Bioform Technologies, a Vancouver-based startup, has successfully raised up to $5 million from Suzano Ventures, an investment arm of a manufacturing company that focuses on turning farmed eucalyptus trees into pulp. The startup is working on creating biodegradable plastics made from wood pulp to replace single-use plastics that are made from fossil fuels. These bioplastics can be thermoformed into various shapes like cups, coffee lids, envelopes, pouches, or garbage bags. The company’s product generates 80% less carbon dioxide compared to traditional plastic at a commercial scale, and the manufacturing process can utilize existing pulp mill machinery to produce rolls of plastic.
The startup, founded in 2021, aims to produce sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics that are as fast as paper and as cost-effective as plastic. The company has 12 employees, with CEO Chris Clark leading the team. Bioform Technologies was launched using technology developed by University of British Columbia professors Jordan MacKenzie and Mark Martinez, who are also co-founders of the company. MacKenzie serves as the chief technology officer of Bioform. The company aims to commence commercial production by 2027, having previously raised $2.4 million in a seed round and securing a $1.2 million grant. Bioform also participated in the Creative Destruction Lab’s incubator cohort from 2020-2021.
In response to the growing issue of plastic pollution in oceans and ecosystems globally, there has been an increased focus on developing environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastics. Bioform Technologies’ biodegradable wood pulp-based plastics offer a sustainable solution that can be recycled as paper or composted at home after use. Other researchers and entrepreneurs are also working on innovative solutions to address the plastic pollution crisis. For instance, researchers at the University of Washington are developing sustainable, biodegradable plastics made from blue-green algae called spirulina.
The sustainable bioplastics developed by Bioform Technologies offer a promising solution to the environmental challenges posed by traditional single-use plastics. By using wood pulp to create biodegradable plastic alternatives, the company aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and combat plastic pollution. The ability to recycle these bioplastics into paper or compost them at home provides a circular solution that supports a more sustainable approach to plastic use. With plans to begin commercial production by 2027, Bioform Technologies is set to play a significant role in the movement towards more environmentally friendly plastic alternatives.
As the world continues to grapple with the negative impacts of plastic pollution on ecosystems and marine life, startups like Bioform Technologies are leading the way in developing innovative solutions that prioritize sustainability. By harnessing the potential of wood pulp to create biodegradable plastics, the company is at the forefront of the shift towards more eco-friendly materials. With the support of investments from Suzano Ventures and participation in prestigious programs like the Creative Destruction Lab incubator, Bioform Technologies is well-positioned to make a positive impact on the plastic industry and contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet.
