Evoco

About Evoco

Evoco is a material innovation company founded in 2016 by CEO Jason Robinson and COO Natalie Ashdown to replace petrochemicals in global supply chains. Robinson, a chemical engineer with over 20 years in cleantech, and Ashdown, a cleantech entrepreneur, aim to decarbonize consumer and industrial products. The company began in an incubator at the University of Toronto and is now located in the MaRS Discovery District, a growth incubator and lab facility.

Evoco's business model centers on developing and supplying scalable, plant-based material technologies that serve as direct, high-performance replacements for fossil-fuel-derived materials. The company partners with brands, primarily in the footwear industry, to integrate its materials into their existing supply chains. Notable clients include Vans, Timberland, Kodiak, and Keen. Revenue is generated through the sale of these proprietary materials to brand partners and manufacturers. Evoco has expanded its operations globally, with facilities in Vietnam and partnerships in Italy to meet demand in Europe.

The company's core technology platform produces a range of materials, including Bio-Foams, Bio-Leathers, and Bio-TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). Its flagship product is FATES™, a patented eco-foam made from up to 80% plant-based content, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70% compared to conventional polyurethane foam. This technology is versatile, feedstock-agnostic, and tunable to meet specific performance requirements like density and durability for applications ranging from footwear insoles and midsoles to furniture and automotive components. Evoco's materials are designed to be biodegradable and have received certifications from GreenCircle and USDA.

Evoco has secured significant funding to scale its operations, including a CAD $12 million Series A round in March 2023, co-led by the Circular Innovation Fund. The company holds 14 patents and is focused on expanding into new product categories and industries.