Jason Robinson, co-founder and CEO of the Toronto-based cleantech startup Evoco, is spearheading an innovative approach to reducing carbon emissions and tackling the pervasive issue of “forever chemicals” in consumer products such as footwear, furniture foam, and automotive upholstery. Since its inception in 2017, Evoco has focused on developing plant-based, sustainable materials designed to replace traditional petrochemical-based components, addressing environmental degradation and product waste on a global scale.
Evoco’s flagship innovation, FATES™, is a bio-foam composed of up to 80 percent renewable plant-based content, engineered to biodegrade at the end of its lifecycle. This material is already gaining traction within the footwear industry, which produces an astonishing 24 billion new pairs annually, by significantly reducing carbon emissions—by about 70 percent when compared to conventional oil-based polyurethane foams. Moreover, FATES™ avoids the toxic additives commonly found in fossil-derived materials, mitigating the long-term environmental damage typically associated with discarded “forever chemicals” that leach into ecosystems from landfills.
The company’s product portfolio extends beyond footwear to include bio-foams, bio-leathers, and bio-polyurethanes, addressing industries such as furniture, fashion, and automotive interiors. By leveraging plant byproducts, Evoco creates materials that meet rigorous technical standards while enhancing the lifespan of everyday products, contributing to individual carbon footprint reduction. As Robinson emphasises, these sustainable materials offer consumers environmentally friendly alternatives without premium cost implications.
Evoco, founded on a philosophy of plant-based chemistry innovation, holds numerous patents—currently 17 granted—with a footprint that stretches globally. Manufacturing facilities in Canada and Vietnam, alongside partnerships in Europe and Asia, provide the agile infrastructure needed to navigate shifting global trade dynamics. Tariff uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, Robinson notes, have not caused direct disruption but have accelerated the diversification of supply chains. For instance, a US-based automotive project transitioned its sourcing to Asia, facilitated by Evoco’s operations in Vietnam, illustrating the company’s adaptability amid complex international trade environments.
As global markets evolve, Evoco is actively expanding its manufacturing operations in Europe and Asia and exploring opportunities for domestic production in Canada and the United States. This geographic diversification strengthens the firm’s resilience and responsiveness to customer demands amid shifting sourcing landscapes. Robinson highlights the cooperative spirit encountered in regions such as Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, and India, where openness and collaboration prevail despite broader macroeconomic and geopolitical tensions.
The company’s commitment to scaling Canadian cleantech innovation faces challenges, particularly in securing venture capital compared to larger US markets. Robinson underscores the importance of government support and R&D funding to bridge the gap between early development and scaling commercialization. Evoco’s recent milestone includes the full operational launch of its Vietnam factory, contributing to significant revenue growth and supporting plans for a substantial equity round to extend product offerings and global reach.
Evoco’s collaborations with global footwear brands such as Vans, Bass Pro, Kodiak, Timberland, and Michael Kors reinforce its impact in sustainable materials adoption. For example, the partnership with Australian brand Bared Footwear resulted in the B.plantfoam™ footbed, containing 72 percent plant-based materials and achieving a 70 percent reduction in carbon emissions relative to traditional petroleum-based footbeds. Additionally, certifications from USDA and GreenCircle validate the company’s commitment to transparency and sustainability.
Beyond footwear, Evoco is poised to introduce its plant-based technologies into sectors like automotive, furniture, and apparel, aiming to decarbonize industries reliant on fossil-derived materials. Future product developments include bio-leathers, high-performance plant-based plastics, and potentially 3D-printed materials—all designed with circular economy principles to minimise environmental harm without sacrificing performance.
Robinson envisions a business model where profitability and sustainability coexist, asserting that companies can succeed financially while driving positive environmental change. This ethos is embedded in Evoco’s approach, reflecting a broader shift within the cleantech sector towards innovative, scalable solutions that meet the pressing demands of climate change mitigation and resource circularity.
In summary, Evoco exemplifies the proactive Canadian entrepreneurship tackling global sustainability challenges through cutting-edge plant-based material technologies. Its strategic expansion, technological innovation, and commitment to environmental stewardship position it as a key player in the transition toward a more sustainable, circular economy for consumer and industrial products worldwide.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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