Sustainable materials is important for implementating a safer approach towards development in Bali. Hey! I’m Jason, a Business Journalist at Bukit Vista, and today I’m excited to share insights from an interview with Tobi, co-founder of Alterize — a game-changing startup in the world of sustainable construction. If you’ve ever wondered how we can make our buildings not only more stunning but also healthier and smartly designed, Alterize may have your answer. Their work in material innovation is reshaping the future of construction, one natural coating at a time. Here’s how.
From Waste to Wall: The Power of Natural Materials
In a space long dominated by toxic, petroleum-based paints and coatings, Alterize brings a breath of fresh air—literally. Their products are developed using time-tested natural ingredients like lime, clay, volcanic minerals, and plant-based fibers. Traditional coatings often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals that release harmful gas into your living environment. By contrast, Alterize’s coatings are:
Zero-toxin and VOC-free
Breathable and moisture-regulating
Crafted with recycled aggregates like ceramic waste—reducing landfill contributions
Beyond their sustainability, these materials also translate into a healthier indoor atmosphere, aligning perfectly with rising global awareness around eco-conscious architecture.
Unparalleled Design Freedom for Architects and Homeowners
One of Alterize’s standout qualities is the creative flexibility their coatings offer. Whether you’re designing a pool, a modern kitchen countertop, or a ceiling mural, the technology ensures consistency and precision down to color, texture, and surface thickness.
Key advantages for design professionals include:
Fully customizable recipes for color and material composition
No minimum quantity—perfect for both boutique and large-scale projects
Seamless application across floors, walls, ceilings, and even pools
No need for expansion joints, offering continuous surfaces without interruption
All coatings are produced to order in Bali with a highly efficient lead time of just one to two days. This responsiveness, combined with local production, provides optimal adaptability for architects and developers seeking streamlined, sustainable, and aesthetic solutions.
Cost-Effective & Long-Term Benefits
While eco-friendly products are often seen as a pricier alternative, Alterize proves that sustainable doesn’t have to mean expensive. Tobi explains that despite a potential 10–20% premium—mainly when opting for their social-enterprise-led application services—the actual project costs remain competitive.
This is thanks to:
Thinner application layers (far less material used per project)
Minimal maintenance—custom finishes can be replicated effortlessly for touch-ups, even years later
Longer lifespan than traditional coatings due to material strength and flexibility
These factors contribute to a more efficient use of material and labor, reducing both environmental and financial impact throughout the product lifecycle.
Global Reach, Local Roots
With over 300 completed projects across Bali, Lombok, Jakarta, and even Thailand and the Mentawai Islands, Alterize has established a global footprint while sticking to its locally rooted philosophy. The company is committed to working with local materials and decentralized production—sourcing and producing regionally to broaden their positive environmental impact.
Each project they approach is not just a surface to coat, but an opportunity to enable smarter, cleaner, and more creative construction around the world.
Join the Movement: How to Connect with Alterize
Curious to see how eco-innovation looks in real life? Whether you’re an architect, builder, or simply a conscious homeowner, Alterize offers inspiration and practical solutions that are as beautiful as they are responsible. Their Instagram is their main communication hub, filled with daily updates, project showcases, and behind-the-scenes looks.
Still have questions? Watch our full interview with Tobi to see how Alterize is revolutionizing materials for the betterment of both people and the planet.
Jason, Business Journalist at Bukit Vista
🗒️ Read the transcript
Introduction to Altarize and Sustainable Materials
In this interview, I, Jason from the Bali Business Review, sit down with Toby from Altarize at JIA 2025. Altarize is a Bali-based startup specializing in sustainable materials. Their mission is to transform the way buildings are finished by innovating with eco-friendly coatings made from sustainable materials. Altarize’s products are rooted in lime and clay minerals and utilize recycled aggregates like ceramic waste and plant fibers—offering both healthy and environmentally responsible options for designers and builders.
Versatility and Performance
Toby shares how Altarize’s material innovations are applicable to any surface: from floors and walls to pools and countertops. As experts in sustainable materials, Altarize offers exceptional customizability—tailoring both texture and color for every project. The result is a coating that not only outperforms traditional finishes in performance, flexibility, and durability but also drastically reduces the presence of toxins and VOCs in living spaces.
Social, Environmental, and Economic Impact
Focusing on sustainable materials has led Altarize to support over 300 projects across Bali, Lombok, and beyond. Their eco-friendly coatings are cost-competitive, especially when considering their longer lifecycle and the positive impacts on worker welfare and environmental preservation. Altarize sources locally whenever possible, minimizing emissions and supporting Bali’s green building movement with each project.
How to Connect
For those interested in sustainable materials for new construction or renovation, Altarize maintains daily project updates and advice on Instagram (@altarize.materials). Reach out to discover how sustainable materials can transform your architectural vision into a healthier, more beautiful, and more responsible reality.
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