Mark Herrema: The Visionary Behind Newlight Technologies
Mark Herrema is a name synonymous with sustainability and innovation. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Newlight Technologies, he has significantly impacted how we think about greenhouse gases and their potential uses. What began as a radical idea — to turn greenhouse gases into high-performance materials — has now transformed into a thriving business. Today, Newlight Technologies is revolutionising industries by producing Aircarbon®, a polymer made from air and greenhouse gases. Through his leadership, Herrema has demonstrated that environmental sustainability can go hand in hand with commercial success.
Early Life and Education
Mark Herrema was born in the United States and, from a young age, exhibited a keen interest in science and technology. This curiosity eventually led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and Political Theory at Princeton University, where he graduated magna cum laude with high honours. During his time at Princeton, Herrema was also deeply involved in Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry, subjects that would later play a crucial role in his work at Newlight Technologies.
Herrema’s education laid a solid foundation for his future ventures. His interdisciplinary academic background allowed him to think outside the box and approach complex problems from multiple angles — a skill that would prove invaluable in founding Newlight Technologies.
The Birth of Newlight Technologies
In 2003, Mark Herrema co-founded Newlight Technologies, driven by the fundamental question: Why can’t we use greenhouse gas as a source of good? This question became the cornerstone of the company’s philosophy. At the time, greenhouse gases were primarily seen as pollutants, contributing to climate change. Herrema and his co-founder, Kenton Kimmel, believed that these gases could be harnessed for something far more beneficial.
Through over two decades of research and development, Newlight Technologies developed a biotechnological process to convert carbon emissions into a sustainable material known as Aircarbon®. This revolutionary polymer, created by feeding greenhouse gases to microorganisms, acts like plastic but is biodegradable and carbon-negative.
Herrema’s vision for Newlight Technologies was not just to create a viable alternative to traditional plastics but to tackle the larger issue of carbon emissions. The company aimed to produce a material that not only replaced petroleum-based plastics but also absorbed carbon dioxide during its production process.
Aircarbon®: A Game-Changer in Sustainability
One of the most significant achievements of Mark Herrema and Newlight Technologies is the creation of Aircarbon®, a material that has the potential to revolutionise multiple industries. Aircarbon® is made by capturing greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide, then feeding them to specially engineered microorganisms. These microorganisms convert the gases into a polymer that can be moulded into a variety of products.
Unlike traditional plastics, Aircarbon® is biodegradable, meaning it does not persist in the environment for centuries. Furthermore, its production is carbon-negative, meaning more carbon is absorbed from the atmosphere than is released during its creation. This feature makes Aircarbon® an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastics, which contribute significantly to pollution.
Applications of Aircarbon®
Aircarbon® is already being used in a variety of products, ranging from foodware to fashion. Here are some of the key applications of this groundbreaking material:
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Foodware: Aircarbon® is used to make products like cutlery, straws, and plates, offering a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic products.
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Fashion: The material has also been adopted in the fashion industry, where it is used to create items such as eyewear, bags, and footwear. These products provide a carbon-negative solution for fashion brands looking to reduce their environmental impact.
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Consumer Goods: Aircarbon® is used to create a wide range of consumer goods, including phone cases and packaging, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic and other petroleum-based materials.
The versatility of Aircarbon® makes it suitable for use in numerous industries, proving that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand.
Recognition and Achievements
Under Mark Herrema’s leadership, Newlight Technologies has achieved numerous accolades and recognitions. The company’s innovative approach to sustainability has earned it several prestigious awards, including:
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“Innovation of the Year” by Popular Science
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“Technology Pioneer” by the World Economic Forum
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“Technology Excellence Award” by PC Magazine
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“Company of the Year” by CleanTech OC
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“Biomaterial of the Year” by the Nova-Institute
These awards reflect the widespread recognition of Herrema’s vision and the impact Newlight Technologies has made in the sustainability and biotechnology sectors.
Mark Herrema’s Leadership Style
Mark Herrema’s leadership style is characterised by his visionary thinking and his commitment to sustainable innovation. He has successfully led Newlight Technologies from a small start-up to a company with a global impact. Herrema’s ability to think outside the box and approach challenges with creative solutions has been a driving force behind the company’s success.
Herrema also places a strong emphasis on collaboration, both within Newlight Technologies and with external partners. The company has established strategic partnerships with businesses in various industries, helping to bring Aircarbon® to market and expand its applications.
His leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that business can be a force for good. By creating sustainable materials that reduce environmental harm, Newlight Technologies is demonstrating that profit and purpose can coexist.
Mark Herrema’s Vision for the Future
Looking to the future, Mark Herrema remains focused on scaling Newlight Technologies and expanding the use of Aircarbon®. He envisions a world where carbon emissions are no longer seen as waste but as a valuable resource that can be used to create sustainable products.
Herrema’s long-term goal is to make Aircarbon® widely adopted in industries such as automotive, construction, and electronics, where plastic consumption is high and environmental impact is significant. He also aims to continue improving the efficiency of the biotechnological process used to create Aircarbon®, making it even more scalable and affordable.
Mark Herrema and Emily Canham
Mark Herrema keeps a relatively low profile when it comes to his personal life, but it is known that he is married to Emily Canham, a popular British YouTuber and influencer. The couple recently announced that they are expecting their first child together. Herrema’s personal life has garnered public interest, especially given his professional success and involvement with a high-profile influencer.
Conclusion
Mark Herrema’s journey from a Princeton graduate with an interest in political theory to the CEO of a leading biotechnology company is a testament to his vision, perseverance, and commitment to sustainability. Through Newlight Technologies, he has pioneered a way to turn greenhouse gases into valuable materials, creating Aircarbon® — a sustainable alternative to plastic that is biodegradable and carbon-negative.
As Herrema continues to lead Newlight Technologies, his impact on the environmental technology sector will undoubtedly grow, helping to create a future where sustainability is at the core of business practices worldwide. His story serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs and innovators, proving that with vision and determination, it is possible to turn environmental challenges into business opportunities.
