Cassava Bags Australia has emerged as the champion of Bupa's global eco-disruptive competition, beating over 900 innovative start-ups from around the world.
Australian eco-tech start-up Cassava Bags lays claim to launching the world's first net zero range of 100 per cent plastic-free, non-toxic bags made from cassava starch. The bags, according to the company, “dissolve in hot water in seconds and break down in the earth within months”, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional single-use plastic bags.
Bupa’s eco-disruptive competition is a prestigious global talent and innovation programme that is an essential part of health insurance provider’s sustainability strategy. Through the programme, Bupa aims to identify and support scalable start-ups and innovative solutions that can improve people's health and the health of the planet.
With over 84,000 employees of Bupa casting their votes, Cassava Bags Australia was declared the winner and awarded $350,000 by Iñaki Ereño, Bupa Group's CEO, to help support Bupa's efforts to become a net zero business by 2040.
“This win marks a significant milestone in Cassava Bags Australia's journey and solidifies the company’s position as a leading provider of eco-friendly, biodegradable solutions,” said Bruce Rossi, Cassava Bags Australia's president of purpose.
“The evolving partnership between Bupa and Cassava Bags Australia represents a crucial step towards creating a sustainable future, and addressing the urgent need for solutions that protect the planet and improve people's health.
“With this groundbreaking achievement, Cassava Bags Australia has positioned itself at the forefront of the sustainability movement, ready to lead the way towards a healthier and more sustainable world.”
Winning technology
Cassava Bags Australia’s technology extracts cassava starch and combines it with organic components to produce a biodegradable film.
The company says that by steering clear of petroleum and palm oil, and eliminating polyactic acid (PLA) and bisphenol (BPA), its net zero range of products is “making a huge impact in the fight against plastic pollution”.
“Our advanced technology allows us to create eco-friendly solutions that are as strong and durable as traditional plastic bags, but without the harmful environmental impact,” Rossi added.
Cassava Bags Australia offers a diverse range of eco-friendly solutions, including bin liners, pet waste bags, mail-out bags, and retail bags, which have found applications in various industries ranging from retail to hospitals, medical facilities and manufacturing.
“The bags have undergone rigorous testing by internationally recognised companies and have been certified as a plastic-free and biodegradable product,” he said.
“I’m proud to say that our bags have made a significant impact in Australia’s goal of achieving its Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs), contributing towards the nation’s target to achieve SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 13: Climate Action; and SDG 14 - Life Below Water.”
Worldwide success
In a recent statement, Rossi expressed the company's excitement about the increasing recognition of Cassava Bags Australia’s innovative packaging solutions worldwide.
“Cassava Bags Australia has been receiving orders from all over the world and businesses from a variety of industries are reaching out to seek their assistance in developing custom solutions to meet their specific needs,” he said.
Rossi added that Cassava Bags Australia is creating economic opportunities for farmers and manufacturers in developing countries to supply cassava starch as a raw material for bag production.
Cassava Bags Australia believes that businesses can play a critical role in creating a positive impact on the environment and that small actions can lead to significant change.
The company is committed to continuing its mission to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to reduce plastic waste and make a positive difference in the world.
Fundraising campaign
Cassava Bags Australia is on a growth path, not only through sales of its packaging solutions but also its upcoming fundraising campaign with Birchal.
This round of fundraising aims to raise $5 million, which the company says will propel it towards an exciting future of global expansion, and making an even greater impact on the fight against plastic pollution.
