Mark Herrema is a US-based sustainability entrepreneur best known as the co-founder and chief executive officer of Newlight Technologies, the company behind AirCarbon, a carbon-negative material made from greenhouse gases. He is widely recognised for translating environmental science into scalable commercial products, bridging the gap between climate innovation and global consumer markets. Over the past two decades, Herrema has played a central role in advancing carbon capture, alternative materials, and circular economy manufacturing, influencing industries ranging from fashion to packaging and furniture.
This article provides a comprehensive, factual overview of who Mark Herrema is, what he has built, and why his work matters. You will learn about his background, his leadership at Newlight Technologies, the science and commercial relevance of AirCarbon, his role in sustainable manufacturing, and the real-world impact of his work. The guide also covers practical details about Newlight’s products, partnerships, and future outlook, followed by an in-depth FAQ section answering the most common search questions about Mark Herrema.
Who Is Mark Herrema
Mark Herrema is an American entrepreneur focused on climate solutions and sustainable materials. He is best known as the CEO and co-founder of Newlight Technologies, a company founded in California that converts greenhouse gases into usable materials. Herrema’s work sits at the intersection of environmental science, manufacturing, and consumer products, with a strong emphasis on scalability and commercial viability.
He gained wider public attention through partnerships with major global brands and through Newlight’s development of AirCarbon, a material positioned as an alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Unlike many climate innovators who remain in research or pilot stages, Herrema has focused on taking lab-based science into mass production.
Early Career Background
Before founding Newlight Technologies, Mark Herrema built experience in both sustainability and consumer-facing industries. He worked with major outdoor and lifestyle brands, gaining insight into global supply chains, materials sourcing, and manufacturing economics. This exposure shaped his belief that sustainability must align with cost, performance, and design to achieve mainstream adoption.
Herrema’s early career helped him understand how innovation decisions are made at large companies and what barriers prevent environmentally friendly materials from replacing conventional options. These insights later influenced how Newlight designed its technology and go-to-market strategy.
Founding Newlight Technologies
Newlight Technologies was co-founded by Mark Herrema in the early 2000s in Huntington Beach, California. The company’s core mission is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by capturing carbon and transforming it into commercially valuable materials. From the beginning, Herrema positioned Newlight not as a niche environmental startup but as a full-scale manufacturing business.
The company invested heavily in research and development to ensure its technology could operate continuously, reliably, and at industrial volumes. This long-term approach meant years of development before widespread market adoption, but it laid the foundation for scalable impact.
What Is Newlight Technologies
Newlight Technologies is a clean technology and materials manufacturing company focused on carbon capture and utilisation. Its proprietary process uses microorganisms to convert greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide into a solid material. That material is then refined into AirCarbon, which can be moulded and shaped like traditional plastics.
The company operates manufacturing facilities designed to integrate directly with industrial sources of greenhouse gases. This approach allows Newlight to reduce emissions at the source while creating a revenue-generating product, aligning environmental and economic incentives.
Understanding AirCarbon
AirCarbon is a biomaterial developed by Newlight Technologies that serves as an alternative to petroleum-based plastics. It is created by feeding captured greenhouse gases to naturally occurring microorganisms, which convert the gases into a polymer. The resulting material can be used in a wide range of applications, from fashion accessories to packaging.
Unlike conventional plastics, AirCarbon is described as carbon-negative, meaning its production removes more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits. This characteristic has become a defining feature of Herrema’s work and a key differentiator in the sustainable materials market.
How AirCarbon Is Made
The production process behind AirCarbon begins with capturing greenhouse gases, often from agricultural or industrial sources. These gases are then introduced into a controlled environment where microorganisms metabolise the carbon. The output of this biological process is a polymer that can be processed into pellets or sheets.
This process differs from traditional plastic manufacturing, which relies on fossil fuel extraction and high-temperature chemical reactions. By using biology instead of petrochemistry, Newlight reduces both emissions and energy consumption during production.
Commercial Applications of AirCarbon
AirCarbon is designed to match or exceed the performance of conventional plastics in strength, durability, and flexibility. This allows it to be used in everyday consumer products without requiring significant design changes. Applications include eyewear frames, phone cases, furniture components, packaging, and fashion accessories.
Mark Herrema has consistently emphasised that sustainability alone is not enough. Products made with AirCarbon must meet consumer expectations for quality and price, or they will not achieve widespread adoption.
Partnerships With Global Brands
Under Mark Herrema’s leadership, Newlight Technologies has partnered with several globally recognised brands. These partnerships have included fashion, lifestyle, and consumer goods companies seeking lower-carbon materials. By integrating AirCarbon into mainstream products, Herrema has helped introduce carbon-negative materials to a broad audience.
These collaborations also serve as proof points for scalability, showing that AirCarbon can be produced in volumes suitable for global supply chains. This has strengthened Newlight’s credibility with investors, regulators, and industry partners.
