Brett Cotton, co-founder and CEO of Arda Biomaterials, discusses the importance of removing animals and plastics from the materials industry. Arda transforms spent barley grains from breweries and distilleries into high-value materials that can replace animal leather and plastics. The first iteration of their material is a leather-like alternative made from extracted protein content from barley grains. Brett explains the challenges faced by previous leather alternatives and how Arda's approach differs. He also discusses the potential for investment in sustainable adhesives and coatings and the importance of regulation in driving the adoption of alternative materials.
- The materials industry needs to remove animals and plastics from the supply chain.
- Previous leather alternatives failed due to the use of plastic or the need for specialized processing equipment.
- Arda Biomaterials is creating a leather-like material from extracted protein content in spent barley grains.
- Investment in sustainable adhesives and coatings is an overlooked area in the industry.
- Regulation and consumer demand are driving the adoption of alternative materials.
00:00 Introduction and Importance of Removing Animals and Plastics
02:24 Arda's Approach: Transforming Spent Barley Grains
06:17 Advantages of Arda's Material and Continuous Process
10:18 Green Chemistry Process and Returning to Natural Methods
15:12 Interactions with Potential Customers and Partners
18:50 Expanding to Other Materials and Waste Streams
20:32 Investment Opportunities in Sustainable Adhesives and Coatings
26:54 Challenges Faced in Building Arda
29:34 Key Trends in the Alternative Materials Space
34:23 Motivation and Inspiration for Arda's Goals
Arda Biomaterials, animal leather, plastics, alternative materials, spent barley grains, protein content, leather alternatives, sustainable adhesives, coatings, regulation, technology, supercritical
