In the midst of a global plastic pollution crisis, Nuha Siddiqui embarked on a mission to combat the problem during her time as a student of business and environmental economics at Rotman. Recognizing the staggering scale of plastic waste—400 million tonnes annually—Siddiqui joined Enactus, a group fostering social entrepreneurship, to pioneer a natural, non-toxic alternative to Styrofoam. What began as a passion project soon evolved into Ecopackers, a company with a vision to revolutionize packaging sustainability.
Founding and Evolution :
Recruiting like-minded individuals, Siddiqui enlisted the expertise of Kritika Tyagi, a plant biologist, and Chang Dong, a chemical engineer, both from the University of Toronto. Together, they founded Ecopackers in 2018, driven by a shared commitment to environmental stewardship. Recognizing the need for practicality in their solution, the team embarked on a journey to Asia, engaging directly with plastic manufacturers to understand the challenges hindering the adoption of sustainable materials.
Empowering Innovation through CDL:
Ecopackers’ journey intersected with the Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) program in 2018, where they joined the Prime stream of the program. Under CDL’s mentorship, the team underwent rigorous scrutiny, refining their business model and market strategy. This pivotal experience prompted a transformative shift, leading to the birth of Erthos—a company dedicated to creating functional, environmentally-friendly materials that rival traditional plastics in performance.
Driving Impact through Sustainability
Erthos’s breakthrough lies in its bio-based alternatives for traditional plastics, derived from plant byproducts with carbon emissions up to 70 percent lower than conventional plastics. Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond product development, considering the entire lifecycle of their materials. Unlike alternatives that compete with food sources, Erthos prioritizes materials that safely decompose within three to 24 months, offering a compostable solution for a healthier planet.
Path to Global Expansion
Backed by a round of funding led by Golden Ventures and support from esteemed mentors, Erthos has rapidly scaled its operations. With over $8 million in funding and strategic partnerships, the company is poised to expand globally, starting with Southeast Asia. Their innovative solutions have garnered validation across industries, with applications ranging from clothing hangers to cosmetic packaging and tableware.
Erthos exemplifies the power of innovation in addressing pressing environmental challenges. Through a relentless pursuit of sustainability and a commitment to excellence, the company is reshaping the future of packaging. As they continue to expand their footprint and impact, Erthos stands as a beacon of hope for a greener, more sustainable world.
