Robert Downey Jr. announces FootPrint Coalition Ventures

Collin Woodrum • Feb 01, 2021

Robert Downey Jr. announces FootPrint Coalition Ventures, which allows individuals to invest in the same sustainable and environmentally conscious companies in which Mr. Downey is investing. 


Mr. Downey understands startups that are making a difference for our planet need more recognition and more capital. Now by visiting FootPrint Coalition Ventures' AngelList page, you have the opportunity "to participate in the venture economy," save the earth and partner with Mr. Downey in the process. 



After spending the last 18 months talking to various experts on the environmental crisis, Mr. Downey said it is evident that our "global existential threat" will not be solved by "elite mega-corporations." Instead, Mr. Downey believes it will be startups that develop the sustainable technology essential to discovering solutions to the environmental crisis who solve it. 


"Thus - FootPrint Coalition Ventures, a group of investors, technologists, and storytellers committed to scaling enviro-tech solutions," said Mr. Downey. 


The funds invested into FootPrint Coalition Ventures will go toward Mr. Downey's FootPrint Coalition , which invests in startups that are restoring our planet, like RWDC Industries . 


FootPrint Coalition is uniquely ready to lead the way in restoring our planet in three ways: 

  • Working with an elite group of storytellers that create content around pertinent environmental issues and the startups working to solve those pressing issues.
  • Tapping into Mr. Downey's 100 million followers to spread awareness.
  • Harnessing that awareness to provide his audience with a way to invest in the companies Mr. Downey is putting his own money into. Together, this delivers "the recognition that a supportive audience brings" to a startup that will "inspire them to reach farther." 


"I've been dealing with false existential threats in the Marvel universe and I thought it was time to think about the real ones." 

—Robert Downey Jr. 


FootPrint Coalition's announcement comes as President Biden signs executive orders putting climate and the environment back into the United States focus. 


President Biden said climate change should be seen as "an essential element of U.S. foreign policy and national security." 


With climate and environment a top priority of President Biden's plan of action, the United States' transition away from oil will only quicken, reported The New York Times . With less reliance on oil, the U.S. and many other countries will have to rely on renewable resources, like the products FootPrint Coalition's investments produce — one of them being Solon by RWDC Industries . 


