Sugianto Tandio

As the oldest of eight siblings, Sugianto was raised with a deep sense of responsibility and purpose. His parents, despite limited resources, held a strong belief that education was the key to a better life. They instilled in all their children the importance of learning and encouraged each of them to pursue the highest level of education possible. This upbringing not only shaped Sugianto’s values but also became the foundation of his resilience, leadership, and lifelong commitment to making a meaningful impact.

1986 - 1988 Master of Science (Summa Cum Laude) at University of North Dakota; 1983 - 1986 Bachelor of Science at University of North Dakota; 1980 - 1983 SMA Kolese de Britto, Yogyakarta; 1977 - 1980 SMP Xaverius, Jambi; 1970 - 1977 SD Xaverius, Jambi

1986 - 1988 Ideal Aerosmith Inc., USA; 1988 - 1994 Senior Engineer at 3M, USA; 1994 - 2017 President Director at PT. Tirta Marta; 2017 - Present Co-Founder & Chief Innovation Officer at PT Harapan Interaksi Swadaya (GREENHOPE)

PT. Tirta Marta

Successfully commercialize new environmentally friendly plastic solutions and redesign the future of plastic items using natural minerals (Oxium) and locally sourced and Fair For Life certified tapioca (Ecoplas and Naturloop) as alternatives to conventional plastics items that cannot be easily recycled, thereby reducing microplastics contamination in the world, 2018

Sky Blue Sea Awards 2024; Top 50 Real Leaders - the Eco Innovation Technology 2022; Official Company of Unreasonable Goals 2018; Scholarship recipient for Harvard and World Economic Forum program "Scaling Up Impact for System Change” 2017; Global Listing – 50 Most Impactful Social Innovators. 2017; Indonesia Most Innovative Company from SWA Magazine. 2015; Innovation Award from Indonesia Ministry for Research & Technology. 2014; World Economic Forum – Schwab Foundation’s Social Entrepreneur Award 2013; Indonesia President’s Industrial Pioneer Award. 2012; Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Award (Innovation) 2012; Best Applied Innovation from the Indonesian Ministry for Research & Technology 2011

ETA KAPPA NU Electrical Engineering Honor Society (USA); TAU BETA PI National Engineering Honor Society (USA)

Together with Greenhope in 2023, Sugianto was recognized as one of 16 leading innovators by the Schwab Social Innovation Forum Awards, a prestigious acknowledgment of impactful entrepreneurship. Greenhope also became part of a global network of 435 top innovators operating across more than 190 countries. This recognition highlights Greenhope’s pivotal role in shifting the global paradigm from negative, consumptive behaviors to more positive, sustainable production and consumption models. As a result of this honor, Greenhope gained access to a powerful platform of international collaboration, joining hands with influential leaders, changemakers, and visionaries from around the world to share ideas, co-create solutions, and advance collective efforts to build a better, more sustainable planet

Indonesian, English

Outside of his professional mission and social impact work, Sugianto finds balance through his passion for reading. For him, reading is a way to clear his mind, stay disciplined, and reflect with clarity. He brings the same focus, patience, and strategic thinking that have guided his journey from purpose-driven risk-taker to sustainable innovation leader

“The journey began even before it started.” Sugianto believes that God entrusted the world to humanity to manage with care, yet what we see today is the result of profound mismanagement. Driven by this conviction and a strong sense of purpose, he made a bold decision that many considered irrational: leaving behind a promising and comfortable life in America to return home to Indonesia. He began by managing his family’s packaging business. Starting from zero, even below it, he committed himself to finding real solutions to the plastic waste crisis. His mission aligned with the global urgency, especially after the United Nations officially declared a “War Against Plastic Waste” in 2017. That journey eventually led him to co-found Greenhope, a company built on hope, science, and responsibility. Under his leadership, Greenhope went on to develop groundbreaking innovations such as Ecoplas (cassava-based biodegradable bioplastic), Naturloop (cassava-based compostable bioplastic), and Oxium (biodegradable additive), all aimed at addressing plastic pollution at its source and offering practical, sustainable alternatives for a better future

He believes that true success should never be measured by money or academic grades alone. To him, those are merely numbers, tools for measurement, not life’s ultimate goal. Instead, he encourages others to first seek out their God-given purpose, the deeper meaning behind why they exist and what they are meant to contribute to the world. When you lead with purpose and pursue real value in life, he believes, the grades, titles, and financial rewards will naturally follow

greenhope.co

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.