MassChallenge

Tropical Matter promotes an environmentally conscious culture by providing material alternatives made from renewable resources. Tropical Matter was founded by Debora Zuniga Arias.

FlexSea specializes in the development of innovative biomaterials sourced from renewable marine resources, specifically seaweed, to create sustainable packaging solutions. The company focuses on producing compostable biopolymer materials that serve as alternatives to conventional plastic film packaging. These materials are designed to degrade within weeks and can break down in various environments, including marine, soil, and home-composting settings. By providing environmentally friendly packaging options, FlexSea enables clients to maintain product freshness and safety while minimizing environmental impact.

Outlander Materials specializes in developing biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastics through its innovative product, UnPlastic. This circular product is created from food industry sources, by-products, and brewery waste, ensuring it is both functional and compostable. UnPlastic is designed to serve as a non-toxic alternative to conventional plastic packaging, with properties that prevent it from breaking down into harmful microplastics. It is particularly suitable for food and packaging applications, allowing businesses to reduce their reliance on commercial single-use plastics while addressing critical issues related to plastic and food waste. This approach positions Outlander Materials as a key player in the movement toward sustainable packaging solutions.

NaturLoop is a Swiss-based cleantech and material science company focused on sustainable development through the production of natural biocomposites. The company specializes in manufacturing coconut-based fiberboard derived from agricultural waste, utilizing a low-tech process that promotes circular economy practices. By leveraging existing wood panel infrastructure, NaturLoop offers a versatile and eco-friendly alternative for the construction sector, addressing environmental concerns while providing a cost-effective solution to expensive imported building materials. Additionally, NaturLoop's unique turnkey micro-factory concept allows for the industrial-scale production of biocomposites, which integrate local rural communities into the value chain. Through its innovative approach, NaturLoop aims to mitigate the depletion of natural resources and make sustainability accessible to a broader audience.

Provider of delightful building materials intended to protect natural resources from being depleted. The company uses biological waste and food waste as raw materials to be used in interior design and industrial design products, enabling designers to upcycle green waste and perform zero-waste designing.

CADEL DEINKING is a technological development company created with the aim of implementing plastic recyclers and converting companies in an innovative plastic recycling process, through which it is possible to eliminate printed ink on plastic surfaces. The technology, developed by CADEL DEINKING , allows for the first time to eliminate the ink from the plastic before its recycling to obtain a product with a quality very similar to virgin plastic. This allows to use it in the same applications as a new material. It is a unique technology in the world, whose patent has been extended to more than 20 countries. CADEL DEINKING has a demonstration plant in San Vicente del Raspeig (Alicante) that allows to carry out all the steps of the process on an industrial scale. CADEL DEINKING demonstrates in its facilities the feasibility of the process technique before the companies interested in arranging the technology, mainly large film printers and recyclers. The tests carried out at the CADEL DEINKING deinking plant with the client material are a key step before licensing the technology and developing the engineering at the client's facilities. The companies that choose to install a de-inking plant in their facilities will increase their competitiveness, since they will offer their customers a recycled material of very high quality. CADEL DEINKING shares the efforts of industries to improve the quality of products with increasingly sustainable processes and methods.

DePoly is a spin off out of the LSMO lab at EPFL- Valais that has developed a novel technology allowing for the chemical recycling of PET plastic back to its main two components ethylene glycol (EG) and terephthalic acid (TPA). Our approach turns low valued materials (PET waste) into high-valued chemicals like TPA creating a circular economy. We expect this process to generate revenue from chemically recycling PET to TPA/EG, which can be sold back to industry to make new virgin PET plastic and allowing for a sustainable source of TPA and EG on the market.

Manufacturer of plant-based materials intended to minimize the environmental impact of conventional petroleum-based plastic by making an environmentally friendly alternative. The company utilizes renewable resources for making a plant-based material that looks and works like conventional plastics, reduces CO2 emissions is biodegradable and breaks down safely into harmless compounds, enabling clients with products that are free from conventional plastic materials and do not harm animals or nature.

