Summary

Aeropowder focuses on finding circular uses for the millions of tons of feathers that are generated every year around the world by the global poultry industry. There are not currently many applications for feathers., but the company has developed a conversion process that involves washing them, and converting them to a textile. A biofilm is then applied to cover it and contain the textile so it can be used as a thermal fiber. Their first product ” Pluumo” is a thermal packaging material designed to replace expanded polystyrene (EPS) used during food or pharmaceutical cold chain deliveries. This material outperforms traditional EPS by at least 20%, allowing deliveries to stay colder for longer while simultaneously avoiding plastic waste. The product is also biodegradable after use, but the company is trying to invest in take-back schemes to encourage reuse. The company is also working on finding other circular uses for feathers as well, and creating new materials and technology that can harness this waste material.

Story

Co-founders Elena Diekmann and Ryan Robinson met while playing badminton. Diekmann came up with the initial concept when she was studying Innovation Design engineering. She is continuing this work through a PhD project. Robinson has a background in biological sciences and is now taking the mission forward at Aeropowder. The company was initially started as a student project in 2015. They won an award at the Mayor of London’s Low Carbon Entrepreneur Competition and founded the company officially in 2016.

Pic Credit: Aeropowder (right) and Forbes (top)