Green Manufacturing
ALTERPACKS
Create waste-to-worth product
Founded:
2019
Located
Central Region, Singapore
We invested
Pre Seed
EARTH-FIRST VISION
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.
THE PROBLEM
The global plastic pollution crisis is at a tipping point, with over 300 million tons of plastic waste produced annually, much of which ends up in landfills or the environment.
There is a growing consumer demand for biodegradable products, with markets like Singapore experiencing a 300% year-over-year increase rate. This remains a challenge, as current eco-friendly packaging solutions often fall short in scalability and cost-effectiveness.
At the same time, food manufacturing generates millions of tons of organic waste annually, much of which is underutilized or discarded, contributing to inefficiencies in resource management.
SOLUTIONS
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.
THEIR DNAs
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.