Radial Biomateriales is a provider of biodegradable packaging and packaging parts. It uses agro-industrial waste to form a packaging solution for biodegradable packaging and industrial or interior design products. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Zapopan, Mexico.

Developer of bioplastic products intended to reduce petroleum dependency, carbon dioxide emissions, and habitat destruction. The company offers economically sustainable plant-based plastic alternatives which are a combination of plant fibers and standard, recycled, or biobased polymers and can be injection molded or extruded into a variety of items, enabling household, automotive, appliance, electronics, and outdoor equipment industries to substitute carbon-negative plant material for petrochemical feedstock without sacrificing quality or margin.

Developer of natural and wood-based raw materials designed to help produce industrial and household products. The company's materials preserve the natural properties of wood including appearance and feel, and enable the production of products with natural and unique properties such as consumer products currently produced of plastic, furniture, and construction products, enabling clients to design natural wood products, without design restrictions, while using the standard, common practice of industrial methods for other materials such as plastic.

Orange Fiber S.R.L. is an Italian company established in 2014 and headquartered in Catania. It specializes in manufacturing sustainable fabrics derived from by-products of citrus juice, which would otherwise go to waste. The company transforms these by-products into a silk-like cellulose yarn, allowing for the creation of soft, lightweight materials that can be blended with other textiles. By repurposing hundreds of thousands of tons of citrus waste, Orange Fiber not only promotes environmental sustainability but also aligns with the Italian tradition of producing high-quality fabrics suitable for the fashion industry.

Aeropowder Ltd, founded in 2016 and based in London, United Kingdom, specializes in the development and manufacture of materials derived from poultry feather waste. The company is focused on creating sustainable solutions to address the environmental challenges associated with modern construction and product design. By utilizing feathers, a byproduct of the poultry industry, Aeropowder aims to reduce waste and promote a more sustainable approach to material production, ensuring that the products developed do not contribute to harmful environmental legacies.

Mi Terro is the world's first advanced material company that creates ocean degradable and home compostable flexible packaging materials made from agricultural waste. We are not turning agricultural waste into beverage or snack like other companies. Instead, we are giving agricultural waste a new life by repurposing it to replace plastic and paper-based materials and giving additional incomes to farmers all around the world. Our material accommodates a diverse range of fully compostable packaging applications for fresh produce, dry food, fashion, cleaning product, and standard product packaging. Our technology can potentially apply to any type of agricultural byproducts and surplus food, including plant, dairy, and vitamin supplement byproducts. Our process uses less energy than paper and plastic production while creating 90% less CO2 than plastic. We are replacing petroleum-based materials with protein-based materials made from agricultural waste. We are redefining the circular economy in which everything begins with agricultural waste and ends as compostable or biodegradable. We are taking a world problem and making it into a world solution. Our technologies will have more impact to the world than plant-based and cultivated meat.

Manufacturer of modern earth-friendly period care products based in Boston, Massachusetts. The company's products are biodegradable corn and bamboo fiber-based pad that is antibacterial, allergy-free, BPA-free, non-toxic, pollution-free, breathable, comfortable and super absorbent, helping women to use eco-friendly menstrual products.

Manufacturer of circular carbon-sourced bio-assembled materials intended to help designers and material engineers create eco-friendly products. The company's products reduce the environmental impact generated by textile materials derived from petroleum or animals, enabling customers to increase sustainability and drive the circular economy.

Manufacturer of plant-based bio-products intended to replace single-use plastics with renewable alternatives. The company provides plant-based disposable, products made from bioplastic with inputs of solely plant starch and water, making them compostable or biodegradable on their own, enabling society to get a clean environment and get rid of plastic materials.

Developer of a paddy quality testing machine intended to properly determine rice without de-husking it. The company's machines facilitate test paddy quality for the presence of internal cracks, admixtures, and chalkiness in paddy and provide results, reports, and detailed analytics through SMS and emails, enabling farmers to segregate the rice produce with precision.

