Mark Herrema is an American entrepreneur, scientist, and sustainability pioneer best known for co-founding and serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Newlight Technologies, a company dedicated to developing carbon-negative materials that aim to replace petroleum-based plastics and reduce greenhouse gas pollution. His work has placed him at the forefront of the emerging field of climate tech and sustainable manufacturing, earning him international recognition for combining scientific innovation with practical environmental solutions.
Herrema’s journey into environmental innovation began with his academic foundation at Princeton University, where he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree that blended politics, political theory, and substantial coursework in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. This interdisciplinary background helped shape his belief that scientific research and market-based approaches could be merged to tackle some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
In 2003, Herrema co-founded Newlight Technologies with longtime collaborator Kenton Kimmel with a bold vision: to transform greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane from environmental liabilities into valuable materials. Under his leadership, Newlight spent nearly a decade in research and development before introducing AirCarbon, a groundbreaking biomaterial produced by microorganisms that consume greenhouse gases and convert them into a polymer with the strength and versatility of traditional plastics—yet with a carbon-negative footprint.
AirCarbon has been heralded as a revolutionary alternative to conventional plastics, capable of being molded into consumer goods such as packaging, fashion materials, and single-use items. Its creation marked a significant breakthrough in sustainable materials science, demonstrating that harmful emissions could be harnessed and turned into resources instead of pollutants.
Under Herrema’s direction, Newlight Technologies has gained significant industry recognition, winning awards such as the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and being named Biomaterial of the Year by the Nova Institute. The company has also earned global accolades such as the Technology Pioneer distinction from the World Economic Forum.
Herrema’s leadership philosophy emphasizes market-driven sustainability—the idea that environmentally beneficial solutions must also be economically viable to achieve widespread adoption. He has often spoken about reimagining greenhouse gases not merely as waste but as essential building blocks for a more sustainable industrial future.
Beyond his technical contributions, Herrema is respected as a visionary thinker who bridges science, business, and environmental ethics. His work has inspired researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to rethink how materials are produced and how industries can address climate change while fostering economic growth.
As of 2025, Mark Herrema continues to lead Newlight Technologies in expanding AirCarbon’s production and partnerships, with a long-term ambition to make sustainable materials mainstream and accessible worldwide.
Defining Mark Herrema and His Impact
Who is Mark Herrema?
Mark Herrema is an American entrepreneur, engineer, and environmental pioneer. He is most widely recognized as the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Newlight Technologies, a biotech company focused on converting greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane into sustainable materials that can replace petroleum-based plastics.
Herrema’s work challenges the conventional view of greenhouse gases as waste and instead treats them as a resource — a shift that has significant implications for climate change mitigation and industrial sustainability.
Early Life and Educational Background
Although his primary degree is in Politics and Political Theory from Princeton University, Herrema complemented his studies with coursework in physics, mathematics, and chemistry, giving him a broad interdisciplinary foundation.
His academic journey was driven by an early belief that environmental challenges require solutions that are scientifically sound and economically viable — a philosophy that became central to his later work with Newlight Technologies.
The Birth of Newlight Technologies
Origins and Vision
In 2003, Mark Herrema co-founded Newlight Technologies with partner Kenton Kimball. Their goal was simple yet ambitious: develop a way to convert greenhouse gases into useful materials.
At the time, most efforts to address climate change focused on emissions reduction alone. Herrema’s approach was to find a market-driven solution — one that turns carbon emissions into products that can compete with fossil-fuel-based plastics on performance and price.
What Problem Was Herrema Solving?
The global plastics industry is massive — more than 350 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year, and the vast majority is derived from fossil fuels. Disposal and degradation of these plastics cause serious environmental harm, from ocean pollution to greenhouse-gas emissions.
Herrema’s insight was that capturing and reusing greenhouse gases could both reduce pollution and create economic value — a dual win for business and the environment.
Understanding AirCarbon: The Core Innovation Behind Mark Herrema’s Work
At the heart of Mark Herrema’s global recognition lies a single breakthrough material: AirCarbon. This innovation is not just another alternative plastic; it represents a fundamental shift in how society thinks about carbon emissions, waste, and manufacturing.
