Healthcare facilities are inundated with single-use plastics, with over 2,800 tons of plastic packaging and products discarded daily in the U.S. This pervasive issue has prompted individuals like Eddie Yu to take action.
Few individuals grasp the magnitude of the single-use plastic problem in healthcare as profoundly as Eddie Yu. During the early stages of the pandemic, Yu established a company specializing in disposable masks. It was a simple encounter with his niece, who questioned the recyclability of his masks while they sorted recycling, that sparked a pivotal realization for Yu.
Driven by a desire to rectify the environmental impact of disposable plastic waste, Yu sold his mask company in 2021 and embarked on a new venture. His latest endeavor, Okosix, aims to combat the single-use plastic crisis in healthcare by introducing a novel bio-based, biodegradable polymer. Okosix is slated to participate in TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco later this month as part of Startup Battlefield.
The innovative polymer developed by Okosix incorporates a blend of compounds, including cellulose, chitosan derived from crustacean shells, wax, and a proprietary material. Yu asserts that this solution is not only more cost-effective than widely-used biodegradable plastics like polylactic acid (PLA) but also offers comparable or superior functionality.
Yu emphasizes the importance of genuine biodegradability in plastics, cautioning against misleading claims. Okosix has obtained international certifications validating that their material completely degrades within six months, distinguishing it from plastics that break down into harmful micro- or nanoplastics.
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While Okosix’s initial focus is on producing eco-friendly face masks, the company has ambitious plans to expand its range to include surgical gowns, diapers, and sanitary napkins. Yu envisions a future where safe, non-plastic materials replace fossil plastics in disposable products, promoting sustainability in healthcare.
Although Okosix has yet to conduct a formal lifecycle analysis, Yu anticipates that their material will boast a carbon footprint significantly lower than that of polypropylene, a prevalent single-use plastic.
Okosix operates by supplying its biodegradable material to third-party manufacturers who transform it into various products. Drawing parallels to Gore-tex, Yu explains that Okosix focuses on producing raw materials rather than finished goods, fostering collaborations with companies like 3M. He foresees branding playing a pivotal role in the company’s growth, akin to the success of Gore-tex in the industry.
Having secured $2.3 million in funding, including contributions from the founders and angel investors, Okosix is poised for expansion and innovation in the realm of sustainable healthcare solutions.
Discover more about Okosix and numerous other startups firsthand, engage in enriching workshops, and forge valuable connections at this year’s Disrupt event, scheduled for October 27 to 29 in San Francisco.
