BioReform, launched in 2022 by Mohammed Azhar Mohiuddin, manufactures 100% eco-friendly, biodegradable & compostable bags which completely biodegrade in less than 180 days.

A student-run startup in Hyderabad is taking a revolutionary approach to tackling plastic pollution. BioReform is creating a wave of change by developing biodegradable and compostable alternatives to single-use plastic and paper bags.

Since its inception, BioReform, incubated by India's first student-focused incubator, Adventure Park, has replaced over 6 million plastic bags and expanded its operations to 8 cities.

But how are they achieving this feat? By using waste.

BioReform utilizes innovative biotechnology processes to transform corn waste-sugars, cellulose, and other natural components-into sustainable biopolymers.

Mohammed Azhar Mohiuddin, a 24-year-old master's student, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey after a 2019 speech by the Prime Minister calling for India to be free of single-use plastic by 2025 resonated deeply with him. Azhar realized that awareness campaigns were only half the battle; without genuine alternatives, plastic would remain dominant.

Existing options like paper and jute bags had limitations. Paper lacked water resistance, making it unsuitable for restaurant deliveries. Jute was too expensive for most businesses. Additionally, food packaging presented a challenge, as paper couldn't meet storage requirements.

This was the genesis of BioReform, an eco-friendly startup born from a desire to find a better way, a testament to Azhar's evolution from a hustler to a sustainability champion.

"As a student with no prior experience in manufacturing, I had to navigate everything from finding the right machinery to securing funding," says Azhar, Founder of BioReform.

Securing a place in the Adventure Park incubator program with funding of Rs 1 crore provided a much-needed boost. He set up a factory in Hyderabad and began producing biodegradable polymer bags.

The Hyderabad startup clocked Rs 16 lakhs revenue in FY23 which grew to Rs 1.3 Cr in FY24.

"Now with a focus on scaling and expansion, we are projecting a revenue of Rs 3-3.5 Cr for the current year- FY25," adds Azhar told Startup Pedia.

BioReform has grown significantly in its two years of operation. What began as a one-man show has expanded to a team of 10-11 people. The eco-bag startup now operates a 2500-square-foot factory in Hyderabad, with dedicated staff handling factory operations, social media management, back-end functions, and sales.

Looking outward, Azhar sees an opportunity to position India as a global leader in sustainable solutions. He believes that India's high-quality products and competitive pricing can attract customers currently reliant on Chinese alternatives.

BioReform's mission is more than just a business venture; it's a movement for a healthier planet.