Role in Sustainable Fashion
One of the most visible applications of AirCarbon has been in the fashion and accessories industry. Brands have used the material to create items such as handbags, belts, and eyewear frames. These products are often marketed as climate-positive alternatives to leather or plastic.
Mark Herrema has spoken about fashion as a strategic entry point because it allows consumers to engage emotionally with sustainability. By making climate-friendly products desirable rather than purely ethical, he aims to accelerate behavioural change.
Impact on Plastic Alternatives Market
The development of AirCarbon has positioned Mark Herrema as a key figure in the global movement to reduce plastic pollution. While many alternatives focus on biodegradability or recycling, AirCarbon addresses emissions at the production stage. This upstream approach targets one of the largest sources of environmental impact.
By offering a drop-in replacement for plastic, Newlight reduces the need for entirely new infrastructure. This makes adoption easier for manufacturers and increases the likelihood of large-scale impact.
Carbon-Negative Manufacturing Explained
Carbon-negative manufacturing refers to processes that remove more carbon from the atmosphere than they emit. In Newlight’s case, this is achieved by using greenhouse gases as raw materials. The carbon becomes locked into a solid form rather than being released.
Mark Herrema has promoted this concept as a necessary evolution beyond carbon neutrality. He argues that simply reducing emissions is not enough to address climate change at the required scale.
Regulatory and Environmental Context
Herrema’s work takes place within a broader regulatory push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Governments around the world are introducing carbon pricing, emissions reporting requirements, and sustainability standards. These policies create incentives for companies to adopt low-carbon materials.
Newlight’s technology aligns with these trends, positioning the company and its partners to meet future regulatory demands. This strategic alignment has been key to its commercial growth.
Business Model and Revenue Streams
Newlight Technologies generates revenue by selling AirCarbon material and finished products made from it. The company may also benefit from environmental credits associated with carbon capture, depending on regional regulations. This diversified model helps stabilise income while supporting continued investment in research.
Mark Herrema has emphasised building a profitable business rather than relying solely on grants or subsidies. This approach has helped Newlight survive long development cycles and market fluctuations.
Manufacturing Facilities and Locations
Newlight Technologies operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, with a focus on locations that allow easy access to greenhouse gas sources. These facilities are designed for continuous production, enabling consistent output at industrial scale.
By co-locating near emissions sources, the company reduces transportation costs and maximises environmental impact. This operational strategy reflects Herrema’s practical approach to sustainability.
Leadership Style and Vision
Mark Herrema is known for a pragmatic leadership style that balances idealism with commercial realism. He has often stated that environmental solutions must work within existing economic systems to succeed. This philosophy influences everything from product design to partnerships.
His vision centres on making climate-friendly materials the default choice rather than a premium option. By competing on performance and price, he aims to remove barriers to adoption.
Influence in Climate Innovation Circles
Herrema is frequently cited in discussions about carbon capture and utilisation. His work is referenced in sustainability conferences, industry panels, and innovation forums. This visibility has helped shape how businesses think about carbon as a resource rather than just a liability.
While not a traditional academic, his influence comes from demonstrating real-world applications of climate science. This practical impact sets him apart from many thought leaders in the space.
Challenges and Criticism
Like any emerging technology, carbon capture and utilisation faces scrutiny. Critics question scalability, cost, and long-term environmental benefits. Mark Herrema has addressed these concerns by focusing on measurable outcomes and third-party verification of emissions reductions.
He acknowledges that no single solution can solve climate change. Instead, he positions AirCarbon as one tool among many needed to address the problem.
Comparison With Other Carbon Materials
AirCarbon is often compared to bioplastics and recycled plastics. Unlike many bioplastics, it does not rely on agricultural feedstocks, avoiding competition with food production. Compared to recycled plastics, it does not depend on waste collection systems.
This differentiation strengthens Newlight’s value proposition and highlights Herrema’s strategic thinking in choosing greenhouse gases as a feedstock.
Economic Viability and Scaling
Scaling climate technologies is notoriously difficult. Mark Herrema has approached this challenge by designing processes that integrate with existing infrastructure. By producing a familiar material form, AirCarbon fits into current manufacturing workflows.
Cost competitiveness has been a major focus. Over time, improvements in efficiency and scale have reduced production costs, making AirCarbon more attractive to mainstream manufacturers.
Media and Public Recognition
Mark Herrema has been featured in business, sustainability, and technology media for his work with Newlight Technologies. Coverage often highlights the novelty of turning pollution into products and the potential scale of impact. This visibility has helped attract partners and customers.
Public recognition also plays a role in educating consumers about carbon-negative materials, expanding awareness beyond technical audiences.
