The inspiration for Earthwise came to us one day, back in 2017, when a hydraulic hose at the Arctic Foam factory, our sister surfboard foam company, separated from one of the foam molds, spilling chemicals onto the factory floor. 

We discovered, in that moment, that the dust produced while shaping surfboards is oleophilic, meaning it absorbs chemicals and hydrocarbons, and hydrophobic, meaning  it does not absorb water… and the idea for Earthwise Sorbents was born!

It is estimated that approximately 706 million gallons of oil enter the ocean every year (Source).  This usually occurs due to accidental spills, leaks, careless disposal or storage of oils, atmospheric deposition, and stormwater runoff from cities and farms.

The kinds of sorbents used to clean up these spills, such as rolls, powders and pads, depend on the characteristics of the oil and the type of environment involved. For spills in water, synthetic sorbents are preferred over natural sorbents, because they float and can absorb more hydrocarbons relative to their own weight (source).

However, most synthetic sorbents used to address these spills are manufactured from virgin petroleum based materials, whose production only causes more harm to the environment.

We use the polyurethane waste from our sister company to manufacture absorbent pillows and we produce a wide array of sorbent products, with our manufacturing partner, using polypropylene waste. Earthwise is pioneering sustainability in the oil and chemical spill clean up market.

In 2015, the global oil spill management market reached a staggering $131.1B (Source). The mechanical containment and recovery sector that includes clean up technologies and sorbent products, comprised $20.1B (Source). The US Sorbents market reached $3.7B in revenue in 2018, and is projected to be $5.42B by 2026 (Source).

Our products are tested and are sold to a diverse array of agencies/companies in the construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, defense, transportation, shipping, emergency response, airline, and retail sectors that use, transport, produce, distribute, and store oils and fuels. Many such industries are required by the OSHA to have sorbent products on hand to control oil, chemical and fuel spills.

The marketplace is looking for highly effective sustainable products, and Earthwise has identified an opportunity to enter this market with its innovative  products.

Ongoing product testing by researchers at Findlay University has indicated that Earthwise products’ performance is equivalent or superior to four of our competitors. In addition, we have completed field testing with Princess-Holland America Cruise Lines, Washington Department of Transportation, Maxum/Pilot, Condon Johnson, Kiewit Construction and Mining, Waste Management, Caterpillar, McKinzie Smart Technologies, US Coast Guard, and South Lake Tahoe Fire Department.

We are partnered with NPS Corporation, the largest sorbent manufacturer worldwide. And, in anticipation of our bio-based products entering the market, we have received EPA certifications for our Algae-Sorb Dust, and Pillows.

At Earthwise, we are removing materials from the waste stream to create our sorbents. By refashioning or remanufacturing these materials, we give them a second life, effectively targeting industrial and other operational clean-ups and accidental spills.

Earthwise innovative sorbents have entered the market with a few staple products, based on demand, and we will ramp up product offerings to meet the market’s needs. We are providing strategic branding, sales, marketing, product development, and logistics to increase offerings and distribution of our recycled products. Our multiple revenue streams include domestic and international distribution, consumer products and commercial products.

We are raising $3 Million to fund:

• Inventory at multiple “pick and pack” locations, to quickly supply customers

• B2B and B2C website expansion with customer commerce portal

• Sales Management: a veteran sales force, with current client base and distribution network

• Marketing: advertising and eco-awareness initiative

• Selling, general and administrative expenses

Unlike other sorbent products that are made from virgin polyurethane (foam) and polypropylene (fabric) materials, Earthwise uses recycled polypropylene and repurposed polyurethane waste for its products. Earthwise products are not only ECO-FRIENDLY, but they also have a planned life cycle. To promote sustainability we’ve thought beyond the trash bin – from recycling plastic wastes, to cleaning up oil and chemical spills, to generating energy.

Earthwise is targeting up to 1% ($54M) of the projected 2026 US sorbents market within the next 3 years, up to 3% ($162M) within 5 years, 8% ($433M) within 8 years, and 10% ($542M) within 10 years. We have global scalability with our manufacturing partner, being the largest sorbent manufacturer in the world. We will capitalize on our strategic partnerships and network that we have cultivated over the last 3 years to penetrate the market.

Because hydrocarbon pollution produces long-lasting effects on the environment, we expect it will be a long road ahead for our business (Source). Petroleum based products, energy production and transport of people and goods will be gradually replaced with alternatives over the next several decades. Our market sector will be in heavy demand during this transition, requiring ongoing vigilance to contain, control, and clean-up spills and runoff.

The Earthwise team is composed of entrepreneurs, scientists, and athletes who all share a love for surfing and passion for a cleaner planet and ocean. We strive to bring innovative, sustainable sorbent technologies to the oil and chemical spill clean-up market to protect our environment and develop a more sustainable economy.  

At Earthwise, we are committed to having a lasting, positive impact on the planet, by bringing innovative, sustainable sorbent technologies to the market, with the goal of protecting our oceans and environment and recycling and repurposing waste.

These testimonials may not be representative of the experience of other customers and is not a guarantee of future performance or success.

Earthwise provides investors an equity position opportunity, so that they, too, can be a part of the positive impact!