Plastic pollution has long been hailed as a global environmental problem. According to United Nations’ Environment Program, 19-23 million tonnes of plastic waste leaks into aquatic ecosystems every year, polluting lakes, rivers and seas. Single-use plastics (such as bags, bottles, and food packaging products including straws) have inundated our lives, resulting in staggering quantities of plastic waste in our ecosystem.
While many see this as an imminent disaster, Akmal Amir, a trained engineer, saw it as an opportunity to embark for a greater cause which he is passionate about. In 2019, Akmal co-founded ADA BioTech to address the market demand for biodegradable packaging such as straws and the urgent need to reduce plastic use in the world.
According to ADA BioTech, there are about 5.25 trillion macro and micro pieces of plastic in world’s oceans. It takes hundreds of years for microplastics created by decomposing plastic debris to dissolve. One serious source of plastic is the plastic straw. Apparently, Malaysians use a staggering 31 million plastic straws daily. ADA BioTech produces ground-breaking biodegradable products that could completely replace plastics. ADA straws use 100% natural food based ingredients such as broken rice which contains fragments of rice grains. Tapioca, an extract of cassava root starch is also used.
The straws developed in ADA’s Research and Development lab are not only biodegradable, but also hygienic, affordable, and safe for consumption. In contrast to conventional plastics, which could linger in the environment for decades, ADA BioTech’s biodegradable straws decompose within 100 days and thus, more environmentally friendly. ADA’s biodegradable straws can be tailored according to customer needs, including diameter, length, logos, and food-grade colour options.
Retracing his startup journey at BizTech Times’ Dialogue on Startups held in WorkzSpace Penang, Akmal shared that ADA BioTech aspires to chart and comply with Malaysia’s Roadmap towards Zero Single-Use Plastics 2018-2030. However, despite such noble cause, Akmal found that businesses in Malaysia are still resistant to convert to bio-degradable products due to the higher price points. To raise awareness and highlight the benefits of bio-degradable products, ADA Biotech is actively engaging with environmental NGOs and schools to educate the youth on environmental preservation. Akmal also revealed that stiff competition coming from overseas players also pose a challenge to ADA BioTech’s revenue growth. As such, his management is constantly look into cutting-edge technologies to improve its product quality.
During the panel discussion, Akmal shared that ADA BioTech is in the midst of developing new innovative products including coffee straws. To further deepen its product offerings, the company also intends to produce stirrers, plates, cups, and spoons made of rice husk.
“To succeed, entrepreneurs must have a strong passion for business and possess a “never-give-up” attitude to pursue their goals relentlessly. When faced with obstacles, do not be discouraged or fall back to a comfort zone. Instead, fall forward by leaning towards the failures or challenges and use them as a strong learning tools to continue growing,” said Akmal.
For Akmal, the startup growth journey is fraught with multiple challenges, but he takes them in stride and views them as valuable lessons to keep moving forward. Backed by a strong management team coupled with unwavering support from fellow co-founders, he is determined to conquer the market and save our world, one straw at a time.