How One ClimateTech Startup Is Using Biotechnology to Tackle Plastic Waste 

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. But what if we could make plastics degrade—not over centuries, but on a schedule we control? 

That’s the vision behind EvoNatura, a biotechnology startup with a game-changing solution to accelerate plastic degradation. Co-founded by Alka Naithani, EvoNatura is taking a fresh approach to climate innovation, using science to reduce long-term waste and environmental impact. 

The Problem: Plastic That Outlasts Generations 

Plastics are durable by design—but that very feature makes them nearly impossible to break down. Most plastics take hundreds of years to decompose, clogging landfills, polluting oceans, and infiltrating ecosystems. 

While recycling and bans address part of the problem, they don’t solve the core issue: plastic doesn’t naturally go away. 

“We saw the need for a solution that could address plastic waste at the molecular level,” says Naithani. “That’s where biotechnology comes in.” 

The Solution: A Plug-In Technology That Makes Plastics Disappear—Faster 

EvoNatura’s proprietary technology is a plug-in degradation system that can be embedded into plastic manufacturing processes. Unlike traditional additives or treatments, EvoNatura’s solution is: 

• Tunable: It allows producers to control the timeline of degradation. Whether six months or several years, the rate can be customized. 

• Scalable: It’s designed to integrate easily with existing plastic production lines. 

• Safe: The breakdown products are non-toxic and environmentally benign. 

“It’s not just about breaking plastic down faster,” Naithani explains. “It’s about doing it responsibly, in a way that doesn’t harm ecosystems or create microplastic pollution.” 

Why MassChallenge: A Home for Climate Innovation 

EvoNatura joined the MassChallenge ClimateTech program to accelerate its impact and expand its network. 

“We knew that MassChallenge supports startups—especially in climate tech—and that it would plug us into the right ecosystem of mentors and partners,” says Naithani. 

The startup is now building key connections to refine its product, explore pilot partnerships, and prepare for market readiness. 

Looking Ahead 

As the world races to meet sustainability goals, solutions like EvoNatura’s offer hope for a circular, cleaner economy. By rethinking how plastics are made—and how they break down—this startup is paving the way for a future where waste doesn’t outlive us. 

“At EvoNatura, we believe biotechnology can be a force for good,” says Naithani. “We’re just getting started.”