AirCarbon is a biopolymer created from greenhouse gases, designed to perform like conventional plastics while dramatically reducing environmental harm. Unlike traditional plastics made from oil or natural gas extracted from the ground, AirCarbon is produced by capturing carbon that already exists in the atmosphere or industrial emissions.
This approach transforms pollution into a resource, aligning environmental protection with industrial productivity.
What Exactly Is AirCarbon?
AirCarbon is a thermoplastic material produced through a biological process that converts greenhouse gases into solid material. From a functional standpoint, it behaves much like traditional plastics, meaning it can be melted, molded, shaped, and reused across a wide range of applications.
From an environmental standpoint, however, it represents something radically different:
It uses carbon emissions as a feedstock
It reduces dependence on fossil fuels
It can be biodegradable under appropriate conditions
It has the potential to be carbon-negative, meaning it removes more carbon from the environment than it releases
For Mark Herrema, AirCarbon is proof that sustainability does not have to involve compromise. Performance, durability, and scalability can coexist with environmental responsibility.
Step-by-Step: How AirCarbon Is Made
Understanding how AirCarbon is produced helps explain why it is considered one of the most innovative materials in sustainable manufacturing.
Step 1: Capturing Greenhouse Gases
The process begins by collecting greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide or methane. These gases can be sourced from:
Industrial facilities
Energy production systems
Agricultural operations
Controlled atmospheric capture systems
Instead of allowing these gases to escape into the atmosphere and contribute to climate change, they are redirected into the production process.
Step 2: Biological Conversion
Specialized microorganisms are introduced into a controlled bioreactor environment. These microorganisms naturally consume carbon-based gases as part of their metabolic process.
Under carefully managed conditions, the microorganisms convert the captured gases into long-chain carbon molecules. This process mimics natural biological systems but is optimized for industrial efficiency.
Step 3: Polymer Formation
The output of the biological process is refined into a solid biopolymer. This polymer becomes the raw material known as AirCarbon.
At this stage, the material is prepared for industrial use, similar to how petroleum-based plastics are pelletized before manufacturing.
Step 4: Manufacturing and Shaping
AirCarbon can be processed using existing plastic manufacturing equipment, including:
Injection molding
Extrusion
Compression molding
This compatibility is crucial because it allows manufacturers to adopt AirCarbon without rebuilding their entire production infrastructure.
Why AirCarbon Is Different from Traditional Bioplastics
Not all bioplastics are created equal. Many so-called “green plastics” still rely on agricultural crops such as corn or sugarcane, which require land, water, and fertilizers.
AirCarbon stands apart in several important ways:
No agricultural land use: It does not compete with food production
Carbon-based feedstock: It uses waste emissions rather than plant matter
Lower resource intensity: Reduced water and land demands
Scalable industrial process: Designed for mass production
Mark Herrema’s vision was not just to create a sustainable material, but to design one that fits seamlessly into the global manufacturing ecosystem.
Real-Life Applications of AirCarbon
One of the strongest indicators of AirCarbon’s potential is its versatility. The material has been explored and applied across multiple industries.
Consumer Products
AirCarbon can be used to manufacture everyday items such as:
Cutlery and utensils
Containers and packaging
Household goods
Accessories and consumer electronics casings
These applications demonstrate that sustainable materials can meet the durability and aesthetic standards consumers expect.
Packaging Industry
Packaging remains one of the largest contributors to plastic waste. AirCarbon offers a solution that aligns with:
Reduced environmental impact
Corporate sustainability goals
Regulatory compliance in regions restricting plastic use
Its ability to replace single-use plastics makes it especially valuable in this sector.
Fashion and Textiles
AirCarbon has also been explored in fibers and textiles. This opens the door to sustainable fashion alternatives that reduce reliance on petroleum-based synthetic fabrics.
For industries under pressure to reduce their carbon footprint, materials like AirCarbon provide a tangible pathway forward.
The Environmental Benefits of AirCarbon
Mark Herrema’s innovation is rooted in measurable environmental advantages rather than marketing claims.
Carbon Reduction
By using greenhouse gases as raw materials, AirCarbon contributes to:
Lower net carbon emissions
Reduced atmospheric pollution
A circular carbon economy
In some production scenarios, the overall lifecycle impact of AirCarbon can be carbon-negative.
Waste Reduction
Because AirCarbon can biodegrade under controlled conditions, it addresses one of the most persistent problems with traditional plastics: long-term environmental persistence.
