ORSM '12 New Exhibitors Preview: Green Dot

Green Dot

www.GreenDotPure.com / Mark Remmert, CEO / Cottonwood Falls, Kan. / #PV670 / Founded 2009

Mark Remmert on Green Dot: “Green Dot makes the world’s only compostable elastomeric plastic. It’s a plant-based material that is ideal for making stylish, durable products that won’t pollute the landscape at any point – from when they’re made until they go back into the ground. The material is of uncompromising quality and it’s made in America. Initial successes include the iPhone cover – a great example of a product that lets people both consume and contribute at the same time. The cover can be found on our distributor’s website: www.niteize.com.”

Tell us about your brands and products?

Green Dot’s GDH-B1 bioplastic is the market’s first elastomeric bioplastic verified to meet U.S. and E.U. standards for compostability.

What were you, as the founder of the company, doing before this?

I’ve spent 30 years in the plastics industry, most recently as CEO for Styron Corp, a $5 billion wholly owned Dow subsidiary.

Where did your inspiration come from?

The last century belonged to petroleum based chemicals and feedstocks. The next century will see the development of a vast array of biologically derived materials with a much more favorable environmental footprint. The development of sustainable bio-based materials will be an essential step toward a more sustainable world.

What’s the one best feature of your product?

It’s compostable, which means it is designed to return to nature after its useful life has ended.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Distinguishing GDH-B1 from other bioplastics is by far the biggest challenge. Most OEMs and consumers think of single use items and packaging when they hear the words “compostable bioplastic.” Both are a great fit for Green Dot material but due to the superior material properties and durability the door is wide open for every-day items that will last for years, then be returned to nature after their useful life has ended.

Why are you at Outdoor Retailer?

To introduce the Outdoor Retailer market to this amazing new material. We know our message of sustainability is one that resonates well with everyone involved in this market segment.

Who do you look up to in the industry?

Patagonia — a brand with a higher purpose.

Who do you want to compete against in the industry?

Green Dot aspires to replace the suppliers of toxic petroleum-based soft plastic materials by offering a safe sustainable alternative that is not just greener, but better. It is our goal to make these old companies and materials obsolete.