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Biomaterial company backed by clothing giants wins top sustainability award
A biomaterial company backed by industry giants has received a major recognition for its innovation and sustainability efforts.
Among those who use the biomaterials developed by Ponda include the likes of Stella McCartney, Berghaus, Sheep Inc and Ahluwalia.
The company with its headquarters in Bristol saw off some 300 entries to be crowned Innovator of the Year at the inaugural Pride in Our Planet Awards.
The independent judging panel was chaired by climate minister Katie White.
Ponda grows Typha (bulrush) on rewetted peatland to produce BioPuff®, a plant-based alternative to goose down with up to 88 per cent lower environmental impact – photo: Ponda
The award has recognised the work Ponda has undertaken in turning restored wetlands into a sustainable supply chain.
Ponda grows Typha (bulrush) on rewetted peatland to produce BioPuff®, a plant-based alternative to goose down with up to 88 per cent lower environmental impact.
The Bristol Legends nominee said its approach helps keep carbon stored in the ground while supporting biodiversity, improving water quality and increasing flood resilience.
The biomaterial developed by the Bristol company – photo: Ponda
The company has developed infrastructure including drone-sown seed pellets, low-impact harvesting technology and pilot processing in Bristol.
It is currently delivering projects across ten large-scale sites in the UK and Europe, including the €10m Horizon Europe Palus Demos programme.
Among those who use the biomaterials developed by Ponda include the likes of Berghaus (pictured), Sheep Inc, Stella McCartney and Ahluwalia – photo: Ponda/Berghaus
The latest recognition adds to previous awards from the King’s Terra Carta Design Lab, the H&M Foundation Global Change Award, Parley for the Oceans and PETA UK’s Best Vegan Down.
Ponda has also opened a crowdfunding round to support its next stage of growth, having already raised £1.3m from existing investors.
Julian Ellis-Brown, chief executive and co-founder of Ponda, said: “This recognition means a great deal, particularly from a panel chaired by the climate minister.
“We have always argued that restoring nature and building a real business are not opposing goals,” said Julian Ellis-Brown, chief executive and co-founder of Ponda – photo: Ponda
“We have always argued that restoring nature and building a real business are not opposing goals.
“Britain’s wetlands can be productive, profitable and permanent.”
Main photo: Sky/Ponda
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