Innovation

Sustanix was co-founded by Sarvesh Poddar, who has an academic background in industrial operations and has worked in the industry for several years. Together with his colleague Ketankumar Ishwarbhai Makwana, a polymer scientist, they founded the chemical start-up Sustanix in December 2020.

The two entrepreneurs had the idea to replace per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, short PFAS, with substances made from biomaterials. PFAS is found in a lot of products of our day-to-day life and can be harmful for human health because it causes certain types of cancer, hormone distribution, and potential infertility. Sustanix focuses on researching and developing coatings and additives that can help the following industries: paper packaging, textiles and leather, furniture, home, and personal care, to remove PFAS from their products.

The solution from Sustanix is based on raw materials from agricultural residues which are either wheat and rice straws, sawdust, or sugarcane waste. Therefore, no human food is wasted, and the materials are 100% recyclable. The green chemistry behind the solution of Sustanix can help to make products truly circular. According to Sustanix, 70% of fossil-based products can be replaced by raw materials from agricultural residues. By doing so a potential reduction of greenhouse gas emission by 45% can be reached compared to fuel-based raw materials.

Sustanix follows the mission “To eliminate the world's over-reliance on fossil-based materials in our daily lives thereby securing human, animal, and environmental health.” Currently, Sustanix has projects in nine different countries across Europe and is planning to scale its business to other continents in the future to broaden its positive impact on society and the environment.

Inspiration

Growing up in India, Sarvesh often listened to his mother’s impassioned rants against plastic. Despite lacking a scientific background, she despised plastic for its pervasive harm. Sarvesh recalls his mother stating, "[plastic] chokes our waterways and harms our animals." She remembers seeing cows walking through the streets, chewing on plastic waste discarded by humans. This image stayed with her and led to the question, "With so many brilliant minds in the world, why can't we solve this problem?" His mother had seen the devastating impact of plastic on local wildlife, and the sight of animals suffering deeply affected her.

Her persistent inquiries about the failure to address the plastic problem inspired Sarvesh to act. As Sarvesh grew older, his mother’s concerns transformed into his mission. The memories of animals struggling with plastic waste and his mother’s heartfelt pleas pushed him toward innovation. He realized that while many brilliant minds were indeed working on the issue, perhaps a different approach was needed—one driven by personal passion and a deep understanding of the problem’s roots. This passion eventually manifested in the creation of Sustanix. Sarvesh dedicated himself to developing sustainable solutions that addressed his mother's concerns.

Sustanix became a testament to his mother’s influence, turning her heartfelt frustration into tangible change. Through Sustanix, Sarvesh honoured his mother's vision and worked tirelessly to reduce plastic waste, protect wildlife, and ensure cleaner environments for future generations.

Overall impact

The innovation of Sustanix has had significant short-term and long-term effects across multiple industries. In the short term, Sustanix's technology has enabled companies to reduce their reliance on hazardous chemicals and plastics drastically. By developing materials from abundant, non-food bio-resources that are up to 100% recyclable and free from microplastics, Sustanix helps these industries enhance the sustainability of their products. This shift has not only mitigated immediate environmental impacts, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lower carbon footprints but also promoted the use of safe and sustainable materials in everyday products. Moreover, Sustanix’s localized supply chain further reduces the logistics carbon footprint and supports local economies by providing additional income to communities through local industries and farmers. "All our raw materials come from within a 500-kilometer radius of our location. This not only reduces the logistics carbon footprint but also contributes to the country's raw material independence," as stated by Sarvesh.

Sarvesh highlights, “We are trying to move from a linear economy to a circular economy, not only in words but through concrete actions.” The company’s long-term focus is on “build not to last” and aims to revolutionize material development by ensuring products have a defined lifecycle and are easy to recycle. This approach addresses the critical issue of persistent environmental pollutants like polyethylene and PFAS, which can take centuries to decompose. Evidence of Sustanix's long-term impact includes substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions - up to 45% - and the replacement of 70% of fossil-based materials with plant-based alternatives.

Business benefit

Sustanix's innovative approach has significantly benefited the business by expanding to new markets, increasing revenue, and enhancing operational scalability. By addressing the urgent need to replace hazardous chemicals like PFAS, by sharing the technology with other companies through licensing, Sustanix has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable chemical solutions. The company's strategy of developing eco-friendly coatings and additives from agricultural residues appeals to environmentally conscious consumers and complies with increasingly stringent environmental regulations. This aligns with regulatory, and market demands and has been crucial in establishing new partnerships and expanding into diverse industries.

Sustanix develops materials that integrate seamlessly with existing manufacturing processes, allowing its clients to adopt these innovations without significant additional investments. This ease of integration has the potential to lead to widespread acceptance and implementation of Sustanix’s products, which could drive substantial revenue growth. Sarvash emphasized, "We are actively discussing the idea of scaling up with partners. Companies currently making PFAS will eventually need alternative products. That's where they would be interested in partnering with Sustanix to share our technology."

Moreover, the company’s focus on localized supply chains - sourcing raw materials from nearby regions - has further boosted its appeal by reducing logistics costs and carbon footprints. This localized approach not only enhances sustainability but also supports local economies and promotes raw material independence. Additionally, the company’s success in replacing up to 70% of fossil-based materials with sustainable alternatives suggests the potential to attract significant investment opportunities. Sustanix’s commitment to profitability combined with sustainability ensures continuous innovation and growth.

Social and environmental benefit

Sustanix’s innovation benefits society and the environment by tackling critical issues related to plastic pollution and chemical safety. By developing alternatives to harmful PFAS and other fossil-based chemicals, Sustanix directly addresses health concerns associated with these substances. Their sustainable solutions, derived from agricultural residues, ensure that no human food resources are used and that materials remain up to 100% recyclable. This not only conserves natural resources but also promotes the use of safe, renewable materials. Sustanix’s products help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45%, significantly lowering the carbon footprint of the industries they serve. Their dedication to creating a circular economy shines through in their focus on coating and additives designed for recyclability and reuse, effectively reducing waste, fostering sustainable consumption patterns, and diminishing the carbon footprint.

Overall, Sustanix’s innovations contribute to cleaner environments, healthier ecosystems, and enhanced well-being for future generations. Through ingenuity and determination, they redefine industries, protect our planet, and enrich lives. Their journey is inspiring, encouraging us to reimagine what's possible and embrace sustainability as a way of life.

Interview

Sarvesh Poddar, Co-founder