About Us

About US

PEOPLE. KNOWLEDGE. INNOVATION

We lead in the innovation and delivery of hemp-based bioplastic technologies, and compostable solutions, to help our clients WIN in combating plastics pollution and achieving sustainability goals.

Our Story

Terramer was founded to solve the crisis of plastic pollution through development of novel hemp-based materials that will fundamentally change the way the world interacts with plastics.

Through innovative sustainable engineering, Terramer created proprietary biodegradable hemp-based biopolymers, which is known as the TERBO-1000 series. The work centers around the replacement of non-compostable standard hydrocarbon derived resins such as LDPE and PP. TERBO-1000 series of formulations can be utilized for a variety of applications such as blown film extrusion, profile extrusion, sheet extrusion, thermoforming, injection molding and blow molding.

Terramer developed proprietary technologies utilizing a technique called Terramer Designer Space adding mathematical formulas to construct a range or bioplastic products from cups, bottles, straws, cutlery, and many others. These technologies enable Terramer to turbo-charge from lab scale to manufacturing production and cost efficiency and to bring the novel products to market.

Our facility is located in Los Angeles, California and main research facility is at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Our academic partners include University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and University of California, Reverside. Terramer’s state of the art manufacturing facility located in Illinois which has capacity of 300 million pounds of TERBO-1000 series is scheduled to be operational by 2024. Today, we continue to work with converters, brand owners and retailers to push the boundaries of bioplastics, introducing TERBO-1000 series in the food service ware, tableware, packaging and many other solutions.

A Crossroads for Our Planet:

Hemp as the Solution to Plastic Pollution

We stand at a critical juncture in our planet's history. The rampant use of plastic has wreaked havoc on our environment, threatening the very ecosystems that sustain life. Today, I'm here to introduce you to hemp, a remarkable plant that holds the potential to revolutionize our relationship with plastic, offering a sustainable alternative to the synthetic menace that plagues our planet.

In recent years, the devastating impact of plastic pollution has become increasingly evident. The overuse of plastic in our daily lives has led to a surge in plastic waste, overflowing landfills, choking waterways, and contaminating our oceans. This crisis has drawn global attention, prompting us to question the unsustainable practices that have led us to this steep cliff.

Plastic, once hailed as a symbol of progress, has become a symbol of our disregard for the environment. Plastic bags suffocate marine life, microplastics invade our food chain, and toxic plastic waste seeps into our soil and water, threatening the health of our planet and its inhabitants.

A recent study published in Nature painted a grim picture, warning that global average temperatures could rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius within the next five years, a tipping point that could trigger irreversible environmental damage. This stark reality serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for change.

Microplastics, the fragmented remnants of larger plastic debris, pose a particularly insidious threat. Their minuscule size allows them to infiltrate the food chain, accumulating in organisms from plants to fish. Studies have shown that microplastics can cause oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammation, potentially harming human health and reproductive systems.

The current approach to plastic waste management, primarily relying on recycling, has failed. Recycling rates remain dismally low, with over 90 percent of plastic waste ending up in landfills or the environment.

Today, I present to you Terramer's TERBO-1000 series, a hemp-based bioplastic that has the potential to revolutionize the plastics industry. This innovative material offers a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics, with the double added benefit of carbon sequestration in the production chain and additional avoidance as it replaces other carbon emitting plastics, a crucial step in combating climate change. It also provides actual and measurable greenhouse gases emissions reduction benefiting customers on their disclosures and targets.

TERBO-1000 is a radical shift in our approach to packaging and product delivery. Companies must embrace sustainable alternatives, and consumers must demand eco-friendly products.

Hemp, the versatile plant that has long been marginalized, holds the key to a more sustainable future. Its rapid growth, low water requirements, and ability to remediate contaminated and improve degraded soil make it an ideal crop for bioplastic production.

Terramer's proprietary technologies, including the Terramer Designer Space, harness the power of artificial intelligence to create customized bioplastic formulations that meet the specific strength and durability requirements of various applications. This innovative approach ensures that hemp-based bioplastics can seamlessly replace conventional plastics across a wide range of products.

The time to act is now. We cannot wait for the plastic crisis to reach a breaking point before taking decisive action.

Together, we can embark on a new era of sustainability. Let us join forces to create a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Our Team
Alexander Dubin, CEO
Bio
Roozbeh Mafi, Ph.D., Chief Technology Officer
Bio
Bryan Arrayales, Senior Scientist
Bio
Leila Khaleghipour, PhD Senior Scientist
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Board of Directors
Alex Mond
Bio
Nan Kingsley
Bio
Roberta Epifanio
Bio
Al Harrington
Bio
Board of Advisors
Scott Robison
Bio
Shawn Mojtahedian, Ph.D
Bio
Ravi Bhatia
Bio
Academic Partners
McMaster University, Canada
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)