SXSW Pitch: Applied Bioplastics
The Forrest Four-Cast: February 28, 2020
We’ve got a serious plastic problem. According to a PBS special on plastic, “since plastics widespread use began after World War II — everything from band-aids to parachutes — over 9 billion metric tons of plastic has been created. And because it doesn’t degrade and instead breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, much of that plastic is still here on earth.” In addition to vast mountains and islands of trash, rampant human use of plastic has created numerous environmental issues including soil infertility, water system blockages, fetal birth defects, non-potable water, and threats to both land and aquatic life.
In addition, the petroleum extraction required to produce legacy plastic is a major contributor to human-caused climate change.
In short, we’ve created an unsustainable amount of single-use plastic production, with no viable plan to end it.
While it’s going to take a range of approaches to deal with the existing amount of plastic in the ecosystem, Applied Bioplastics’ has solutions that will allow consumers to make a more eco-friendly decision about their consumption of both disposable and permanent goods without sacrificing affordability.
One of 50 finalists for SXSW Pitch 2020, Applied Bioplastics makes the use of more sustainable plastic affordable.
Their mission is to end the global addiction to petroleum-based virgin plastics by providing affordable high-grade recycled alternatives. They add sustainable plant matter, fairly sourced from developing nations, that decreases price without sacrificing quality or performance, solving the economic barrier preventing many companies from choosing recycled plastic.
See the pitch in the category of Social & Culture Technology, 11 am to noon Saturday, 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm Sunday, March 15, before a live audience and a panel of expert judges.
Winners in each of the 10 categories will be announced at the Pitch Awards Ceremony, at 6:30 pm Sunday, March 15. SXSW attendees are also invited to Meet the Finalists from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm Monday, March 16. All SXSW Pitch events take place at the Hilton Austin Downtown.
Alex Blum, Applied Bioplastics’ Co-Founder and CRO, has led the charge on bringing their team together. He handles day-to-day operations with the rest of the leadership, while being focused on both investment and revenue generation. He acknowledges that his mission for Applied Bioplastics— to serve humanity and our future global environment — may sound like a cliche, but he’s determined to do it.
Blum talked about his eco-focused startup, his vision, and his aversion to colonizing Mars.
What is your top goal for Applied Bioplastics for 2020?
Applied Bioplastics is going to execute on the vision we’ve been building for the last 15 months. We will service the demand we’ve built, and prepare our supply chain for substantially increased demand in 2021.
What has the startup experience taught you about life?
If you’ve reached a decision through logic, trust yourself and your team. Listen to and consider emotion, but ensure your decisions are logically sound before moving forward. Paving your way with sound decisions creates a snowball effect that builds both internal and external trust, and makes the accomplishment of your goals attainable.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten — or given?
When we first started out, my co-founder and I got a seriously valuable piece of advice from Godfrey Sullivan. We explained our idea and plan to him while we were both still working for other organizations, and he simply said, “If you believe in this, you boys need to step on the gas. Commit to this or walk away — there’s no middle ground that will make you successful.”
Tell us your favorite thing about being based in in Austin, Texas.
The proximity to SXSW! Just kidding. The food, culture, music, and opportunity here are unlike anywhere in the USA, and as founders of a hard-science company, the combination of UT Austin and a vibrant startup community makes this an ideal place for us to be.
With the exception of Applied Bioplastics, what tech trend is your team most excited about?
We are enthusiastic about the work that Tesla is doing to make electric vehicles the norm. We are currently working on commercialization to make interior automotive paneling more sustainable.
What is the most overhyped tech trend of 2020?
Founding is hard and new ideas are necessary — even if they don’t work or get too much hype to realistically deliver on. As such, it’s our policy to encourage all future founders with new ideas, rather than criticize those who failed or didn’t live up to expectations. Keep dreaming and building, even if others tell you it’s impossible!
If you weren’t working for Applied Bioplastics, what would you be doing?
Trying to make a positive difference by addressing a different large problem.
What do you think is the most overrated virtue?
Prudence. Sometimes you have to take a shot at transformational change, regardless of the consequences. Whether that’s for yourself or for your company or for your country, it’s important to think of new ideas and then actually TRY them.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I wish I could easily remember everyone I’ve ever met, and something important about them. I definitely envy folks with that kind of recall.
What’s your actual super power?
Intense focus for extended periods of time. If I’m interested in something, look out. I won’t stop until my curiosity is satisfied or my goal is accomplished.
What motto or quote do you live by?
“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for my own self, what am ‘I’? And if not now, when?”
— Hillel the Elder, Avot
What do you eat/drink/do when you are low on energy?
Caffeine is king, especially when half of the business is overseas.
Tell us about a memorable celebrity encounter.
A few years ago I met the Australian electronic band Art vs Science outside a bar during SXSW. I had no idea who they were during my chat with Jim and The Dans, but when we all went inside they made a beeline for the stage and proceeded to melt my face for the next hour! Been a fan ever since.
If you were offered the opportunity to colonize Mars (but with no guarantee that you would ever return to Earth), would you go?
Absolutely not. As a big sci-fi fan I’d love to visit space, but there are too many solvable problems on Earth and so many amazing people here to consider leaving permanently. Hats off to our brave future space pioneers — you are needed — but at this point the majority of humanity needs to be focused on preserving the planet that gave our species life.
Look for more interviews with other finalists in this space between now and the start of SXSW Pitch on Saturday, March 14. Visit this page to see all previous interviews in this series as well as a list of all finalists.
If you are an entrepreneur, check out the SXSW 2020 Startups Track, which runs March 13–17. This track brings together founders and funders and showcases exciting new companies, products, services, and business models across different verticals and industries.
Hugh Forrest serves as Chief Programming Officer at SXSW, the world’s most unique gathering of creative professionals. He also tries to write at least four paragraphs per day on Medium. These posts often cover tech-related trends; other times they focus on books, pop culture, sports and other current events.
