Problem 
In a global analysis of all the
plastic ever made, the peer-reviewed journal Science Advances estimated that of the 8.3 billion tonnes that has
been produced, 6.3 billion tonnes has become plastic waste. With only 9%
recycled, the vast majority is accumulating in landfills or in the natural
environment as litter. If present trends continue, by 2050, there will be 12
billion tonnes of plastic in landfills.
Many feel that a circular economy that considers the end
destination of what is manufactured would help manage material production
responsibly. From buttons to car doors, and spectacles to countertops, the use
of sustainable alternatives to petroleum plastics would offer multiple plastic
end-of-life scenarios.
Solution
Rowan Minkley, is the Co-Founder and CEO
of Chip[s] Board. Chip[s]
Board is a bioplastic technology company that converts food waste into
bioplastics. It currently produces polymers and composites. The composites
are natural-fibre reinforced melt blends for applications such as furniture,
fashion and consumer electronics.
The company has developed a process to convert
waste food by-products into a trademarked bioplastic called Parblex®. The main ingredient for this is
upcycled potato scraps, supplied by the global food processing giant McCain
Foods. By combining this with natural fibres, biobased composites can be made
that are biodegradable and recyclable at the end of their product life. Parblex® is compatible with
injection moulding, 3D printing, milling and other industrial processing
techniques.
Rowan says: “Many current bioplastics
are produced from virgin food crops – such as corn or sugar beet – that are
grown specifically to create the materials needed for creating the bioplastic
substance. Our philosophy is that a circular economy within waste (by-product) management
and material production will create a new sustainable model, utilising the
abundant resources we already have rather than continuing to process virgin
materials.”
Chip[s] Board’s team is
currently looking into the waste stream to find new materials to upcycle and
diversify their product lineup.
Traction
2017 - Company founded
2018 - Shell LiveWIRE Award, Creative Conscience Award, Santander Entrepreneur of the Year
2018 - Rowan Minkley was awarded an Enterprise Fellowship
2018 - Rowan won the Launchpad Competition
2018 - McCain secured as a material supplier
2018 - Raised pre-seed Angel investment
2018 - Team expands to five full time staff
2019 - Relocation to Leyton warehouse, 100-litre production line established
2019 - Received Business of Fashion, Textiles and Technology SME grant and Knowledge Transfer Network Spark Award
2020 - Team expands to seven full time staff
Visit their website: www.chipsboard.com