Redesigning the Future of Plastic Through Biodegradable Plastic Technologies - Tommy Tjiptadjaja // Co-Founder and CEO of Greenhope

In Episode 148 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, Causeartist contributor Rafael Aldon, speaks with Tommy Tjiptadjaja, Co-Founder and CEO of Greenhope, on redesigning the future of plastic through biodegradable plastic technologies.

Plastic is one of the best modern human inventions, bringing unparalleled benefits to humankind, democratizing items at a mass scale, drastically reducing transport cost and fuel consumption, prolonging and preserving food from farm to tables, extending the food shelf life in supermarkets, and many others.

All of which done at an unmatched low conversion cost and energy (relative to paper).  How is that possible?  Because plastic polymers are made of byproducts of oil and gas production.

The Challenges of Plastic Waste

When contemplating material sustainability for our lives, we need to think and consider the holistic picture: Source (renewable vs. non-renewable), Conversion cost (in terms of energy, money, other resources required to produce the item), and End of Life/Waste.

Plastic scores very well in terms of Conversion cost, better in the most matrix than paper.

However, Plastic scores the worst in End of Life/waste management, because the durability becomes a double edge sword once its useful life ends… it takes 500 years up to 1,000 yrs to degrade back to nature.

This is the most urgent challenge we need to address.

Countless debates, perspectives, analysis, research, on solving the plastic waste challenge are often biased and not balanced, too idealistic, not accounting for local economic reality and socio-cultural aspect, and/or impractical altogether.

• When Plastic becomes waste, its durability becomes a problem – it takes Plastic 500 to 1000 years to naturally degrade
• In its natural degradation process, plastic physically fragments to become dangerous micro plastic
• Human behavior and bad waste management cause up to 8mn tons plastic / yr “leak” into the ocean

About Greenhope

Greenhope is a green technology company with two leading brands: Oxium (oxo-biodegradable additive) & Ecoplas (cassava-based biodegradable bioplastic). They actively collaborate with manufacturers, brand owners, non-governmental organizations, local & national governments to create sustainable consumption & production towards a better, greener earth.

Thier technology has been widely scrutinized, tested, certified, to ensure trust and credibility.

About Oxium

Oxium is US-patented, oxo-biodegradable additive that speeds up the molecular and chemical degradation of plastic, thus helping to solve the massive accumulation of plastic waste. Oxium's proprietary formula is made of naturally available minerals that are non-toxic, non-heavy metals. Oxium is used as an additive in low dosage towards regular plastic production (does not require separate/special machineries) and has proven to be an effective and every economical solution towards green plastic.

About Ecoplas

Ecoplas is cassava-based and biodegradable bioplastic made out of certified fair trade cassava, driving positive combined environmental and social impact.  Ecoplas has received numerous acknowledgment and awards domestically and internationally as one of the most competitive bio-based materials towards next generation/ sustainable green plastic.

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