Folia Water, Inc. is a Pittsburgh-based company founded in 2016 that specializes in manufacturing innovative water filter papers. The company has developed a patented process utilizing large-scale paper machinery to produce low-cost, nano-metal functionalized materials. Folia Water's primary product is an affordable paper water filter designed to significantly reduce waterborne pathogens, making clean drinking water accessible to a broader audience. Targeting emerging markets, the filters are priced at approximately $0.20 for 20 liters, catering to the needs of around 3 billion consumers. Folia Water operates in the business-to-business sector, partnering with enterprise-scale consumer brands and conducting pilot projects with notable companies such as Unilever in Bangladesh and a multinational corporation in Mexico. Through its efforts, Folia Water aims to enhance the quality of life for working-class consumers by providing high-quality, affordable water purification solutions.

Bloom Biorenewables Ltd is a company focused on developing innovative technology to convert wood and agricultural waste into renewable materials that can replace petroleum-based products. Incorporated in 2019 and based in Marly, Switzerland, the company aims to provide sustainable alternatives for various industries, including chemicals, fragrances, plastics, and textiles. By employing a biomass deconstruction technology platform, Bloom Biorenewables offers a cost-effective method to extract bio-based molecules from plant materials. This approach not only helps customers reduce their reliance on fossil fuels but also contributes to efforts in mitigating climate change by lowering carbon footprints and supporting the transition to a circular economy.

LEAF Shellfish specializes in high pressure processing (HPP) technology to produce sustainable shellfish products in Southern New England. By utilizing both undervalued and resurgent local fisheries, the company enhances the culinary potential of shellfish that are sustainably caught, landed, and processed in the region. LEAF's innovative approach not only preserves the natural flavor of seafood but also extends its shelf life and storage capabilities, resulting in higher quality and yield compared to traditional high-heat methods. This commitment to sustainability and quality contributes positively to the local fishing industry and promotes the consumption of local seafood.

Phase Two Chemicals is a clean chemistry company developing breakthrough technology for on-site hydrogen peroxide production.

Miopac specializes in developing mushroom-based packaging materials designed to replace environmentally harmful synthetic polymers. Their innovative products offer significant cost and ecological benefits compared to traditional materials like Styrofoam. After collaborating with experienced biotechnology professors, Miopac has conducted thorough mechanical testing and completed a financial analysis that demonstrates the competitiveness of their materials for commercial-scale production. The company aims to enhance the agricultural sector in their region while promoting sustainable practices. By focusing on eco-friendly alternatives, Miopac contributes to environmental sustainability and offers businesses a viable solution to reduce their ecological footprint.

PrintCB develops the next generation materials, copper inks, replacing the most expensive component used in PE today: silver. Replacing silver with copper will reduce manufacturing costs significantly, creating endless opportunities for new design and manufacturing in a $70B market. PrintCB develops copper inks for printed-electronics manufacturing.

We all enjoy a good wine, but choosing a bottle we really like in a shop or restaurant is always a confusing task. Here's the thing: You don't need to be a sommelier to figure out the right wine for you. That's why we are here. With Pulp, you get the most diverse selection of wines from independent producers. You rate the wines in our app and we send you the most accurate personalized wine recommendations tailored to your taste.

Currently 10 metres of plastic wrapping must be manually removed from over 8 billion bales every year before use as livestock feed. Market research states that removing the plastic is ‘one of the most annoying jobs on the farm’. BioNet. have the solution, an edible biopolymer that saves the farmer time as the wrapping can be directly eaten from the bale. Furthermore, this reduces waste and the unique formulation allows for enhanced digestion leading to reduced methane emissions from livestock.

