AlterPacks is a Singapore-based start-up focused on sustainability solutions using food waste which transform organic spent grains into biodegradable packaging.
People, organizations are moving toward more sustainable packaging solutions. The demand is strongly pushed with support policies and regulations from the governments. Taking advantage of the abundance of raw materials availability in South East Asia, we consider AlterPacks is a scalable solution that will not only leverage the circular economy but also able to be price competitive with other available semi-plastic products.
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Karen Cheah
CEO and Founder
HOW IT WORK
The Science
AlterPacks is revolutionizing packaging by throwing out the throwaway culture. The company upcycles leftover agricultural waste and food by-products, such as wheat husks and spent grains. Through fully automated, industrial fiber pulp-molding technology, these organic waste materials are transformed into high-performing, ecofriendly packaging solutions packaging that resembles fiber or cardboard:
- 100% Organic Plant-Fiber Waste
- 100% PFAS-Free
- 100% Home Compostable
A standout innovation is AlterPacks' groundbreaking use of brewery spent grains, transformed into 100% bio-compostable packaging materials. This approach not only combats plastic pollution but also delivers economic value for brewery waste exporters, who can now earn up to $286 per ton, a significant increase compared to the typical $150–$250 per ton.
EARTH FIRST VISION
The Future
Alterpacks is a Singapore-based pioneer in transforming organic plant-fibre waste into 100% bio-compostable packaging materials. With the global biodegradable packaging market projected to nearly double to $810 billion by 2032 (CAGR of 6.4%), AlterPacks is setting a new standard with scalable, planet-friendly alternatives.
Collaborating with scientists and industry partners, AlterPacks addresses the zero-waste challenge by developing fully home-compostable materials derived from food losses in manufacturing. Their solutions are not only environmentally responsible but also cost-competitive and high-performing, aiming to replace plastic packaging across industries – including F&B, packaging, cosmetics, and fashion.
people
Their DNA
At AlterPacks, innovation is not just a goal—it is a mindset. Leading the charge is Founder and CEO Karen Cheah, who brings over 20 years of experience in global media and start-ups. With 60 international awards under her belt—including for conservation initiatives—and an MSc in Innovation from Singapore Management University as a Leadership Scholar, Karen blends creativity and academic excellence to lead AlterPacks toward impactful innovation.
COO Steven Tan brings over 30 years of expertise in smart cities, big data, and operations, ensuring that AlterPacks grows with precision and scale. CSO Dr. Mok Hon Yong combines two decades of experience in semiconductors and finance with a Doctorate in Business Administration to craft bold, forward-thinking sustainability strategies. CTO Dr. Liu Wu, a global expert in plant fiber R&D, offers 30 years of award-winning experience in fully degradable, fluorine-free materials.