AirXCarbon’s Mia Hoang on Scaling Sustainable Materials, Redefining Plastics for a Low-Carbon Future

SINGAPORE, April 14, 2026 – As global industries grapple with the dual challenge of reducing plastic waste and lowering carbon emissions, companies like AirXCarbon are attempting to rethink materials from the ground up.

Founded by Mia Hoang, AirXCarbon is focused on developing sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics, combining material innovation with circular economy principles to address one of the most persistent environmental challenges.

In a conversation with CarbonWire, Hoang outlined how the company is positioning itself at the intersection of sustainability, manufacturing, and scalable climate solutions.

From plastic waste to climate opportunity

AirXCarbon’s origins lie in a simple but pressing question, how to reduce dependence on fossil-based plastics without compromising on performance or cost.

The company’s approach centres on developing alternative materials that can replace traditional plastics across a range of applications, from packaging to consumer products. By focusing on both environmental impact and commercial viability, the company aims to bridge the gap between sustainability ambition and industrial adoption.

Hoang noted that while awareness around plastic waste has increased significantly, translating that awareness into large-scale change remains a challenge, particularly when cost and supply chain considerations come into play.

Moving beyond biodegradable narratives

Unlike many solutions that focus solely on biodegradability, AirXCarbon’s model emphasises lifecycle impact and carbon reduction.

The company’s materials are designed not only to reduce reliance on virgin plastics, but also to lower overall emissions across the value chain. This includes considerations around sourcing, manufacturing processes, and end-of-life reuse.

This lifecycle-driven approach reflects a broader shift in the sustainability space, where the focus is increasingly moving from single-issue solutions to integrated environmental impact.

Scaling remains the critical challenge

While innovation in sustainable materials has accelerated, scaling remains one of the biggest hurdles. For companies like AirXCarbon, competing with established plastic supply chains requires not only technological innovation but also cost competitiveness and reliability at scale.

Hoang highlighted that adoption is often driven by a combination of regulatory pressure, corporate ESG commitments, and consumer demand. However, achieving widespread adoption requires alignment across the ecosystem, from manufacturers to end users.

Operating out of Singapore, AirXCarbon is part of a growing ecosystem of climate tech startups emerging from Southeast Asia.

The region’s manufacturing base, combined with increasing regulatory focus on sustainability, presents both opportunities and challenges for companies looking to scale.

Hoang pointed out that Asia’s role as a global production hub makes it a critical market for sustainable materials innovation. At the same time, fragmented regulations and varying levels of market readiness can slow adoption.

Bridging sustainability and commercial reality

A recurring theme in the conversation was the need to align sustainability with business outcomes. For sustainable materials to gain traction, they must deliver not only environmental benefits but also economic value. This includes considerations such as durability, performance, and integration into existing manufacturing processes.

Hoang emphasised that the next phase of growth for climate tech companies will depend on their ability to demonstrate measurable impact while maintaining competitiveness.

Beyond technology, one of the biggest barriers remains mindset. Industries that have long relied on linear production models are now being pushed to adopt circular approaches. This shift requires not only new materials but also new ways of thinking about design, usage, and end-of-life management.

AirXCarbon’s approach reflects this broader transition, focusing on embedding sustainability into the product lifecycle rather than treating it as an add-on.

As regulatory frameworks tighten and corporate sustainability commitments deepen, the demand for viable alternatives to traditional plastics is expected to grow.

For AirXCarbon, the challenge will be to scale its solutions while maintaining performance and cost competitiveness. The broader opportunity, however, extends beyond materials. It lies in redefining how industries approach resource use, waste, and environmental impact in an increasingly carbon-constrained world.