Pakistani startup, Suftech Innovation’s mission to combat climate change
Suftech Innovations, a Pakistani startup, is taking on the battle against climate change with a mission to introduce disruptive technology to effectively recycle resources, reduce marine and soil pollution, and curb greenhouse gas emissions to a level that really counts. The company is a climate tech startup, which is pioneering the transition from a linear plastics economy to a circular and sustainable plastics economy, with state-of-the-art, patent-pending technology that can create high-quality polymer from plastic waste.
The product is so premium in quality that it can be used as a replacement for virgin polymer, which brings the company closer to its Net-Zero emissions goal, promotes circularity and sustainability, and helps commercial organizations fulfill their commitments related to recycling and reusing plastics responsibly. The technology is replicable, and scalable, and can be moved to any location worldwide.
Ahsan Ejaz, the co-founder, and CEO of Suftech Innovations, said the reason for doing something related to climate change was straightforward. It was something that was very close to the company’s heart.
The founders of Suftech are dedicated to addressing global environmental challenges. They hold the belief that Earth is the only home they have, and without taking action now, it won’t be habitable for future generations.
The founders of the startup kick-started their operations without any investors on board. After being awarded the Green Challenge Fund by Karandaaz Pakistan, the implementation partner of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in 2021, the funding helped them set up their commercial-scale plant.
Suftech Innovations is now targeting to establish itself as a regional company within the next five years, with a minimum of two manufacturing facilities based in the MENA region. According to Ejaz, Suftech has already revolutionized Pakistan and is looking to expand its operations to the US and UK markets within the next decade.
In just a few months, Suftech has successfully blocked 30,000 kilograms of plastic waste from polluting the environment and contributing to soil and marine contamination. The firm’s innovative technology has also led to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by an impressive 450,000 kilograms and saved $60,000 in foreign exchange by substituting virgin polymer with their product. In contrast to most startups that are grappling with economic challenges, Suftech remains unaffected and continues to operate smoothly.
Ejaz has a firm belief that every crisis comes with an opportunity. In Pakistan, due to the current economic situation, imports have become expensive and are restricted, but this has also opened doors for businesses that depend on locally available resources. At Suftech, they manufacture virgin-like polymers from plastic waste, which is easily obtainable in Pakistan. Thus, they were not affected by the scarcity of raw materials, ensuring product availability, and strengthening their position as a dependable supplier for their clients.
Although, the co-founder emphasized that the exorbitant electricity charges and the complex tax system for startups in Pakistan needed to be streamlined. Simplifying these issues could significantly facilitate the growth and progress of startups such as Suftech.
Suftech’s approach of disrupting the linear plastics economy and introducing a circular and sustainable plastics economy will bring revolutionary change in the fight against climate change. The company is setting an example for others to follow in developing eco-friendly and sustainable solutions to preserve the planet for future generations.
Recycling plastic waste and reducing pollution can bring significant economic benefits for countries as well. The technology introduced by Suftech can help reduce dependence on imported raw materials, save precious foreign exchange, create new job opportunities, and promote a more sustainable and resilient economy.
Suftech’s efforts in addressing climate change have already been recognized by the Green Challenge Fund, and the company has received support from various other organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Suftech Innovations is a Pakistani startup that is leading the charge against climate change through its state-of-the-art technology. With its ability to convert plastic waste into a premium quality polymer, the company is helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote circularity and sustainability.
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Through its Green Challenge Fund award, Suftech was able to set up its commercial-scale plant, and it now aims to expand regionally and globally in the next five to ten years. While the economic crunch in Pakistan has impacted many startups, Suftech has been able to thrive due to its reliance on locally available materials. However, challenges such as high electricity costs and complex taxation systems still need to be addressed to support the growth of innovative startups like Suftech. Overall, Suftech’s commitment to fighting climate change and promoting sustainability is an inspiring example of the positive impact that startups can have on the world.
