Alterpacks converts food grains into bio-degradable containers to combat single-use plastics

During her travels, Karen Cheah witnessed people choking under the weight of food waste and litter from plastic containers. She sniffed a multi-million opportunity there.

“I sensed that we could create eco-friendly food containers that could replace plastic disposables. This way, we can contain this throw-away culture that has become ubiquitous with plastics,” Cheah tells e27.

This was the genesis of Alterpacks.

Established in 2019, Singapore-based Alterpacks was created to combat the problem of single-use plastics.

The team has over 20 years of complementary skillsets in marketing, finance, manufacturing and R&D with global experience. The founding team members Cheah (CEO) and Herbin Chia (CFO) were classmates at Singapore Management University, and Steven Tan (COO) joined them after a distinguished career in the Singapore Navy.

Also Read: Bio-degradable food container startup Alterpacks raises US$1M funding

The greentech startup converts food grains into containers that can be moulded into any shape. Thus, it upcycles food loss in manufacturing to create a biodegradable and home-compostable material. Cheah claims that Alterpacks containers are 100 per cent organic.

Alterpacks works with F&B businesses, converters, and manufacturers to create tailor-made, sustainable packaging solutions.

Last year, the company piloted its food containers at the Motor GP Event in Mandalika, Indonesia. It also collaborated with the UN Development Programme to combat plastic pollution in Indonesia.

In Vietnam, Alterpacks piloted its eco-friendly products with the popular F&B brand Pizza 4P’s.

In addition to bio-degradable containers, the startup also creates bio-pellets to replace petroleum-based resins used in standard manufacturing machines and changes the raw material with other forms of agricultural waste. It has also started the production of various cutlery, including coffee cups and cup covers.

Alterpacks products are priced competitively against other similar environmentally friendly solutions. “We target a price point on par with petroleum-based products.”

While there are rigid food containers, other eco-friendly alternatives, and bio-plastics, the mass usage of such products is yet to pick up the pace. Their mass pickup primarily depends on the price and performance of the products.

“Eco-containers compete with plastics that have had a head-start of over 100 years in production processes and economies of scale. Moreover, the current eco-containers in the market have been challenged with dents and leaks,” Cheah shares.

“What sets Alterpacks apart from competitors is the performance of our material made using side streams from food manufacturing. We create products that meet the performance specifications of business at a competitive price point,” she adds.

Also Read: How all-electric, self-driving Clearbot helps tackle ocean plastic pollution in Asia

In terms of performance, Alterpacks containers can go from freezer to microwave, hold wet and oily foods, and keep their shape and form. “Addressing the price points and performance expectations are the two areas for the mass take-up. Because our containers are also home-compostable, they have become the go-to alternative in countries that have already started looking at banning the use of virgin pulp and plastic coatings in paper products as well.”

In her view, government legislation and increasing consumer awareness about eco-alternatives could take bio-degradable products to the next level.

Last week, Alterpacks closed its US$1 million pre-seed funding round with lead investor Plug and Play APAC and co-investors SEEDS Capital and Earth Venture Capital. The company will use the money to ramp up production and supply across key markets in Asia, Australia, and Europe.

“Like all startups, this round is only the beginning. So we will move ahead with a seed Round as we scale up our manufacturing and R&D. This is already in the works,” she says.

—

Fundraising or preparing your startup for fundraising? Build your investor network, search from 400+ SEA investors on e27, and get connected or get insights regarding fundraising. Try e27 Pro for free today.

The post Alterpacks converts food grains into bio-degradable containers to combat single-use plastics appeared first on e27.