ATTA Backs Bioplaster to Turn the Sargassum Crisis into Sustainable Materials
Investment supports the development of biodegradable bioplastics derived from sargassum and other natural inputs.
Mérida, Yucatán, México, March 2026.
Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste enter landfills and oceans. At the same time, businesses continue to face a persistent challenge: finding alternatives to petroleum-based plastics that are competitively priced, scalable for industrial production, and capable of matching the strength, flexibility, and durability of conventional materials.
Bioplaster, a biomaterials company based in Yucatán, Mexico, is working to address this challenge.
Founded with the mission of rethinking how materials are produced, Bioplaster develops biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics using invasive sargassum algae that has increasingly inundated the coasts of Mexico and the Caribbean. Driven in part by climate change, these massive blooms have disrupted tourism economies and significantly affected the quality of life in coastal communities.
Bioplaster combines scientific research with applied industrial innovation to develop biomaterial solutions for the packaging market.
From left to right: Stephanie Herrera (R&D), Rodrigo Orozco (R&D), Efrain Barrientos (R&D), Valeria Mancera (R&D), Andrea Bonilla (Founder & CEO), Daniel Ruiz (CMO), Henry Catzin (R&D), María Fernanda Ocaña (R&D), Lesly Jimenez (R&D).
Working alongside manufacturers and industry partners, the company designs materials that enable businesses to transition toward more sustainable packaging systems. Its technology has already been used to produce shock-absorbing foam capable of replacing expanded polystyrene (EPS), as well as thin films and bags for flexible packaging applications. In key characteristics such as biodegradability, elasticity, puncture resistance, vapor transfer, and antimicrobial performance, these materials can outperform conventional petroleum-based plastics.
This investment round brings together a group of aligned partners to accelerate Bioplaster’s path to market and scale the manufacturing of its lead product line: flexible films and bags for secondary and tertiary packaging. The funding will support the installation and commissioning of production equipment, continued product validation with customers, and the completion of key certifications required for commercial rollout.
Our goal has always been to prove that truly biodegradable materials can be both high-performance and commercially viable. With Atta’s support, we’re moving from pilot development into scaled production, so brands can replace petroleum-based plastics with materials that work in real supply chains, at the volumes the market demands
– Andrea Bonilla - Founder & CEO of Bioplaster
For Atta, Bioplaster Research represents a clear example of how scientific innovation can translate into scalable environmental solutions.
We are incredibly excited to support Bioplaster at this stage of its journey. From our first conversations, we were deeply impressed by Andrea and her team, particularly by the scientific rigor behind their work and the discipline with which they have approached the development of their materials. Creating biomaterials that perform this well while remaining competitive on price is no small accomplishment. During our diligence process, we also had the opportunity to speak directly with Bioplaster’s clients, and their enthusiasm was unmistakable. It was clear to us that Bioplaster has achieved a level of real market fit that many well-intentioned efforts to utilize sargassum have not yet reached, which is necessary to scale up the positive impact we all want to see.
– Charles Higgenbotham, Head of Operations at Atta Impact Capital.
Beyond capital, Atta Impact Capital expects to play a catalytic role in Bioplaster’s growth by supporting the company’s future fundraising efforts, strengthening strategic partnerships, and connecting the team with additional investors across the region and internationally.
The company has also received investments from other funds such as Amplifica Capital, GRIDX, Zenani Capital, Espera Ventures, Zero by Fifthy and EPIC Angels, among others.
As demand for sustainable materials continues to grow, companies like Bioplaster are helping redefine how products are made, used, and disposed of.
Learn more about Bioplaster at https://www.bioplaster-research.com
About Atta Impact Capital, Inc
.png)
Atta Impact Capital increases access to capital in emerging impact investment ecosystems. Through the MCFI, they invest in impact-driven companies in the "missing middle" of Central America and Southern Mexico. For more information, please visit www.attaimpact.capital. If you are looking for funding for your company, apply here and we’ll reach out to you soon.
Abigail Napsuciale | Head of Investments & Co-founder | abigail@attaimpact.capital