Limiting the legacy of plastics

Mission

At 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 direct result of manufacturers choosing materials that far outlast the products they are intended to contain.

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—a choice that continues to harm human health, wildlife, and the 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, enabling the adoption of current solutions and developing new ones where none exist.

Our Goals

1. Prove Them Wrong - The ubiquity of plastics has led designers and manufacturers to internalize the dogmatic belief that “Nothing can be done.” But something must be done, and we’re here to do it—first by launching a limited number of high-margin products, demonstrating traction and product/market fit.

2. Help Them Do Right - With our expertise and IP, we will work with larger manufacturers as our customers, helping them adopt and scale materials that match the intended lifecycle of their products at costs that the market can bear.