UBQ Materials, a global leader in advanced materials derived from waste, has announced the appointment of Gina McCarthy to its International Advisory Board. McCarthy, a prominent figure in environmental policy, brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having served as the first White House National Climate Advisor and as the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during the Obama administration.
UBQ Materials’ groundbreaking technology transforms household waste, including all organics, into a climate-positive material called UBQ™. This innovative material acts as a substitute for fossil fuel-based plastics in various industries, including building and construction, retail, consumer durables, automotive, and supply chain and logistics. Leading global brands like Mercedes-Benz, PepsiCo, and McDonald’s are already utilizing UBQ™.
McCarthy’s vision aligns perfectly with UBQ’s mission. She believes that UBQ’s technology holds the key to revolutionizing waste disposal practices in the United States. By eliminating the need for landfills and incineration, UBQ™ can significantly reduce harmful methane emissions and improve the health and well-being of communities.
“UBQ’s technology can help the U.S. 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. 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,” McCarthy stated.
Jack ‘Tato’ Bigio, co-founder and co-CEO of UBQ Materials, highlighted McCarthy’s influential role in advancing climate action in the US. “Gina is a heavy-hitter and a voice of influence advancing the U.S.’s climate action efforts. 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,” Bigio said.
He added that McCarthy is actively collaborating with UBQ Materials to expand the use of UBQ™ as a sustainable alternative to plastic in various product applications.
UBQ Materials’ bio-based material is a unique solution as it is entirely made from residual mixed household waste, including non-compostable organics and difficult-to-recycle plastics. This technology can operate independently or integrate seamlessly with existing recycling systems in both developed and developing countries.
The company’s highly efficient process minimizes environmental impact, requiring low energy, zero water, and generating no emissions, combustion, or effluents. As a result, the carbon footprint of UBQ™ is significantly lower than that of traditional resins, boasting a 15-20 times reduction.
McCarthy joins a distinguished group of influential figures on UBQ Materials’ International Advisory Board. The board includes renowned experts such as Professor Roger Kornberg, Stanford University and Nobel laureate; Connie Hedegaard, former EU Climate Action Commissioner; John Elkington, sustainability expert; Dr. Glenn Frommer, SDG consultant; and Professor Oded Shoseyov, nanobiotechnology pioneer.
With McCarthy’s invaluable expertise and the ongoing efforts of its dedicated team, UBQ Materials is poised to make a significant impact on the global shift towards a more sustainable future. By transforming waste into a valuable resource, the company is paving the way for a circular economy that minimizes environmental impact and maximizes resource utilization.
