As the world seeks sustainable alternatives to fossil-based materials, Indian climate-tech startup AltM is charting a new path by tapping into the vast potential of agricultural residues abundant in the Global South but notoriously difficult to collect and transport efficiently. Through a feedstock-agnostic and modular model, the company aims to simplify logistics and scale production sustainably, positioning itself as a pioneer in the emerging bio-based economy.
AltM’s co-founder AG explained that instead of reinventing the wheel, the company is building on existing supply chains already functioning in pockets across sectors like bioenergy, board manufacturing, and paper pulp. “Our approach is to integrate with those networks instead of reinventing them. By being feedstock-agnostic and modular, we can locate facilities close to where residues are already aggregated, lowering logistics complexity,” AG said.
To start with, AltM is launching hyperlocal pilot projects within 200 kilometers of major residue hubs. This model, AG said, keeps logistics straightforward and reduces costs associated with long-distance transportation. The company is also collaborating with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), biomass aggregators, and state governments to build strong ground-level engagement with farmers something AG described as “as critical as technology itself.”
Co-founder YRJ outlined the company’s biggest challenges between now and 2026. These include managing the timing between regulatory developments and industry adoption cycles, and ensuring a stable, cost-effective supply of feedstock over the long term. “We are mitigating this with modular scale-up, customer offtake agreements before capital expenditure, and partnerships with aggregators,” YRJ said, adding that these measures will help AltM scale responsibly without overextending operational or financial risk.
On the global front, AltM sees Europe as the most promising early market after India. The region’s stringent sustainability norms, growing restrictions on volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and dependence on imported raw materials create a strong demand for bio-based alternatives.
“Europe has some of the world’s strictest sustainability and VOC regulations, and a large dependency on imported raw materials,” AG explained. “The EU already limits VOC emissions from wood-based boards, is enforcing stricter standards on cosmetic claims, and is pushing a stronger sustainability agenda for textiles. That regulatory pull, combined with Europe’s openness to bio-based innovation, makes it the ideal entry point.”
AltM is already collaborating with Wageningen University in the Netherlands to accelerate research and development. The company believes cosmetics will be the first segment to go global, followed by adhesives and textiles, where adoption in Europe is expected to rise quickly.
By focusing on modular production, hyperlocal sourcing, and deep partnerships with farming communities, AltM is not only tackling the logistical challenges of agricultural residues but also setting the stage for a new, scalable model of sustainable manufacturing. Its strategy reflects a growing recognition that the path to a greener future lies not just in innovation, but in collaboration—linking technology, policy, and local ecosystems for lasting impact.