Israeli Greentech Firm Expanding in US, Plans Waste ‘Transformation’

UBQ Materials, an Israeli greentech startup that transforms household waste into multifunctional bio-based replacement for plastic, is planning to transform the way Americans dispose of their garbage, and has appointed former White House climate expert Gina McCarthy to its International Advisory Board. 

UBQ Materials’ globally patented technology converts the waste into a material that can be used in the construction, retail and even automotive industries.  

The material is made entirely from household waste, including non-compostable organics and hard-to-recycle plastics, in a process that has zero emissions and uses little energy and no water, giving it a carbon footprint 15-20 times lower than that of alternative resins. 

“UBQ’s technology can help the US transform its solid waste disposal practices in ways that eliminate the need for waste landfilling or incineration, reduce health and odor impacts on neighboring communities, and eliminate harmful methane emissions,” said MCarthy, who served as the White House National Climate Advisor under US President Joe Biden and as Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency during Barack Obama’s tenure. 

“By converting solid waste into a sustainable circular thermoplastic that acts as a plastic substitute, we can stop covering up our waste and start transforming and reusing it in safe, affordable and beneficial ways,” she said.   

“Gina is a heavy hitter and a voice of influence advancing the US’ climate action efforts,” said UBQ Materials co-founder and co-CEO Jack “Tato” Bigio. 

“She has taken decades of government experience in the environmental and climate field and is creating opportunities to advance real solutions to the most pressing climate challenges,” he said.