(English) Best Practices

Newlight Technologies is a company that focuses on developing and commercializing innovative technologies to convert greenhouse gas emissions into sustainable materials. The story of Newlight begins with its founder, Mark Herrema, who was inspired to find a solution to the problem of climate change and plastic pollution. Mark Herrema partnered with Kenton Kimmel to start Newlight Technologies. The company's mission was to create a revolutionary technology that could capture and utilize greenhouse gas emissions to produce high-performance materials. They believed that by turning carbon emissions into valuable products, they could reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and help combat climate change.

After years of research and development, Newlight successfully developed a proprietary technology called AirCarbon. AirCarbon is a carbon-negative material that can be used as a substitute for traditional plastics, such as polypropylene. It is produced by using a biocatalyst to combine air and captured methane emissions from sources like landfills or wastewater treatment plants.

Newlight's technology not only helps reduce carbon emissions but also offers a solution to the problem of plastic waste. AirCarbon is fully biodegradable, so it doesn't contribute to the buildup of plastic in the environment. Since its inception, Newlight has received recognition and accolades for its innovative approach to sustainability. The company has been awarded numerous patents for its technology and has received grants and funding from various organizations and government agencies. Newlight's AirCarbon material has also gained attention from major brands and manufacturers seeking more sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics.

Waste management, pollution, sustainability

• Carbon Emissions Reduction: One of the key impacts of Newlight's technology is the reduction of carbon emissions. By capturing and utilizing methane, a potent greenhouse gas, Newlight helps prevent it from being released into the atmosphere. This contributes to mitigating climate change and reducing the carbon footprint of various industries.
• Plastic Waste Reduction: Newlight's AirCarbon material offers a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. Unlike conventional plastics that persist in the environment for hundreds of years, AirCarbon is fully biodegradable. This helps reduce plastic waste accumulation in landfills and oceans, addressing the global issue of plastic pollution.
• Circular Economy Promotion: Newlight's approach aligns with the principles of the circular economy. By utilizing carbon emissions as a feedstock for their materials, they contribute to closing the loop and reducing reliance on finite fossil fuel resources. This promotes a more sustainable and resource-efficient model of production and consumption.

• Carbon Emissions Reduction
• Adoption and Market Penetration
• Revenue and Financial Performance
• Recognition and Awards
• Customer Satisfaction and Feedback

• Scaling up: One of the key challenges for companies in the sustainable materials sector is scaling up production to meet market demand while maintaining quality and consistency.
• Cost competitiveness: Developing and commercializing sustainable products can sometimes come with higher costs compared to conventional alternatives. Finding ways to improve cost efficiency and competitiveness can be a challenge.
• Research and development: Continued investment in research and development can lead to improvements in technology, materials, and production processes, driving innovation and cost reductions.

• https://www.newlight.com/ Access 30/6/2023
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/newlight-technologies/ Access 30/6/2023