The Facts: AirCarbon is a product recently developed by a company called Newlight, which captures carbon and then combines it with methane-based greenhouse gas emissions to produce a eco-friendly type of plastic. The product is said to be able to match the performance of other oil-based plastics while also begin able to out-compete the price of the same products.

The Interesting Part:One of my immediate thoughts when beginning business school was a concern on whether is was possible to be a good business woman while being a “good” person as well. Can you thrive in such a competitive industry while still begin not only ethical but also searching for sustainable products which benefit the world?

My Thoughts:  Looking at AirCarbon’s successful company it is safe to say it’s possible to be both. Being introduced to this company through Maria Acosta’s blog posts her thoughts on the company are positive; similar to mine. What impresses me most about this company was the initial start up of the company itself. It all started when the founds asked themselves simply “why can’t we use greenhouse gas emissions as a resource to make materials?” Not only did these entrepreneurs fall in love with a problem (vs a product), but they were able to create a company which has huge potential. In Maria’s blog she states “this is a huge deal for the company and a huge threat to the industry; Air Carbon has the potential to disrupt the $327 billion/year US plastic industry.” With such a sustainable and cheap product, it’s no wonder they’re making such disruptions in the plastic industry, especially since it has been stated the 87% of global consumers believe business should place equal weight on societal issues and business issues [1].  Seeing such an ethical and sustainable company being so profitable and successful is something I believe will challenge other business’ not only within the plastic industry but in all industries. In one of our pre-readings a quote becomes very relevant in this context “emotional impact on your customers will be in direct proportion to the social impact of your purpose.” In the future, more than ever the importance of global awareness will only help profit a company and give them a competitive advantage.