Alterpacks

In a world where 350 million tons of plastic waste churns out every year, Alterpacks sets out to replace them with high-performance, bio-compostable packaging.

They are tackling two major global issues: plastic pollution and food waste, which contribute to roughly 3% and 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, respectively. Their scalable solutions are raising the bar for sustainable materials, not only in packaging but across industries. But why is Alterpacks the team for the job? What are the numbers saying about their targeted markets? And how is their solution evolving to address these market demands? To put more simply, why did we invest in them?

Genesis of Alterpacks Knowing Green Isn’t Enough

Karen Cheah, co-founder and CEO of Alterpacks, recognized the opportunity to address the two-headed issue. While working on her Master’s in Innovation, she was struck by the sheer scale of waste piling up in communities worldwide.

Her wake-up call came when she ordered a pricey, eco-friendly branded product. Instead of a game-changer, she got a damaged, bug-infested mess that couldn’t even handle Singapore’s climate. When she reached out to the company, their response? “That’s the best we can do.” That’s when she knew she could create something better.

Karen went on to ask the big, bold question that became the genesis of Alterpacks:

“Could we combat garbage with garbage?”

By upcycling organic waste, such as brewery spent grains and wheat husks, into bio-compostable packaging, Alterpacks is closing the waste loop. Utilizing advanced fiber pulp-molding technology, the company transforms agricultural by-products into lightweight, durable but compostable packaging that resists heat and moisture. This adaptability makes their materials suitable for various applications, from food containers to cosmetics or even medical supplies. Karen explains that their mission isn’t limited to waste reduction:

“The volume of waste we generate is overwhelming, but if we can prove that waste has value, we can inspire a mindset shift. Waste doesn’t have to be a problem, it can be a resource.”

The potential is enormous. The global biodegradable plastics market is forecasted to exceed $30 billion by 2029, and Alterpacks is uniquely positioned to lead with innovative, cost-effective, functional solutions; from a “launch pad” with huge demand for change, where 95% of Singaporeans favor sustainable packaging options, though more than half would not pay a green premium for sustainable packaging according to a report by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC). This is where Alterpacks’ technology, once again, excels.

The advantage lies in the scalability of their solution. Unlike many eco-friendly products that struggle to meet large-scale demand, Alterpacks has developed an automated production process that ensures industrial viability. This scalability enables their solutions the potential to achieve a true global impact.

Karen reflects on a key turning point in their product development:

“Initially, we focused on simply replacing plastics with our plant-fiber material. But we realized we needed to go further, to create a material with enhanced properties that could gain wider acceptance. Now, our materials are not only compostable but also lightweight, durable, and suitable for diverse industries.”

A Team Driving Profitable Sustainability

The driving force behind Alterpacks is a team with unmatched expertise and a shared dedication to sustainability. Karen Cheah leads the charge with over 20 years of experience in media and startups, an MSc in Innovation supported by a Leadership Scholarship, and a personal connection to the entrepreneur values.

Growing up in a matriarchal Peranakan family as a fifth-generation Singaporean, Karen was inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of the women of her home. She reflects: “Watching my grandmother, mother, and aunts forge their own paths instilled in me the values of independence and innovation. Those lessons continue to guide me in everything I do.”

Karen is supported by a multidisciplinary team, including COO Steven Tan, who brings 30 years of expertise in big data and operations; CSO Dr. Mok Hon Yong, a strategic leader with a background in semiconductors and finance; and CTO Dr. Liu Wu, an award-winning authority on plant fiber R&D. Together, they combine technical knowledge, operational excellence, and a shared mission to make profitable sustainability a standard practice.

Karen’s leadership is further inspired by trailblazers like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, whose perseverance and integrity reshaped her field. This same determination fuels Alterpacks’ commitment to lead the fight against plastic pollution.

Bold Goals Forward

Although Alterpacks is still in the early stages of its journey, its future aspirations are ambitious. Over the next three years, the company plans to refine its materials to develop next-generation solutions with enhanced properties. This will enable them to expand into new markets, adapt to stricter environmental regulations, and cater to a broader range of industries. Karen emphasizes the importance of these advancements.

“This innovation will allow us to meet evolving customer demands and gain traction in new markets outside of APAC. Ultimately, it’s about creating a greater global impact.”

By 2030, Alterpacks aims to replace a billion units of single-use plastic packaging. For Karen, success is about more than just numbers; it’s about proving that sustainability can be profitable and inspiring a global shift in perspective.

“We want to be the go-to advanced materials company, empowering industries to replace wasteful resources with tailor-made sustainable solutions. It’s about contributing to a circular economy and leaving the planet better than we found it.”

We have placed our bet in the future of packaging. If you would like to join, reach out!

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