Investment and Funding Landscape
Newlight Technologies has attracted investment from a mix of private investors and strategic partners. Funding has supported research, facility construction, and market expansion. Herrema has been selective in choosing investors aligned with the company’s long-term mission.
This disciplined approach to funding has helped maintain strategic focus and avoid pressure for short-term returns at the expense of environmental goals.
Role in Circular Economy
The circular economy aims to reduce waste by keeping materials in use for as long as possible. AirCarbon supports this model by creating durable products that can potentially be recycled or repurposed. Additionally, its production uses waste gases, closing a loop in industrial systems.
Mark Herrema often frames his work within this broader economic shift, positioning Newlight as part of a systemic solution rather than a standalone innovation.
Educational and Advocacy Work
Beyond running a company, Herrema participates in educational and advocacy efforts related to climate change. He speaks about the importance of science-based solutions and the role of business in driving environmental progress.
This advocacy helps bridge the gap between scientific research and public understanding, making complex concepts more accessible.
Global Relevance of His Work
Climate change is a global issue, and the technologies developed by Newlight have relevance beyond the United States. Greenhouse gas emissions occur worldwide, and the ability to convert them into materials has universal appeal.
Mark Herrema’s approach is designed to be adaptable to different regions and regulatory environments, increasing its potential global impact.
Future Outlook for Newlight
Looking ahead, Newlight Technologies aims to expand production capacity and enter new markets. This includes exploring additional applications for AirCarbon and improving process efficiency. Mark Herrema has indicated interest in broader adoption across packaging and construction materials.
The long-term goal is to make carbon-negative materials a standard option across industries, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Practical Information and Planning
Newlight Technologies does not operate as a public attraction, but its products are available through partner brands and selected retailers. AirCarbon-based products are typically priced competitively with premium plastic or synthetic alternatives. Availability varies by brand and region.
Manufacturing occurs year-round, with facilities operating continuously rather than on seasonal schedules. Consumers can expect products made with AirCarbon to perform similarly to conventional materials, with added environmental benefits. For businesses, integration typically requires minimal changes to existing manufacturing processes.
Seasonal and Timely Relevance
Interest in Mark Herrema’s work often spikes around major climate events, sustainability reports, and environmental policy announcements. New product launches and brand partnerships also drive seasonal attention. These moments highlight the growing relevance of carbon-negative materials in public discourse.
As climate regulations tighten globally, the demand for solutions like AirCarbon is likely to increase, keeping Herrema’s work timely and newsworthy.
FAQs
Who is Mark Herrema
Mark Herrema is an American sustainability entrepreneur and the CEO and co-founder of Newlight Technologies. He is best known for developing AirCarbon, a carbon-negative material made from greenhouse gases.
What is Mark Herrema known for
He is known for turning greenhouse gas emissions into commercially viable materials. His work focuses on carbon capture, sustainable manufacturing, and scalable climate solutions.
What company did Mark Herrema found
Mark Herrema co-founded Newlight Technologies, a California-based clean technology company focused on carbon-negative materials.
What is AirCarbon
AirCarbon is a material made by converting greenhouse gases into a solid polymer using biological processes. It is designed as an alternative to petroleum-based plastics.
How does AirCarbon help the environment
AirCarbon helps by removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and locking the carbon into durable products. Its production is considered carbon-negative.
Where is Newlight Technologies based
Newlight Technologies is based in California, with manufacturing facilities in the United States near sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
Is AirCarbon biodegradable
AirCarbon is designed to be durable like traditional plastics. Its primary environmental benefit comes from carbon capture rather than rapid biodegradation.
Which industries use AirCarbon
Industries using AirCarbon include fashion, consumer goods, packaging, and accessories. It is suitable for many applications where plastic is traditionally used.
How is AirCarbon different from bioplastics
Unlike many bioplastics, AirCarbon does not rely on crops or plant sugars. It uses greenhouse gases as a feedstock, avoiding competition with food resources.
Is Mark Herrema involved in climate advocacy
Yes, Mark Herrema regularly speaks about climate solutions, sustainable business practices, and the role of innovation in addressing climate change.
Can AirCarbon replace plastic completely
AirCarbon has the potential to replace certain types of plastic, but it is one of many materials needed to reduce overall plastic use. Its suitability depends on the application.
What is carbon-negative manufacturing
Carbon-negative manufacturing removes more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits. Newlight’s process achieves this by using greenhouse gases as raw materials.
How scalable is Newlight’s technology
Newlight’s technology is designed for industrial-scale production and integration with existing manufacturing systems. Scaling depends on access to emissions sources and market demand.
Does AirCarbon cost more than plastic
Pricing varies by application, but AirCarbon is positioned to be cost-competitive with premium plastics and synthetic materials as production scales.
What is the future of Mark Herrema’s work
The future includes expanding production, entering new markets, and increasing adoption of carbon-negative materials across industries, contributing to global emissions reduction.
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