CRUZ FOAM’S CRUZ COOL(™) NAMED TO TIME’S LIST OF THE BEST INVENTIONS OF 2023
In the coastal enclave of Santa Cruz, there’s a surge of innovative companies casting their gaze on one of the most pressing issues of our time: global warming. With names like Joby Aviation, Climatize, OneWheel, SwellCycle, CarbonBridge, Purcell, and more, Santa Cruz is proving itself a bedrock of cutting-edge sustainability solutions. Central to this wave of eco-innovators is Cruz Foam. Today, the material giant proudly finds its name among TIME Magazine's illustrious list of the Best Inventions of 2023, notably for its Cruz Cool™ product under the Reuse & Recycle category.
TIME's list is not merely a roll-call of innovations but a collection of transformative ideas, meticulously curated by editors and correspondents globally, with particular regard to burgeoning sectors like AI, green energy, and of course, sustainability. The rigorous selection process takes into account factors such as originality, efficacy, ambition, and the potential to redefine how society functions.
Cruz Cool™ stands as a testament to what's achievable when sustainability meets ingenuity. Quick to assemble and marked by a sleek, patented design, this avant-garde approach to environmentally-friendly cold chain packaging rivals its traditional counterparts in temperature control. Notably, its core insulation, Cruz Foam(™), is home-compostable. Moreover, when set out for recycling, the Cruz Foam effortlessly separates from the cardboard, ensuring zero hindrance to the recovery of the latter.
John Felts, the CEO and Co-Founder of Cruz Foam, expressed his gratitude: "Our inclusion in TIME's Best Inventions of 2023 for Cruz Cool underscores our commitment to regenerative solutions. Our product, chosen by many in the beverage, seafood, and specialty foods sectors, isn't just a nod to performance and brand enhancement. It's a stride towards realizing their ESG objectives. Our journey towards fostering a healthier planet through pioneering products continues."
“We are thrilled to be recognized for creating Cruz Cool, a new cold chain product that offers a truly sustainable replacement for plastic foam coolers. This innovation carries the potential to harmonize human activities with the natural world, a principle at the core of Cruz Foam and the companies that choose our products.”
Doug Erickson, Executive Director of Santa Cruz Works, had this to say about Cruz Foam's achievement: "As an early fan of Cruz Foam’s innovations and leadership team, this is truly a milestone in the greater ecosystem recognizing the quantum leap in circular innovation that this product represents to the mainstream consumer packaging industry. We are proud that Cruz Foam is a graduate of the Santa Cruz Works Accelerator."
Earlier this year, Cruz Foam unveiled its collaboration with Atlantic Packaging, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions in North America. This partnership is set to steer Cruz Cool and other trailblazing products from Cruz Foam to broader horizons. For those interested, Cruz Cool is accessible through the Atlantic Packaging sales team and the New Earth Approved Catalog.
About Cruz Foam
Cruz Foam is a circular materials company that produces regenerative, earth-digestible, and certified curbside recyclable protective packaging products and other eco-friendly solutions that offer a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic products. Cruz Foam's patented products are circular in nature, using biopolymers to create a compostable material using the existing supply chain and at a similar cost. Cruz Foam currently works with consumer-packaged goods, electronics, appliance, and durable goods companies. Cruz Foam is a mission-driven company that creates impact at scale by empowering industry leaders to be the catalyst for a cleaner environment. Cruz Foam is headquartered in Santa Cruz, California.
About Atlantic Packaging
Atlantic Packaging recently celebrated its 75th year as a privately held business that specializes in end-of-line packaging systems and materials as well as converted paperboard solutions. Atlantic’s focus on innovation and technology has made them a market leader for customers requiring sustainable packaging options, packaging equipment, high-performance materials, warehousing, and distribution. Atlantic delivers these solutions daily to customers in North and Central America. A New Earth Project is the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging, uniting the global packaging supply chain, enlightened brands, and passionate consumers to rid the world’s oceans, lakes, and rivers of plastic pollution.
About Santa Cruz Accelerates
Santa Cruz Works Accelerates, rooted in Santa Cruz Works' 15-year legacy, has championed entrepreneurship in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. Since its 2015 inception, they've mentored 52 startups across 5 cohorts, with 70% achieving liquidity events. Their success stems from a unique collaboration with local institutions and powerhouses like the City of Santa Cruz Economic Development, UCSC, Looker Google, and Joby Aviation, among 100+ partners. The accelerator's zero-dilution policy stands out, ensuring startups retain ownership. Participants benefit from a vast network of 50+ mentors and VCs, coupled with over $1M in perks ranging from software discounts to local amenities. It's a hub for startups desiring a nurturing and resourceful environment.
About TIME Magazine Best Inventions
See the full list of TIME Magazine Best Inventions here: time.com/best-inventions-2023