Cruz Foam

Cruz Foam is a circular materials company established to provide a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastic foams. Founded in 2017 by CEO John Felts and Chief Science Officer Marco Rolandi, the company is on a mission to mitigate plastic pollution. The idea originated from the founders' shared passion for surfing and the ocean, which exposed them to the pervasive issue of plastic waste. Felts, a chemical engineer who previously worked in environmental remediation, and Rolandi, a professor with expertise in bio-inspired materials and bioelectronics, initially explored creating eco-friendly surfboards. They soon realized their material had broader applications and pivoted to address the much larger market of single-use packaging foam.

The company leverages a patented process to convert biopolymers, primarily chitin from upcycled shrimp shell waste, into a compostable and high-performance structural foam. This material is designed to replace expanded polystyrene (EPS) and expanded polyethylene (EPE) foams. Cruz Foam's business model focuses on a frictionless transition for existing manufacturers; their foam can be produced using standard plastics manufacturing equipment, allowing for scalable production at a competitive cost. The firm operates on a B2B basis, serving industries such as consumer-packaged goods, electronics, appliances, durable goods, and cold chain logistics for sectors like food and beverage and pharmaceuticals.

Cruz Foam offers a range of products, including "Cruz Cool," a compostable cooler for cold chain shipping that provides over 48 hours of thermal protection; "Cruz Cush," a block-and-brace style foam for protecting fragile goods; and "EcoVino" for shipping wine and spirits. These products are certified compostable, designed to biodegrade in months, not centuries, and some are curbside recyclable as the foam dissolves in the paper repulping process. The company has garnered significant attention, securing over $25 million in funding from investors including At One Ventures, Sony Innovation Fund, and notable figures like Leonardo DiCaprio and Ashton Kutcher. Cruz Foam has also received accolades such as being named one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2023 and one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies in 2024.

Keywords: sustainable packaging, compostable foam, bioplastics, circular economy, EPS replacement, EPE replacement, chitin, biopolymer, protective packaging, cold chain packaging, sustainable materials, eco-friendly foam, food waste upcycling, biodegradable packaging, plastic alternative, venture capital, materials science, green technology, cleantech, impact investing