CoFoam
CoFoam is an advanced biomaterial that replaces foamed polystyrene (Styrofoam) by utilizing 100% biobased materials. This breakthrough product, a waterproof and insulating foamy material, holds enormous potential across wide range of applications. However, the primary focus at the moment is on revolutionizing cold-chain logistics boxes.
Approximately 10 million tonnes of expanded polystyrene foam was produced annually globally in 2021 and is anticipated to reach approximately 18 million tonnes in 2030 (CAGR of 3.79%) source BusinessWire. Plastic foams like Styrofoam are everywhere – from seafood and pharmaceuticals packaging to car parts. They never completely disappear, instead they break up into ever smaller particles or microplastic. These tiny particles are harmful to the soils, marine environment and wildlife, and may affect human health.
CoFoam team seeks solve the Styrofoam plastic pollution problem in the Arctic Ocean by developing cold-chain shipping solution that is recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable. Combining design-thinking, microbiology, and physics to dream-up scalable biological materials production that stores carbon and provides a sustainable alternative to plastic in cold-chain shipping, packaging, and more!
CoFoam patent-pending technology uses renewable cellulose partially bio-converted to mycelium. The resulting CoFoam material is light, strong, water-repellent and insulates on par with Styrofoam.
CoFoam team has created an active innovation platform for functional bio-based materials. We tackle some of the most pressing environmental and public health problems facing the Arctic today.
The science-based incubator VTT LaunchPad delivers VTT’s strategy to renew industries and society by spinning off companies built on VTT’s technologies. In the incubator, we bring VTT researchers and IPR together with the best business minds and investors out there.
What we are looking for
Partners, networks and investors that can help to realize the full potential of the solution. Today, we are in an early stage of commercialization.
Partners
Companies to collaborate with
Funding
Meet our team
Saara Suurla is Co-founder of CoFoam. She has 15 years of business development experience, commercializing engineering know-how to the export markets. She has worked as Development Director, strategy program lead and Head of Innovation of a 3000 member consultancy and COO/Co-founder of a management consulting company Business Hacker. Saara Suurla earned MA degree from University of Helsinki.
Philippe Amstislavski is Co-founder of CoFoam. He is Professor at University of Alaska and his research centers on bio-based materials and environmental health. Philippe’s innovation in bio-engineered materials space is at the core of CoFoam.
Philippe Amstislavski earned Master’s degree from Yale School of the Environment and PhD from the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department at City University of New York.