On a mission to limit the legacy use of plastics…
With Matched Materials, we are committed to accelerating the transition towards a world where biodegradable plastics are the norm, not the exception. We believe that the plastic waste crisis is not just an environmental issue—it's a design failure. This problem is the result of manufacturers choosing materials that more often than not outlast the actual utility of the product.
Take, for example, the common ballpoint pen. A simple tool designed to serve its purpose for about six months, depending on usage. Yet, the plastic casing that holds the ink is made from a material that will persist in the environment for centuries. This mismatch between product lifespan and material durability is a choice in design — a choice that continues to meet immediate needs but misses the market on serving human health (thanks microplastics), wildlife, the planet and climate.
The solutions to this problem are already within reach…
Biodegradable plastics can be engineered to match the lifespan of the products they are used in, breaking down shortly after their useful life ends. Some of these materials are ready to go, while others need additional development.
At Matched Materials, our mission is to bring these solutions to scale through rapid R&D via AI and machine learning, enabling the adoption of current solutions and developing new ones where none exist.