PB&B SA is an early-stage Life Sciences company founded in 2013 by bioengineers who teamed up with plastic surgeons & scientists to create natural & minimally invasive solutions for facial aging & body remodeling. PB&B developed an injection to increase adipose (fat) volume in situ using the most advanced microencapsulation & drug delivery technologies. PB&B’s patented technology aims to transform a fast-growing, multi-billion-dollar body shaping market by targeting under-served needs with a simple, fast and safer alternative to fat transfer. Products have been designed for Plastic Surgeons and Aesthetic Injectors active in body shaping procedures for facial, hands, décolleté and buttock enhancement indications.

Poly6 Technologies, Inc. offers digital manufacturing solutions to the biotechnology, aerospace, and electronics industry. The company manufactures its products through 3D printing technology. The company develops several stimuli-responsive materials systems that help hardware, software and materials to get integrated into established production processes. Poly6 Technologies, Inc. was incorporated in 2015 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts. As of September 30, 2019, Poly6 Technologies, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of WP CPP Holdings, LLC.

PB&B SA is an early-stage Life Sciences company founded in 2013 by bioengineers who teamed up with plastic surgeons & scientists to create natural & minimally invasive solutions for facial aging & body remodeling. PB&B developed an injection to increase adipose (fat) volume in situ using the most advanced microencapsulation & drug delivery technologies. PB&B’s patented technology aims to transform a fast-growing, multi-billion-dollar body shaping market by targeting under-served needs with a simple, fast and safer alternative to fat transfer. Products have been designed for Plastic Surgeons and Aesthetic Injectors active in body shaping procedures for facial, hands, décolleté and buttock enhancement indications.

PolyDrop originated inside the halls of the University of Washington. Their material science development process has been patented and is currently integrated at the industrial giants of electronics and coatings industry. Their mission is to create safe, stable, and affordable conductive polymers for use in coatings and plastics.

Dimples is a company focused on helping organizations and individuals reduce printing costs and environmental impact through innovative ink and toner conservation solutions. The company has developed a patented method that creates unique perforation overlays, known as 'dimples,' which are applied to fonts. This technology allows users to maintain the visual integrity of printed text while significantly decreasing ink and toner consumption. By offering engineering-focused software and font overlays, Dimples enables newspapers, magazines, and other organizations to utilize their existing fonts, effectively promoting cost savings and sustainability in the printing process.

CleanFiber, LLC develops cellulose insulation materials for attics, walls, and floors of residential and commercial new construction and retrofit applications. CleanFiber, LLC was formerly known as UltraCell Insulation, LLC and changed its name to CleanFiber, LLC in September 2018. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is based in Blasdell, New York with additional office in Buffalo, New York.

Bio Adhesive Alliance is a research and development organization focused on converting biomass and livestock waste management challenges in the agricultural sector into viable solutions for the construction industry. The team comprises scientists and industry experts who collaborate closely with academic institutions to address various aspects of the supply chain, including the collection, conversion, modification, characterization, and performance evaluation of biomass. The company specializes in producing bio-adhesives and bio-asphalt from sources such as swine manure, utilizing a liquefaction process that involves applying pressure and temperature, followed by filtration and post-processing. This innovative approach not only addresses waste management issues but also contributes to sustainable construction practices.

PK Clean's vision is to end landfilled waste. It's fifth generation system allows its customers to utilize their plastic waste and lower their energy costs. By providing a low-cost, compact and automated solution, PK Clean's goal is to make its processors as widely available as possible.

Starching introduces starch plastic products to the market with structural properties superior to the competition. The first product we manufacture will be loose fill packaging foam. Through simple processes and with inexpensive and fully renewable raw materials we are able to manufacture starch plastic products which offer resistance to moisture while maintaining the critical property of 100% biodegradability.

mypaperlessbills (MPB) is a MA based green startup company that aims to convert 1% of the 18.6 billion US paper bills to paperless by the end of 2015. We built the central online repository, where customers store, access and organize all their (home) bills conveniently and securely for record keeping, tax and payment purposes. MPB addresses a market in excess of $13.3B in US alone and its business model aligns the incentives of the service providers, environmental partners and users.

PCCA is the complete resource for independent compounding pharmacies, providing high-quality products, next-level education and above-and-beyond support.