Interview on the regenerative change with traceless?

1.??Can you give us a brief overview of your company and your regenerative mission?

Ritva: At traceless?, our mission revolves around combatting global plastic pollution by offering a sustainable material alternative.

We create base materials in granulate form – a holistically sustainable alternative material to conventional plastics and bioplastics that is certified biobased, home compostable and plastic-free. The quality of these materials is competitive to those of conventional plastics while being compostable under natural conditions. Designed for plastic converting technologies, they can be further processed to flexible films, rigid material, coatings and adhesives – all while containing only natural substances.

2. Looking back, was there a specific trigger, a personal experience that made you take action?

The inspiration behind traceless? stemmed from witnessing the alarming environmental impact of conventional plastics. Our CEO and co-founder Anne Lamp studied process engineering and was involved in circular economy concepts, which motivated her to create a truly biocircular material. It was her goal to contribute to a cleaner, greener future by addressing the growing plastic waste problem.

3. Which major challenges have you encountered on the path to a regenerative business model?

Major challenges on the path to a regenerative business model include scaling up technology from lab to pilot scale, achieving price competitiveness with conventional plastics, optimizing production processes, and securing funding and partnerships.

4. Can you mention specific strategies or hacks that have helped your company become more regenerative?

"For traceless?, sustainability isn't just a goal; it's the foundation of everything we do. " – Ritva Krist

This value has been a constant since our early days, steering both our big decisions and daily actions. Since we are a science-based company, we are, at all times, aiming at fact-based and transparent communication. That is why we are proud of the external scientific proof for our claim – the official certificate: flustix PLASTIC FREE PRODUCT.

And because even the smallest steps are crucial in our journey towards a more sustainable future. It's why, for instance, we opted to repurpose an existing building in Harburg, Hamburg for our new plant instead of building from scratch.

5. Do you have fundamental principles that guide your regenerative business model?

An example of fundamental principle guiding our regenerative business model is our Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA). As a science-rooted company, we believe it is important to back up claims by verifiable data. Our LCA shows the environmental impact of our material compared to conventional plastic on different impact indicators. Meaning it compares the business-as-usual scenario (so, a world without traceless) to a world where every kilogram of traceless material replaces a kilogram of conventional plastic.

Compared to other methods of impact assessments (e.g. using the GHG protocol method), this consequential approach goes beyond the company perspective and offers a more holistic picture of the overall environmental net change in impact. Furthermore, in contrast to a Cradle-to-Gate approach, the evaluation includes the full life cycle from raw material over-production to disposal.

6. And in actual numbers?

traceless? Life-Cycle-Assessment shows that 1kg of traceless? is more environmentally friendly compared to 1kg of virgin plastics, preventing the equivalent in fossil plastic waste.

The production and disposal of traceless? produce up to 95% less greenhouse gas emissions and reduce fossil energy demand by 83%.

traceless? also prevents land-use conflicts by using agricultural residues instead of new resources. It's free from harmful chemicals and reduces water demand, offering a safe and sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.

7. How did you manage to have such a positive impact?

traceless? has already garnered notable environmental and social impacts, highlighted by partnerships with brands like OTTO, Lufthansa, and C&A. One of our milestone achievements was launching a pilot with C&A, featuring an injection-molded hook made of traceless? material, demonstrating its practical use. Our Series A funding of €36.6 million reflects market confidence, enabling us to scale up production.

8. How about collaboration? Which role does working with other companies, governments, or NGOs play in your regenerative approach? Can you share an example?

Collaboration is essential for our regenerative approach, involving working with other companies, governments, and NGOs. So, alongside its market progress, traceless? has also made significant strides in public affairs initiatives. Among others, the launch of the Natural Polymer Group, which focuses on fostering sustainable solutions within the circular economy. Additionally, the unique invite of CEO Anne Lamp to the Chemiepapfel in Berlin. Here traceless? presented a joint position paper advocating for fossil-free transformation and regenerative solutions & strategies.

9. How has the culture in your company changed due to the focus on regeneration?

Ever since the founding of traceless?, traceless? has prioritized regeneration and positive environmental impact, shaping our company's culture from the ground up. The initial team members were passionate about our mission, contributing to the development of a vibrant company culture centered on innovation, impact, and interdisciplinary collaboration. As our team has expanded, we've successfully preserved this culture, continually attracting talented individuals who are eager to support our mission and contribute to our ongoing success.

10. What advice would you give to other companies that want to pursue a regenerative approach? How does one get into action, rather than just talking about it?

For companies eager to embark on a regenerative journey, our advice is to be bold in your ambitions and to put innovation at the forefront of your strategy. Keep a clear vision of your goals and track your progress with specific metrics. The power of collaboration cannot be overstated; forging strong partnerships with other businesses, stakeholders, and the community is crucial. By focusing on these elements, you'll not only overcome challenges but also drive meaningful change.

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11. What promises can you make to companies that want to embark on the path of regenerative transformation?

For companies stepping onto the path of regenerative transformation, we can promise an adventure that's as challenging as it is rewarding. It's a journey filled with both obstacles and triumphs, but the satisfaction of making a positive impact on both people and the planet far outweighs the triumphs. Of course, we're here to support and guide you, let's join forces to create a regenerative economy that enriches our world.

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