AirCarbon converts greenhouse gases into a bioplastic material that performs on par with traditional oil-based plastics, but is more cost-effective to manufacture.
AirCarbon is a carbon-negative bioplastic, meaning that it is made by using methane or carbon dioxide as a carbon source and generates a net reduction in atmospheric carbon levels when produced with renewable power. It can match oil-based plastics in price and performance, representing a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.
AirCarbon is being produced by Newlight Technologies in California, and has been used to make chairs, bags, containers, cell phone cases, and a range of other products. Customers include some of the largest manufacturers in the furniture, packaging and electronics industries. Newlight Technologies have recently signed contracts with major industry suppliers, including IKEA, Vinmar, Paques, and others, to supply AirCarbon materials.
Climate change can be solved and market-driven solutions like AirCarbon that reverse the flow of carbon can be part of how we get there.
Mark Herrema – Co-Founder and CEO, Newlight Technologies.
Why you should care
Millions of tons of carbon are emitted into the air every day from all sectors of society. AirCarbon captures that carbon and uses it as a resource to make products that would otherwise be made from oil. By using renewable power to drive the production process, products made from AirCarbon are carbon-negative on a net production basis, generating a net sequestration effect.
How the Global Goals are addressed
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
The plastic industry is estimated to be worth over $500 billion per year. Transforming the production process into one that is sustainable and carbon negative can significantly improve the economic and environmental footprint of the sector.
Responsible consumption and production
Greenhouse gases as feedstocks for producing bioplastics leads to responsible production and consumption without needing to dramatically change the behavior of individual consumers.
Climate action
Replacing fossil fuel-based plastics with greenhouse gas-based plastic could meaningfully reduce the world-wide consumption of oil.
Life below water
Oil production has many associated environmental risks and is a source of marine pollution. Reducing our demand for oil-based products will ultimately improve marine ecosystems.
Newlight Technologies
Newlight Technologies is a company based in Irvine, California, which is known for converting greenhouse gas emissions into high-performance, cost-effective thermoplastics.
Global Goals addressed