Reduced Fossil Fuel Dependency
Every product made with AirCarbon represents a reduction in demand for oil-based plastics. Over time, widespread adoption could significantly lower fossil fuel consumption in manufacturing.
Challenges in Scaling Sustainable Materials
Despite its promise, AirCarbon faces the same challenges encountered by most breakthrough technologies.
Scaling Production
Producing materials at global scale requires:
Large capital investments
Reliable supply chains
Long-term manufacturing partnerships
Mark Herrema has emphasized that scaling responsibly is just as important as innovating quickly.
Market Adoption
Industries are often hesitant to switch materials due to:
Cost considerations
Supply consistency
Performance testing requirements
Convincing manufacturers to adopt new materials takes time, education, and proven results.
Cost Competitiveness
While sustainable materials are becoming more affordable, traditional plastics still benefit from decades of infrastructure optimization. Closing this gap remains a critical objective.
Mark Herrema’s Leadership Philosophy in Innovation
What sets Mark Herrema apart is not only the technology he helped create, but the mindset behind it.
Sustainability Must Be Practical
Herrema believes that environmental solutions must work within real-world economic systems. Ideals alone are not enough; solutions must be practical, scalable, and competitive.
Science and Business Are Partners
By combining scientific research with commercial strategy, Herrema demonstrates that innovation thrives at the intersection of disciplines.
Long-Term Thinking Matters
True environmental progress does not happen overnight. Herrema’s work reflects patience, persistence, and a long-term commitment to change.
Mark Herrema’s Influence on the Global Sustainability Movement
Mark Herrema’s impact extends far beyond a single company or material. His work has contributed to a broader shift in how governments, corporations, and innovators think about climate change, carbon utilization, and sustainable manufacturing.
Rather than framing sustainability as a cost or constraint, Herrema has helped reposition it as a competitive advantage. This mindset has influenced entrepreneurs, investors, and policy leaders who now see climate solutions as engines of economic growth.
Carbon as a Resource: A Paradigm Shift
For decades, carbon emissions were viewed exclusively as waste — something to reduce, regulate, or eliminate. Mark Herrema helped popularize a different idea: carbon can be a raw material.
This paradigm shift has several implications:
Emissions can be captured and reused instead of released
Industrial systems can become circular rather than linear
Climate solutions can generate revenue instead of relying on subsidies
This approach aligns with the emerging concept of the circular carbon economy, where carbon flows are managed, reused, and optimized rather than discarded.
The Role of Newlight Technologies in Industrial Change
Under Herrema’s leadership, Newlight Technologies has acted as both an innovator and an educator. The company’s work demonstrates to manufacturers that sustainable materials can be:
High performance
Scalable
Compatible with existing systems
Cost-conscious over time
By focusing on real-world usability rather than experimental novelty, Newlight Technologies has helped lower the psychological and operational barriers to adoption.
Industry-Wide Impact of Carbon-to-Materials Technology
Manufacturing and Industrial Materials
Traditional manufacturing relies heavily on petroleum-based feedstocks. Carbon-to-materials technology introduces an alternative supply chain that:
Reduces dependency on oil markets
Stabilizes material sourcing
Lowers exposure to fossil fuel volatility
This is particularly valuable for manufacturers facing pressure from both regulators and consumers to reduce emissions.
Consumer Goods and Retail
Brands increasingly understand that sustainability influences purchasing decisions. Materials like AirCarbon allow companies to:
Meet environmental commitments
Appeal to eco-conscious consumers
Differentiate products without sacrificing quality
Mark Herrema’s work enables sustainability to move from branding slogans to tangible product features.
Energy and Emissions Management
Carbon capture is often criticized for lacking practical uses. Carbon-to-materials solutions provide a clear end use for captured emissions, strengthening the economic case for investment in capture infrastructure.
Sustainability Trends Shaping the Industry (As of 2025)
Mark Herrema’s innovations align closely with major global trends that define sustainability efforts in 2025.
Corporate Net-Zero Commitments
Thousands of companies worldwide have committed to net-zero emissions targets. These commitments require not only energy efficiency but also material innovation.
