Rethinking the Future of Plastics with Xampla and DePoly

<p>There could be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050, according to an Ellen MacArthur Foundation report. Plastic pollution is a huge problem — but it's not one that is irreversible if we act quickly enough.</p><br><p>In this episode, we explore and address the issue of plastics with two founders that are striving to make a change: Samantha Anderson, CEO of <a href="https://www.depoly.ch/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DePoly</a>, and Simon Hombersley, CEO of <a href="https://www.xampla.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Xampla</a>. </p><br><p>Both companies are looking to eliminate plastic pollution but tackling the problem from two different angles. DePoly (STATION F startup in the L'Oréal Program) has developed a cutting-edge technology to recycle PET plastic. Xampla (Cambridge University spin-out) has developed a plant-protein material that provides a natural alternative to single-use plastic.</p><br><p>Topics: </p><p><strong>01:16</strong> — What made Samantha and Simon want to go into plastic?</p><p><strong>05:11</strong> — The recycling technology behind DePoly</p><p><strong>05:46</strong> — How plastic recycling currently works</p><p><strong>07:30</strong> — Xampla’s plant-protein material</p><p><strong>09:22</strong> — How Xampla compares to existing plant-based solutions</p><p><strong>10:37</strong> — Can Xampla’s material be eaten?!</p><p><strong>10:46</strong> — Xampla targeting consumer markets</p><p><strong>11:56</strong> — Samantha on where we use plastics today and how to address the plastic problem</p><p><strong>13:15</strong> — Simon and Samantha on what’s necessary for large-scale change to happen</p><p><strong>16:15</strong> — Samantha on the role of startups in the new plastic economy</p><p><strong>17:03&nbsp;</strong>— Simon on the big companies’ change of attitude towards plastic</p><p><strong>18:30</strong> — Simon’s background: serial cleantech entrepreneur</p><p><strong>19:54</strong> — Samantha’s academic background and the DePoly team</p><p><strong>22:1