Juan Carlos Arbeláez

Colombian innovator behind Latin America's first biodegradable packaging startup

Juan Carlos Arbeláez (b.1979) is the founder of BioSoluciones, a Colombian company pioneering eco-friendly packaging solutions since 2001. His breakthrough came with the invention of Biopack - a fully biodegradable material made from agricultural waste, reducing plastic pollution in Latin America's fast-growing food industry. Starting in Medellín, Arbeláez's company has diverted over 10,000 tons of organic waste from landfills while providing sustainable packaging for 200+ local businesses. His work aligns with Colombia's National Environmental Policy, and his products meet EU biodegradability standards. Arbeláez's TED Talk "Turning Trash into Treasure: Colombia's Green Revolution" inspired global interest. His collaboration with UNEP and 3M has led to innovations in compostable food packaging. Recognized by Ashoka Foundation and Siemens Stiftung, Arbeláez's contributions have positioned Colombia as a leader in circular economy practices in Latin America.