Draft:Cruz Foam
| Submission declined on 22 January 2024 by Qcne (talk). This submission appears to read more like an advertisement than an entry in an encyclopedia. Encyclopedia articles need to be written from a neutral point of view, and should refer to a range of independent, reliable, published sources, not just to materials produced by the creator of the subject being discussed. This is important so that the article can meet Wikipedia's verifiability policy and the notability of the subject can be established. If you still feel that this subject is worthy of inclusion in Wikipedia, please rewrite your submission to comply with these policies.
Where to get help
How to improve a draft
You can also browse Wikipedia:Featured articles and Wikipedia:Good articles to find examples of Wikipedia's best writing on topics similar to your proposed article. Improving your odds of a speedy review To improve your odds of a faster review, tag your draft with relevant WikiProject tags using the button below. This will let reviewers know a new draft has been submitted in their area of interest. For instance, if you wrote about a female astronomer, you would want to add the Biography, Astronomy, and Women scientists tags. Editor resources
|  |
Overview
Headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, Cruz Foam has pioneered a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based foam, derived from 70% upcycled food waste and other naturally sourced ingredients within existing supply chains.[1]. This bio-benign packaging foam solution reflects the company's commitment to environmental stewardship.
Cruz Foam's collection of compostable packaging products, including Cruz Wrap, Cruz Pack, Cruz Cool, and Cruz Crush, showcases mechanical properties and thermal insulation capabilities comparable to traditional foams. Tested and Lomi approved by Pela Earth Lomi's home composting system, [2], Cruz Foam sets a new standard by being the first material to receive a perfect score of 100.
Process
Utilizing a patented process, Cruz Foam has developed a novel formula from natural ingredients that can be extruded into a diverse range of packaging solutions. This earth-digestible solution is pelletized and seamlessly integrated into existing manufacturing equipment, demonstrating its versatility. The material's technical characteristics can be tailored to meet the preferred properties of the final product, showcasing adaptability without compromising sustainability.
History
Founded in 2017 by John Felts and Marco Rolandi, Cruz Foam's journey began in a basement laboratory at Baskin Engineering [3]. From its roots in Startup Sandbox, a bioscience incubator, [4], to its involvement in the Accelerator at Sea program and subsequent relocations, Cruz Foam has evolved into a key player in the sustainable materials landscape.
In July 2022, Cruz Foam contributed to agricultural technology, producing a product for Re-Nuble to create indoor farming grow media from its patented foam formula [5]. In February 2023, the company introduced a new packaging product line, further solidifying its commitment to eco-friendly solutions.
Funding
Cruz Foam's commitment to innovation has been supported by strategic funding initiatives. In October 2022, the company raised $18M in a Series A funding round led by Helena, joined by One Small Planet, Regeneration.VC, At One Ventures, and SoundWaves. Earlier support included a $3.4M seed round in April 2022 with advisors Leonardo DiCaprio and Ashton Kutcher, as well as previous funding rounds dating back to March 2020.[6]
Patents
Cruz Foam's scientific foundation is evident in its patents, covering biodegradable foams, organic polymer processing, and biodegradable foam with laminate layers. These patents highlight the material's composition, foam-forming process, and its potential in diverse applications.
Recognition
Cruz Foam's contributions have not gone unnoticed, earning the Global Fisheries Innovation Award [7] in 2022, the Global Green Business Award in 2021 [8], and recognition as a finalist in Rabobank's Foodbytes 2021 program [9]. The company was also selected as one of three finalists by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition in 2020, and in 2023, [10] it received the Innovative Business of the Year award at the Santa Cruz NEXTies [11]
In addition to these accolades, Cruz Foam was honored with the 2023 Time Innovation of the Year award in the Sustainable Food Category for its product Cruz Cool™ [12]. Furthermore, the company received a Bronze design award from the 2023 PentAwards [13], further validating its commitment to sustainability and design excellence.
In summary, Cruz Foam's material, crafted from 70% upcycled food waste, stands as a testament to innovation and sustainability, marked by its scientific foundation and numerous accolades within the industry.
References[edit]
- ^ "Cruz Foam makes styrofoam alternative from shrimp shells and food waste". CNBC. 8 February 2023.
- ^ "Cruz Foam Compostable Foam". 5 July 2022.
- ^ "Cruz Foam teams up with DiCaprio, Kutcher as advisors and adds a major industry partner".
- ^ "Cruz Foam Closes Seed Round for Launching Biodegradable Packaging Products". 14 August 2020.
- ^ "PRESS RELEASE: Agriculture Technology Company, Re-Nuble Partners with Circular Materials Company, Cruz Foam to Create First Compostable, Circular Sourced Indoor Growing Media". 23 June 2022.
- ^ "Cruz Foam Secures $18M in Series a Funding Led by Helena" (Press release).
- ^ "2022 Global Fisheries Innovation Award: Cruz Foam". 6 October 2022.
- ^ "Cruz Foam (2021 Winner: Global Green Business Awards)".
- ^ Rabobank's Foodbytes 2021 program.
- ^ "Member Spotlight: Cruz Foam, Etho Capital, & Fenceline Watch". 14 September 2023.
- ^ "Honorees for 2023 Santa Cruz NEXTies announced, featuring Mak Nova, Apéro Club, Cruz Foam, and more". 7 February 2023.
- ^ "Cruz Cool: The 200 Best Inventions of 2023". 24 October 2023.
- ^ "Pentawards 2024 - Pentawards Shortlist 2023".