05 Sep, 2023
Next phase of partnership will increase global availability and adoption of natural alternative to petroleum-based plastics
18 Jul, 2023
Combined expertise will accelerate scale-up of sustainable materials production to reduce global reliance on single-use, petroleum-based plastics.
09 Jun, 2023
Members of RWDC Industries were invited by the United States delegation to attend the second session of the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (UN-INC2) last month in Paris. Over 1500 delegates were granted access to the general sessions, while more than 3000 additional attendees were on hand to meet with delegates. During a stakeholder session, RWDC Chief Commercial Officer Blake Lindsey presented to the US delegation and Larke Williams, the Lead Plastic Pollution Negotiator at U.S. Department of State, a general overview on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and its benefits. “Attending these events allows us to help create awareness about the value of PHA,” said Lindsey. “RWDC is playing a major role in supporting industry efforts to clarify what PHA is and what it isn’t.” In addition to attending the stakeholder session, RWDC also met with representatives of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the United States Department of Energy (DOE), and members of the White House staff. RWDC is assisting PHA industry leaders like fellow UN-INC2 attendees Dr. Bryan Haynes, of Kimberly-Clark, and Anindya Mukherjee, co-founder of GO!PHA, to help educate and raise awareness about the benefits of PHA so global government officials understand the impact it can have as a replacement for single-use, petroleum-based plastics. “It is important for global policymakers to understand the differences between petroleum-based plastics and biobased alternatives, why replacing is more important than recycling, and why biobased alternatives should not be left off acceptable materials lists supported by government agencies,” said Lindsey. In addition to attending important industry event, RWDC also has joined INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, following an invitation from Kimberly-Clark, meeting with INDA officials during UN-INC2 to further enhance industry exposure. RWDC also has been invited to join The Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty as a result of discussions at UN-INC2. The Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty brings together businesses and financial institutions committed to supporting the development of an ambitious, effective, and legally binding UN treaty to end plastic pollution. The coalition is convened by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and WWF, in collaboration with aligned businesses and supported by strategic NGO partners. Representatives of this NGO attended the UN-INC2, including government relations representatives for Walmart, PepsiCo, and Coca Cola. We will continue to forge these important relationships until governments, policymakers, lobbyists, global brand owners, and consumers see PHA as THE solution to the global plastic crisis.
08 May, 2023
WAYNE, Pa., and ATHENS, Ga., — Trinseo (NYSE: TSE) and RWDC Industries LLC announced today a partnership to further the development of sustainably advantaged paper and board packaging solutions by bringing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) dispersion technology to target markets. This exclusive agreement builds on the partners’ ongoing efforts to optimize PHA dispersions for paper and paperboard barrier coating applications. Rising regulatory and consumer pressure is driving demand for sustainable replacements for non-recyclable packaging materials and chemistries, such as extruded polyethylene laminates and fiber processing with fluorochemicals. Trinseo and RWDC aim to meet this need using PHA dispersion technology to create water-based barrier coatings that are recyclable in traditional paper processes, organically recyclable via composting, and biodegradable in soil and marine environments. “We are constantly striving to refine our product portfolio to deliver innovative, customer-centric products that solve material challenges with tailored, sustainable solutions,” said Andre Hugentobler, Global New Business Development and Technology & Innovation Director, Latex Binders, Trinseo. “Our partnership with RWDC is a perfect example of a combined approach that allows both partners to focus on what they do best and jointly deliver technical solutions that will benefit our customers and the markets they serve.” “Our new partnership with Trinseo is a critical step in our journey to bring Solon™ PHA forward as an innovative material solution for an application that has high-performance requirements while being environmentally safe,” said Blake Lindsey, Chief Commercial Officer for RWDC Industries. “This is an exciting time for RWDC, and we are pleased to be working alongside global leaders like Trinseo to bring both best- and first-in-class materials to the marketplace.” This partnership recognizes the strength both companies bring in providing cutting-edge materials, technical solutions, and development capabilities to answer immediate calls for chemistry that supports sustainable packaging solutions. Together, Trinseo and RWDC Industries will combat the challenges the world faces with single-use, non-recyclable packaging waste and fluorochemical treatments used in barrier coatings. About Trinseo Trinseo (NYSE: TSE), a specialty material solutions provider, partners with companies to bring ideas to life in an imaginative, smart and sustainably focused manner by combining its premier expertise, forward-looking innovations and best-in-class materials to unlock value for companies and consumers. From design to manufacturing, Trinseo taps into decades of experience in diverse material solutions to address customers’ unique challenges in a wide range of industries, including building and construction, consumer goods, medical and mobility. Trinseo’s approximately 3,400 employees bring endless creativity to reimagining the possibilities with clients all over the world from the company’s locations in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Trinseo reported net sales of approximately $5.0 billion in 2022. Discover more by visiting www.trinseo.com and connecting with Trinseo on LinkedIn , Twitter , Facebook and WeChat. About RWDC Industries RWDC Industries is a biotechnology company that utilizes natural processes to produce materials for use in our daily lives. RWDC develops innovative, cost-effective biopolymer material solutions, including SolonTM PHA, a fully biodegradable and environmentally safe material that can replace plastic in a wide range of applications from single use articles to consumer goods or food packaging to non-wovens and textiles. RWDC supports sustainable practices and encourages responsible choice in plastic waste management, including recycling, to protect our environment and planet. Its global headquarters is in Singapore, and its operational headquarters is in Athens, Georgia. For more information on RWDC, visit www.rwdc-industries.com Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, projections, forecasts, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are not statements of historical facts or guarantees or assurances of future performance. