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Douglas Horne

Evanesce is accelerating the adoption of compostable, plant-based foodservice and packaging solutions in the global market. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, Evanesce designs, develops, and manufactures sustainable packaging and serviceware solutions that are certified compostable, commercially scalable, and cost-competitive using the latest advancements in material science. Manufactured in the U.S.A. with facilities in South Carolina and Nevada, the company’s plant-based compostable foodservice and packaging solutions include Evanesce Biopolymer products and Evanesce Molded Starch Technology.

Purpose: Inspire change that contributes to a healthier planet.

Mission: We are a technology company that is passionate about delivering affordable and environmentally friendly solutions.

Tell us about yourself?

I spent a great deal of my career as a member of the Legislative Assembly for the Canadian Province of British Columbia as Deputy Speaker, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Co-Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee of the U.S. Council of State Governments West. As a politician, I drove projects that promoted sustainability, most notably completing the Evergreen rapid transit line to the community I served.

I’ve built and financed numerous companies, including a world-renowned design firm that led the master planning of the Sochi 2014 Olympics. After decades of running successful companies, I founded Evanesce with a mission to challenge the crisis of plastics. Recycling just isn’t working, and the sustainable materials available have been too expensive for many to make the switch. Evanesce aims to provide compostable packaging and serviceware that is affordable.

If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?

Things always take longer than you would hope to implement. Be patient and remain tenacious despite the setbacks.

What problem does your business solve?

The global packaging and serviceware industries, particularly the food packaging industry, are facing an environmental crisis stemming from alarming rates of single-use plastics. By 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans.

There is a growing global need to replace existing single-use products and packaging technology with compostable and commercially viable alternatives that are cost-competitive.

What is the inspiration behind your business?

Evanesce exists to replace single-use plastics and Styrofoam (EPS foam) with more than just “green” solutions. We need truly sustainable, affordable, and scalable solutions that look and function the way a consumer expects.

What is your magic sauce?

Our multi-patented technology is plant-based, compostable, and cost-effective. Our products are also made in the U.S.A. and made of the best quality inputs that would otherwise be agricultural waste.

What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?

We plan to expand our U.S. operations as well as partner with conglomerates to expand the utilization of our products and technology. Our vision is to be the global leader in new and innovative technology that creates a circular economy.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?

A challenge for us has been counterfeit products that are being sold to the North American market that has resulted in a poor perception of the quality of compostable products. We’re working hard with regulators to help prevent this.

How can people get involved?

For a quote on our products or for more information on our technology, please visit our website at www.evanesce.com.