Carbon-based materials derived from emissions help companies:
Offset unavoidable emissions
Redesign supply chains
Report measurable environmental improvements
Regulatory Pressure on Plastics
Governments continue to implement restrictions on:
Single-use plastics
Non-recyclable materials
High-emission manufacturing processes
Sustainable alternatives like AirCarbon offer compliance pathways without disrupting production.
Investor Focus on Climate Tech
Climate-focused investment has grown significantly. Investors increasingly prioritize:
Scalable climate solutions
Proven technologies
Revenue-generating sustainability models
Mark Herrema’s work fits squarely within this investment landscape, reinforcing the credibility of climate-tech entrepreneurship.
Real-Life Examples of Impact
Example 1: Reducing Plastic Footprints
Companies replacing conventional plastics with AirCarbon reduce their carbon footprint without altering product functionality. This allows businesses to meet sustainability goals while maintaining consumer satisfaction.
Example 2: Circular Manufacturing Systems
Facilities using carbon-derived materials contribute to closed-loop systems where emissions become inputs rather than outputs. This approach reduces waste and increases efficiency.
Example 3: Market Education
Beyond products, Herrema’s work has influenced how sustainability is taught and discussed in business and engineering communities, encouraging future innovators to pursue climate-positive solutions.
Mark Herrema as a Climate-Tech Entrepreneur
Bridging Innovation and Implementation
Many climate technologies struggle to move from laboratory to market. Herrema’s success lies in his ability to bridge this gap.
Key factors include:
Translating scientific concepts into commercial products
Engaging with manufacturers early
Designing technology around existing infrastructure
This approach reduces friction and accelerates adoption.
Leadership Through Credibility
Herrema’s credibility comes from results, not rhetoric. By delivering functional materials at scale, he demonstrates that environmental innovation can be both ambitious and practical.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Entrepreneurs entering climate tech often cite the importance of role models who prove that sustainability-driven businesses can succeed. Mark Herrema serves as one such example.
FAQ
Who is Mark Herrema?
Mark Herrema is an American entrepreneur, engineer, and environmental innovator. He is best known as the co-founder and CEO of Newlight Technologies, the company behind AirCarbon, a sustainable material derived from greenhouse gases. His work focuses on transforming climate challenges into industrial and economic opportunities.
What is AirCarbon?
AirCarbon is a biopolymer created from carbon emissions using a specialized bioconversion process. It can be manufactured into products like packaging, consumer goods, and fibers. Unlike traditional plastics, AirCarbon is biodegradable and can be carbon-negative, meaning it removes more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits during production.
How does AirCarbon production work?
The process involves four main steps:
Capturing greenhouse gases from industrial or atmospheric sources.
Biological conversion, where microorganisms consume the captured carbon and produce long-chain polymers.
Polymer formation, refining the output into a solid biopolymer.
Manufacturing and shaping, where AirCarbon is molded or extruded into consumer or industrial products.
Why is Mark Herrema’s work important?
Herrema’s innovations demonstrate that climate solutions can be economically viable, scalable, and high-performing. By turning emissions into valuable materials, he provides a model for how businesses can align profitability with sustainability, addressing both plastic pollution and carbon emissions.
What industries can benefit from AirCarbon?
AirCarbon has wide-ranging applications, including:
Consumer goods: utensils, containers, electronics casings
Packaging: bags, films, food containers
Textiles and fashion: fibers and synthetic fabrics
Industrial components: engineering parts requiring plastic-like durability
By offering a versatile alternative to conventional plastics, it allows multiple industries to reduce environmental impact while maintaining product quality.
Final Thoughts
Mark Herrema represents a new kind of leadership in the age of climate innovation — one that blends science, entrepreneurship, and environmental responsibility. Through Newlight Technologies and AirCarbon, he has shown that carbon emissions can be transformed from a global threat into a valuable resource, demonstrating that sustainability and economic growth can go hand in hand.
His approach illustrates a fundamental principle for modern innovation: practical solutions matter as much as visionary ideas. By designing materials that are both functional and eco-friendly, and by aligning environmental impact with economic incentives, Herrema has created a blueprint for future climate-tech entrepreneurs.
As global industries face increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions and plastic waste, Mark Herrema’s work will continue to influence manufacturing, product design, and sustainability practices. His story is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary thinking, long-term vision, and the belief that solving environmental problems can also drive progress, profitability, and global impact.
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