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words like "expect," "anticipate," “believe,” "intend," "forecast," "outlook," "will," "may," "might," "see," "tend," "assume," "potential," "likely," "target," "plan," "contemplate," "seek," "attempt," "should," "could," "would" or expressions of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s evaluation of information currently available and are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Factors that might cause future results to differ from those expressed by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our ability to successfully execute our business and transformation strategy; increased costs or disruption in the supply of raw materials; increased energy costs; our ability to successfully generate cost savings and increase profitability through asset restructuring initiatives; compliance with laws and regulations impacting our business; conditions in the global economy and capital markets; and those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Part I, Item 1A —"Risk Factors" and elsewhere in our other reports, filings and furnishings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. As a result of these or other factors, our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Therefore, we caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. Press Contacts: Trinseo: Bregje van den Braak bvandenbraak@trinseo.com RWDC Industries: S. Blake Lindsey +1 706 363 3040 x103 +1 678 372 3510 (cell) blindsey@rwdc-industries.com
12 Apr, 2023
Combined innovation, experience and strengths of Lummus and RWDC offers real solutions for the circular economy
13 Jun, 2022
Across the globe, many people and businesses do their best to recycle. We all want to keep our earth clean, and trash out of our streets and ecosystems, and recycling is a good way to do that — right? While not for lack of good intentions by many, recycling does not work as sufficiently as one might think. The world has generated seven billion tonnes of plastic waste, but less than 10 percent has been recycled . The 90 percent of plastic that is not recycled should go to a landfill, but often it makes its way into our environment, particularly our waters, where it can persist for hundreds of years. According to a report from the University of Georgia and the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans annually. This flow of plastic into our oceans is not expected to slow down either. A report from researchers at the PEW Charitable Trust found that plastic entering the oceans will triple by 2040 if we continue business as usual. Plastic is not just a sore sight; plastic waste also endangers wildlife. According to a fact sheet sponsored by the United Nations , "plastic waste kills up to 1 million sea birds, 100,000 sea mammals, marine turtles and countless fish." In addition, plastic in the ocean micronizes and accumulates in the fish we eat. The fish we eat then become one of many sources of microplastic ingestion by humans , where it can then potentially accumulate in our blood . The obvious answer to plastics' threat to our ecosystems, wildlife and potentially our health is to use bio-based materials like RWDC’s Solon™ PHA , a biovanescent material. This means Solon is entirely marine biodegradable and does not break down into microplastics. The novel material is also a 'drop in replacement' to existing plastic manufacturing processes and is cost-effective. Solon is safe for all life — plants, animals and humans alike. While Solon is the future, presently, individuals and companies must be educated on how and what they recycle. While most types of plastics cannot be recycled effectively, some can. Those materials that can be recycled are Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). In the United States, individuals can easily find what plastic an item is by looking for the resin identification code, which is a number from 1 to 7 enclosed in chasing arrows. In the U.S., the number 1 is PET, and the number 2 is HDPE. Any other number circled in chasing arrows should be thrown in the trash. It is important to remember that the chasing arrows on your plastic item indicate what type of plastic it is, not that it is recyclable! RWDC's partner Temasek has made a useful infographic that will help you remember which everyday items are recyclable. It also notes that recyclables should always be cleaned before throwing them in the bin! And for those living in Singapore, Temasek has included other important information on the status of recycling in Singapore and where individuals can recycle.
By Jon Sumple 25 Mar, 2022
After years of speculation surrounding the potential health impact of microplastics on humans, the verdict is in: Scientists from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam have documented the presence of microplastics in human blood for the very first time. The pioneering research discovered the following plastics in bloodstream samples: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) – commonly used to produce plastic water bottles Polystyrene (PS) – widely used for food packaging and food service plastic articles like cutlery Polyethylene (PE) – most often used as a plastic liner in paper coffee cups and carrier bags “It’s really not a surprise, is it? If plastics have been proven to be present in animal organs and bloodstreams for years, it was just a matter of time,” says RWDC CEO Dr. Daniel Carraway. “It’s similar to society’s awareness surrounding smoking cigarettes and the tobacco-related health concerns in the 50s and 60s. We had a pretty good idea it wasn’t good for us, but it took verifiable studies to get us to wake up and understand the severity of the problem.” RWDC Industries’ mission is to replace petroleum-based plastics with a renewable, sustainable, and natural alternative: Solon™ PHA, a biovanescent material that safely and completely biodegrades after its useful life. It is a material that has no human health and safety concerns. For producers of a wide range of articles, including food packaging, food service articles as well as non-woven fibers for products such as face masks, Solon is designed to be a drop-in replacement for existing petroleum-based plastic manufacturing processes. Now is the time for policymakers, manufacturers, packaging designers, influencers, and the public at large to take action. We welcome your inquiries as we seek to support the efforts of all organizations that are prepared to make a difference. Please contact S. Blake Lindsey, Chief Commercial Officer of RWDC Industries at blindsey@rwdc-industries.com to learn how RWDC might support your efforts to meet the environmental, and human health and safety commitments of your constituents, partners, and customers.
