Hyderabad Startup BioReform Shocks World with UN Recognition—What They Discovered Will Leave You Speechless!

Hyderabad: A Hyderabad-based startup, BioReform, has recently gained international acclaim for its innovative approach to tackling plastic pollution. Incubated at the Atal Incubation Centre of IIIT-Hyderabad, BioReform has developed a biodegradable alternative to traditional plastics that has already made a significant impact, replacing over 15 million single-use plastic items across eight Indian cities and four countries. This success has led to the company being recognized as a case study by the United Nations, underscoring its potential relevance on a global scale.

Founded in October 2021 during his engineering studies, Mohammed Azhar Mohiuddin, the founder of BioReform, reflects on the company’s journey: “We started with absolutely zero in college, and today we are at roughly eight figures in revenue and have replaced 15 million+ single-use plastics. While revenue is a key metric, our internal KPI is to measure our impact in plastic bags replaced.”

BioReform's flagship product, the Greeny bag, is crafted from sustainable plant-based materials such as corn starch and biopolymers, allowing it to decompose within months, a stark contrast to conventional plastic products that can take hundreds of years to break down. The startup initially faced challenges with custom printing and product quality. Mohiuddin noted, “First it was a printing customization issue, then problems with the handles and sealing quality. The fourth run turned out perfect and we received our first big order.”

In 2024, BioReform joined the AIC-IIIT Hyderabad accelerator program and received a milestone-based seed grant from the EPAM Social Impact Innovation Programme, enabling it to scale its operations effectively. Currently, the company operates five manufacturing machines and employs a team of 11, serving over 300 clients across domestic and international markets, including cities like Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and London.

Beyond the Greeny bag, BioReform is expanding its product range to include food-grade milk packaging and non-adhesive barricading tapes, with ongoing projects in biomedical packaging solutions. Mohiuddin emphasizes his role as an entrepreneur rather than an innovator, stating, “I am not an innovator. I am an entrepreneur with the risk appetite to bring social impact solutions into the market.”

The startup's innovation has not gone unnoticed globally; BioReform secured second place among 300 startups from 40 countries at a recent competition in Saudi Arabia. There are also plans to establish a manufacturing facility in Ras Al Khaimah, which could further enhance its production capabilities and outreach.

BioReform's trajectory illustrates the growing demand for sustainable alternatives to plastics, which is increasingly becoming a priority for consumers and businesses alike. The initiative not only addresses pressing environmental concerns but also positions itself as a model for startups aiming to create a positive social impact. As the world grapples with the challenges of plastic waste, innovations like those from BioReform may pave the way for a more sustainable future.