Bioplasmar Eliminates Plastics While Creating a Sustainable Future

As someone deeply concerned with finding and implementing climate solutions before it is too late, I love finding win-win-win solutions. One of those rare gems is a fabulous Israeli start up, Bioplasmar, which simultaneously reduces the use of fossil fuels and plastic waste while improving sustainable agriculture at a time when farmers really need help during climate challenges.
I had the real pleasure of visiting the headquarters of Bioplasmar’s R&D in Israel and seeing its work in action. It’s like magic. Everything they are promising to deliver is real. You can see and touch the solutions — and they’re ready to be brought to the world.
Since my visit I was able to interview their CEO, Zamir Eldar, so you can learn about what they are doing and how it can help protect people and our shared planet. Exceptionally bright and passionate about climate change, prior to starting Bioplasmar, Zamir was President and CEO of ICTS Europe Holding BV. He also served as a professional business advisor to multinational corporations on innovation & new technologies. He has degrees in Agriculture Economics from Hebrew University of Jerusalem and an MBA from the Sorbonne University. I know you will enjoy learning about the prospects of what Bioplasmar can do for the world.

Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi: What is the specific problem that you/your company is trying to solve?
Zamir Eldar: Conventional disposal plastic products have had detrimental effects on the environment.
The use of plastic poses a grave environmental challenge due to the material’s durability and widespread consumption. The improper disposal of plastic waste results in massive accumulations of plastic debris in oceans and waterways, leading to pollution, wildlife harm, long-lasting waste problems and contributes to global warming by generating considerable emissions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.
Furthermore, as plastic breaks down into microplastics, these particles infiltrate ecosystems, potentially entering the food chain and posing health risks to both wildlife and humans.
Addressing this issue requires concerted global efforts, including reducing single-use plastics, improving waste management infrastructure, promoting recycling, and developing alternative materials to mitigate the far-reaching consequences of plastic pollution.
Bioplasmar’s approach significantly mitigates these issues.
How do you solve it?
Bioplasmar has pioneered a groundbreaking solution aimed at effectively managing large quantities of organic waste, culminating in the creation of biodegradable materials. This revolutionary product serves as a sustainable alternative to single use plastic, with applications spanning diverse industries such as agriculture, horticulture, packaging, construction, and the agri-food sector, all while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental preservation.
By offering a solution that efficiently processes organic waste through the circular economy, Bioplasmar not only addressing a significant environmental concern by meeting the demand for biodegradable materials but also aiming to reduce CO2 footprint by reducing the use of fossil fuel to produce plastic material.
The company’s initial focus was on the agriculture and horticulture markets, introducing biodegradable pots that offer dual benefits. Not only do these pots replaces the use of plastic pots, but they also enrich the soil, promote plant growth and naturally disintegrate over time, leaving no harmful residues behind. This innovative approach valorizes waste and contributes to the health of the environment.
Furthermore, the utilization of Bioplasmar’s pots in agriculture and horticulture mitigates the stress endured by plant roots while they undergo the process of transitioning from the plastic pot into the soil. Additionally, they diminish the plants’ susceptibility to specific soil-borne threats like nematodes and viruses, subsequently leading to a potential decrease in the requirement for fertilizers and pesticides.

Why is solving this problem important?
Solving the plastic problem is crucial due to its far-reaching environmental, social, and economic implications. Firstly, plastic pollution poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems and biodiversity, with marine animals ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic debris, leading to harm and death. Secondly, the presence of microplastics in water sources and food chains raises concerns about potential health risks for both wildlife and humans. Thirdly, plastic pollution contributes to the degradation of terrestrial and aquatic environments, impacting tourism, fisheries, and local economies. Fourthly, addressing the plastic problem aligns with global efforts to combat climate change, as plastic production is energy-intensive and linked to greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, finding sustainable solutions to plastic use fosters a responsible and resilient society, promoting a cleaner environment and a more conscientious consumption culture for future generations.
What proof/studies show that your solution has potential/works?
Over the preceding decade, Bioplasmar undertook a series of trials to substantiate the viability of its concept. The results substantiate that the bio-plastic developed by the company undergoes biodegradation in soil over a period of 12 to 14 weeks. Furthermore, empirical evidence indicates that incorporating the pot along with the plant into the soil shields the plant from transplant shock and facilitates its initial acclimatization phase within the soil substrate. Additionally, empirical validation has confirmed the efficacy of the company’s containers in safeguarding plants against a spectrum of viruses and nematodes.
How do you go about doing this?
Concurrently, the company developed a methodology for producing bioplastics from local green compost through the utilization of conventional injection machinery. In parallel with this effort, a comprehensive set of external inquiries were initiated, carried out in partnership with preeminent academic institutions on a global scale, as well as in collaboration with prominent horticultural enterprises and municipalities spanning diverse regions.
Moreover, the company undertook a proactive approach in presenting the product and its associated benefits to various agricultural farms that have adopted its usage. Furthermore, strategic outreach initiatives were pursued, including engagement with established industry leaders aimed at facilitating the future distribution and sale of bioplastic pots.
What have been some of your biggest successes?
Several of the company’s notable achievements include:
Adaptation of Conventional Injection Machinery: One of the major accomplishments is the successful adaptation of conventional plastic injection machines for the production of compost-based bioplastic items. This achievement demonstrates the company’s innovative approach in leveraging existing manufacturing infrastructure for affordable and scalable material production.
Controlled Disintegration Rate: The company has achieved a significant breakthrough by developing the capability to regulate the aboveground disintegration rate of its products during irrigation. This achievement underscores the company’s commitment to producing bioplastics that align with specific environmental and usage requirements.
Proven Biodegradability: Demonstrating the biodegradability of the product in soil is a crucial accomplishment. The ability to validate the product’s eco-friendly nature through rigorous testing showcases the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship and responsible material development.
These accomplishments collectively illustrate the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and its contributions to addressing challenges associated with conventional plastic usage.
With any start up, there are times when you hit brick wall. Can you give us an example of that and how you pivoted to do something that worked better?
After achieving the creation of our innovative biopolymer from green waste we were confronted with the challenge to translate it into a viable economical solution.
We spent 4 years building a factory with an industrial partner, to understand that the technology used is not efficient enough.
Coming back to the shareholders, asking for more money to try a different technology, no one had tried before, was one of the most difficult moments as a CEO.
In the present day, following the successful production of organic biodegradable products through injection line, Bioplasmar is in discussion with industry leaders and is aiming to expand its sales pipeline.
As you move ahead, are you looking for partners? Where and how others can help?
As we move forward with production and sales, our focus was shifted towards securing strategic VC’s who can serve as partners in our fundraising endeavors. In addition, we aim to establish collaborations with partners possessing the capability to effectively promote, market, and facilitate the sale of our cutting-edge technology. Furthermore, in our pursuit of excellence, we are actively exploring opportunities to establish compounding facilities dedicated to the production of our innovative pellets. This multifaceted approach underscores our commitment to achieving both growth and success in the evolving market landscape.
What is your advice for other people who are just getting their start on climate issues?
First and most important is to make sure that the product/solution/innovation has a real impact on global warming that you can prove and demonstrate. Secondly try to bring on board financial capabilities that can support you over a long period of time. Thirdly bring on board the best people in the area of expertise, and finally believe hard in what you do.
If folks want to know more about your company, how where can they find information or connect?
For additional details, comprehensive information. can be accessed through the company’s official website: www.bioplasmar.com. For more personalized inquiries, direct communication can be established with our CEO, Mr. Zamir Eldar, via email at: zamir@bioplasmar.com.