23 Nov, 2021
Injection of funds will help the sustainable materials developer scale up in the US and start production in Singapore to speed adoption of its biodegradable biopolymer material for consumer packaged goods
By Collin Woodrum 07 Jun, 2021
RWDC Industries is replacing petroleum-derived plastics with bio-based alternatives while supporting job growth and investments in Athens, Georgia . Our goal to produce a sustainable alternative to plastic and provide excellent opportunities for team members is why AMCREF , A US-government-backed loan program that funds environmentally conscious businesses in low-income communities, has financed RWDC Industries. RWDC is currently constructing its first commercial-scale manufacturing facility in Athens, Georgia, which will hire many in the local area. "There are a handful of things that RWDC has as intersections with our local set of goals, and certainly one of those are high wage jobs," said Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz in AMCREF's video highlighting RWDC. "Another one is a sustainable product," he added. To watch AMCREF's video highlighting RWDC Industries' commitment to the environment and the people and communities it works with, click the video below.
07 Jun, 2021
DALLAS, June 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In pursuit of its 2030 ambition to reduce the use of fossil fuel-based plastics by half before the end of the decade, Kimberly-Clark announced a partnership with the biotech company RWDC Industries to advance sustainable technology for consumer products that provides much-needed solutions to the world's single-use plastics problem. The collaboration brings together Kimberly-Clark's deep experience in nonwoven technologies and resin development with RDWC's innovative and cost-effective biopolymer solutions. The partnership will provide Kimberly-Clark with RWDC's polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) source material, SolonTM, to develop additional products that are marine degradable. "We've seen the growing demand from consumers and governments for companies to provide more sustainable solutions to single-use plastics," said Liz Metz, Vice President of Kimberly-Clark's Global Nonwovens business. "Solving for these challenges will take game-changing innovation as well as collaboration with industry-leading partners like RWDC to help speed these new materials to market." This new source material for Kimberly-Clark's personal care products is one of the strategies the company is developing as part of its recently announced sustainability ambitions for 2030 that include a transition away from traditional fossil fuel-based plastics toward more renewable and regenerative materials. The company is working to launch products featuring this innovation over the next five years, focusing first on product categories that address global demand for more sustainable products. "We're thrilled to partner with Kimberly-Clark and play an important role in the future development of its essential products," said Dr. Daniel Carraway, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of RWDC. "This partnership showcases how industry leaders can leverage the agility of emerging technologies to deliver real change. Together, we are demonstrating that we can alter the alarming growth trajectory of plastic waste while retaining quality and enabling environmental goals to be met." RWDC, based in Athens, Ga. and Singapore, combines deep expertise in PHA properties and applications with the engineering know-how to reach cost-effective industrial scale. RWDC uses plant-based oils to produce its proprietary PHA, which can be composted in home and industrial composting facilities. Should products or packaging made with PHA find their way into the environment, they biodegrade in soil, fresh water, and marine settings, preventing persistent plastics from accumulating in the environment. "Kimberly-Clark aims to be a leader in driving innovative solutions that address plastic pollution," added Metz. "When combining breakthrough innovation with consumer education on the increasing number of organic recycling options, we also provide a way for Kimberly-Clark and its consumers to solve the problem of plastics in the environment together." About RWDC Industries Limited Based in the U.S. and Singapore, and founded in 2015 by Mr. Roland Wee and Dr. Daniel Carraway, RWDC Industries is a biotechnology company on a mission to replace single-use plastics through innovative and cost-effective biopolymer material solutions. RWDC is the developer of Solon™, a proprietary polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) that is sustainably sourced, naturally occurring, and commercially viable. The biopolymer can be substituted for plastic in a wide range of everyday, single-use consumer goods. Solon™ is biovanescent – a term pioneered by RWDC to describe materials that completely break down to water and carbon, leaving no trace. RWDC supports sustainable practices and encourages responsible choice in plastic waste management, including recycling, to protect our environment and planet. www.rwdc-industries.com About Kimberly-Clark Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB ) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people's most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what's important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Neve, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold the No. 1 or No. 2 share position in 80 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build stronger communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company's nearly 150-year history of innovation, visit kimberly-clark.com . [KMB-S] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/648588/Kimberly_Clark_RGB_Blue_Logo.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1525768/RWDC_Industries_Logo.jpg SOURCE Kimberly-Clark Corporation and RWDC Industries
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