Made of Air, headquartered in Berlin, Germany, is a climate-focused materials company that transforms biomass waste into carbon-negative thermoplastics. Founded by Allison Dring, Daniel Schwaag, and Neema Shams, it operates at the intersection of material science and carbon sequestration. The company utilizes pyrolysis to turn waste from forestry and agriculture into biochar, which is then integrated into its materials. These thermoplastics absorb more carbon dioxide (CO2) than they emit during production, effectively locking carbon in a stable form for extended periods. For every ton of material produced, approximately three tons of CO2 are sequestered.
Made of Air's materials have found applications in various industries, including construction, automotive, and consumer products. For instance, the company has collaborated with Audi, H&M Group, and BMW to provide sustainable materials that reduce carbon footprints in vehicle interiors and building facades. A notable achievement includes raising €5 million in seed funding, backed by investors like EQT Group and TD Veen.
The organization is also home to the Carbon Lab, an R&D facility in Berlin dedicated to developing and testing innovative carbon-sequestering materials. Reflecting its eco-conscious values, the lab is housed in a workspace constructed using recycled materials, including a version of its own thermoplastics.
With a goal of storing up to a gigaton of CO2 annually by 2050, Made of Air exemplifies how leveraging waste can contribute to climate change mitigation.