Sustainability problem:

Methane is a greenhouse gas contributing to climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Methane is emitted by natural sources, but also by human activities such as leakage from natural gas systems, landfill and dairy farms.

CH4 is more efficient at trapping radiation than CO2: the comparative impact of CH4 is more than 25 times greater than CO2.

Technology:

Mango material is a startup using Methane to create fabric for apparel. The technology involves using waste methane to feed bacteria that then produce PHAs, a fully biodegradable bio-polyester fiber that can be turned into thread.

Mango Material is currently working on a pilot project, with a wastewater facility in California.

Stakeholders:

• Waste facilities
• Apparel companies
• Apparel consumers
• Textile industry
• NGOs
• General population

Development/Implementation:

• Expand network of waste facilities to recycle waste methane
• Develop technology to expand Methane sourcing to dairy farms and natural gas leakage
• Implement an awareness campaign on the technology and quality of product
• Business development campaign to partner with apparel companies

Sources:

https://www.fastcompany.com/40476430/the-shirt-of-the-future-is-made-from-polyester-thats-been-created-by-methane-eating-bacteria?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=webfeeds&

http://mangomaterials.com/technology/

https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases