using wood pulp to create biodegradable plastics, the company is harnessing natural materials that can be recycled or composted after use, promoting a circular economy. The success of Bioform’s innovative approach to plastic production has attracted investments from Suzano Ventures, highlighting the potential for eco-friendly solutions to transform the plastics industry and contribute to a more sustainable future.
The utilization of wood pulp to produce biodegradable plastics enables Bioform Technologies to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions compared to traditional plastic manufacturing processes. By analyzing its climate impacts and striving to minimize its environmental footprint, the company demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. As the demand for sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics continues to grow, Bioform’s innovative technology and production methods offer a promising solution to the plastic pollution crisis, showcasing the potential for startups to drive positive change in the fight against environmental degradation.
