What Is the OKOsix Project?
OKOsix® is an international award-winning greentech initiative that takes inspiration “From Nature To Nature” by offering green raw materials for sustainable applications. The project is devoted to solving the plastic crisis by replacing oil-based plastics with compostable materials in key applications. With its clear mission, OKOsix delivers biodegradable and compostable raw materials for disposable products such as surgical masks, beauty facial masks, medical dressings, orthopedic braces, supports, diapers, wipes, and air filters. Products made out of these green raw materials fully degrade in 6 months, in stark contrast to conventional plastics which take hundreds of years to break down… It remains a powerful symbol of environmental commitment.
Main Benefits
- Fully and truly biodegradable materials for disposable products in the medical, personal care, and hygiene industries.
- Carbon-saving bioplastics for applications in packaging, automotive, construction, consumer goods, electronics, and electrical appliances.
- Improved recycling value by upgrading recycled plastics, unlocking additional profitability for existing recycling businesses.
- A clear vision for achieving a circular economy that helps make the world greener for future generations.
- Rapid breakdown of products in just 6 months, helping to reduce long-term environmental pollution.
Innovative Applications in the Modern World
The project’s innovation ensures that green raw materials can be integrated into several applications. From high-quality compostable disposable products such as medical masks, gowns, drapes, and non-woven products to durable products made out of carbon-negative bioplastics like OKO-PE, OKO-PP, and OKO-ABS, the project touches many areas of modern life. It provides a versatile solution that is able to respond to urgent market needs—notably during the COVID-19 outbreak in Hong Kong, when the serious shortage of face masks spurred the invention of biodegradable face masks. This approach not only addresses immediate public health demands but also contributes to long-term sustainability.
Cutting-edge Technology and Recognitions
A number of key milestones mark the journey of OKOsix. The company’s development is punctuated by strategic investments and recognitions, beginning with the funding received from the very first angel investor in May 2021 and a grant from the Innovation and Technology Commission HKSAR that bolstered its R&D efforts. By March 2022, OKOsix achieved Medical Face Mask Level 3 certification with BFE ≥ 99.9%, PFE ≥ 99.5%, and ΔP < 5 H2O/㎠. Soon after, multiple international certifications for biodegradation and composting were earned. These recognitions, along with awards such as the Gold Award from Inventions Geneva and other honors in entrepreneurial competitions, testify to the innovative spirit and reliable technology behind the project.
Sustainable Vision for the Future
The vision behind OKOsix is as environmentally resonant as it is forward-thinking—helping to achieve a circular economy in which today’s waste transforms into tomorrow’s sustainable plastic alternatives. It aims to break the conventional mold of waste accumulation and instead paves the way for a greener future. By reducing reliance on fossil-based plastics, the project supports the creation of sustainable, multi-functional materials that will benefit present and future generations. It is a reminder that truly sustainable innovation can start from simple, everyday needs… and evolve into transformative, globally impactful solutions.
Stories and Milestones Along the Journey
The narrative behind the project is as compelling as its technology. It all began during the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak in February 2020, when a severe shortage of face masks in Hong Kong set off a spark of innovation. Inspired by a simple, heartfelt question from founder Eddie Yu’s niece—”Uncle Eddie, where do we put your face masks?”—the journey towards creating biodegradable face masks was set in motion. From that moment, hard work and perseverance led to remarkable milestones: funding from an angel investor, breakthrough reductions in production cost by over 75% by early 2023, a global product launch at Medica Germany in November 2023, and the establishment of the world’s first fully compostable nano-tech beauty facial mask in December 2023—along with the first own factory in Hong Kong.
Project Impact on SDGs
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – by replacing oil-based plastics with sustainable alternatives.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – through the use of carbon-saving bioplastics and the reduction of plastic-related pollution.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – by contributing breakthrough technologies and innovative manufacturing processes.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – by ensuring materials return to nature in a matter of months rather than centuries.
Commercial and Industrial Impact
The ripple effects of the OKOsix project extend well beyond the realm of environmental stewardship. Its versatile applications mean that sustainable multi-functional materials can replace fossil-based plastics across diverse industries. From medical and personal care products to automotive components and durable consumer goods, the integration of biodegradable and compostable materials offers a transformative solution to long-standing challenges. The project not only enhances the value and performance of recycled plastics but also sets a precedent for innovation in green technology. With its proven track record, OKOsix paves the way for a renewed industry focus on eco-friendly production and circular economic practices—an encouraging sign for stakeholders and communities looking toward a sustainable future.
