Crowd-puffing: Ponda seeks backers to scale BioPuff

In the United Kingdom, biomaterials start-up Ponda has launched a crowdfunding campaign to “broaden ownership” of its biobased insulation fabric. 

The funds will be used to scale production and “go-to-market” execution. The company’s BioPuff material uses Typha, a genus of tall, wetland plants commonly known as cattails or bulrushes.

“As brands face growing pressure to reduce reliance on fossil-based and animal-derived materials, Ponda is offering a different route: insulation made from bulrush (Typha)… to link next-generation material development with wetland restoration, climate resilience and more responsible land use,” the campaign reads, as reported by Fashion Network. 

Ponda’s BioPuff has been used by noteworthy brands, including Ahluwalia, Berghaus, Stella McCartney and Sheep Inc. 

 “Fashion has spent years talking about the need for better materials, but the real test is whether those materials can work in products, in supply chains and at meaningful scale. That is what we are building with BioPuff, not just a new insulation, but a system that connects product performance with wetland regeneration,” said Julian Ellis-Brown, co-founder and CEO of Ponda. 

To date, BioPuff has raied $6.6 million, including grants and awards.