The sustainable technology firm is disrupting the materials science industry by eliminating single and multi-use plastic waste
GILBERT, Ariz. (March 10, 2020) — Footprint, a sustainable technology firm specializing in materials science announced that Fast Company ranked it number 38 on the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies for 2020.
Footprint joins the ranks of globally
impactful brands through reimagining the grocery store, replacing single and
multi-use plastic used in common packaging for items such as produce and meat,
as well as cups, lids and straws. Footprint’s plant-based packaging is marine
biodegradable, compostable, recyclable and free of toxic PFAS chemicals. This
effort aids in the company’s mission to eliminate plastic waste and meets
growing consumer sustainability and health expectations.
“We’re extremely proud to work with the
world’s leading consumer packaged goods companies, grocery retailers and restaurants
to help them achieve their sustainability goals,” said Footprint CEO Troy
Swope. “Through material science and process innovation, we are working to
solve some of the greatest issues of our time: plastic pollution, the negative
health impacts of plastic, and climate change. We’re committed to moving
quickly to meet global consumer needs for fiber-based, biodegradable,
recyclable and compostable products.”
Footprint’s global customer partners include
food and beverage leaders such as Conagra Brands, McDonald’s, Molson Coors, Tyson
Foods, Sweetgreen and Wegmans. Footprint also closely works with Arizona State
University and its Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions School, recently
named the most innovative university in America for the fifth year in a row by
U.S. News and World Report.
“Footprint has been an invaluable partner to
Conagra Brands as we seek to extend our sustainability efforts,” said Katya
Hantel, Director of Sustainable Development at Conagra Brands. “Plant-based
fiber packaging has helped Conagra avoid use of more than 2.1 million pounds of
plastic packaging to date, and this technology will be key to helping us
achieve our goal of avoiding use of an additional 33 million pounds of plastic
packaging over the next few years.”
“By working with innovative partners like
Footprint, McDonald’s can rethink how we package products and give customers
the sustainable solutions they want, without compromising on the experience
they expect,” said Elaine Strunk, Director, Global Sustainability at
McDonald’s.
Fast
Company’s editors and writers sought out the most
groundbreaking businesses on the planet and across myriad industries. They also
judged nominations received through their application process. The World’s Most
Innovative is one of Fast Company’s
most highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year, providing a road map for
the future of innovation across the most dynamic sectors of the economy.
“At a time of increasing global volatility,
this year’s list showcases the resilience and optimism of businesses across the
world. These companies are applying creativity to solve challenges within their
industries and far beyond,” said Fast Company senior editor Amy Farley, who
oversaw the issue with deputy editor David Lidsky.
For more information about Footprint, its
global customer partners and the Fast Company Most Innovative Company Awards,
visit www.footprintus.com/MIC.
About
Footprint
Footprint has a clear vision: eliminate
single-use and short-term use plastics. Footprint designs, develops and
manufactures technologies that are biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable.
We make it easy for companies to switch out of plastic to preserve our future. We love our oceans and
our planet, that's why we are revolutionizing industries to eliminate plastic
pollution. The company was founded by former Intel engineers Troy Swope and
Yoke Chung and employs more than1,200 people. In 2019, Footprint was announced
a winner of the prestigious NextGen Cup Challenge for its Plant-based
alternative manufacturing process for making cups and lids. It has already
helped eliminate over 60 million pounds of plastic. The company is based in
Gilbert, Ariz. For more information and a complete portfolio of Footprint
solutions visit www.footprintus.com.
About
Fast Company
Fast Company is the only media brand fully
dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design,
engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of
business. Since 2011, Fast Company has received some of the most prestigious
editorial and design accolades, including the American Society of Magazine
Editors (ASME) National Magazine Award for “Magazine of the Year,” Adweek’s Hot
List for “Hottest Business Publication,” and six gold medals and 10 silver
medals from the Society of Publication Designers. The editor-in-chief is
Stephanie Mehta and the publisher is Amanda Smith. Headquartered in New York
City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister
publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.
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Contact
Brendan Lahiff
TrailRunner International for Footprint
+1.415.867.5967