Biography of John Felts: Co-founder and CEO of Cruz Foam- Entrepreneur
John Felts: A Visionary Leader Committed to Clean Oceans
John Felts is the co-founder and CEO of Cruz Foam, a company
that aims to revolutionize the packaging industry by creating eco-friendly
alternatives to harmful plastics. His journey toward becoming an environmental
innovator began with his deep love for the ocean, which inspired him and his
team to take action against the growing plastic pollution crisis. Cruz Foam was
founded in 2017 with a clear mission: to protect the oceans and eliminate the
dependence on single-use plastics.
From Chemical Engineering to Materials Science
John’s educational background is rooted in science, where he
laid the foundation for his future work. He completed a Bachelor of Science in
Chemical Engineering from UC Santa Barbara in 2008. During his time at UCSB,
John’s interest in innovative solutions to environmental issues grew stronger.
His academic journey continued with a Master of Science in Materials Science
and Engineering from the University of Washington in 2015. His research and
engineering expertise provided him with the knowledge needed to tackle complex
problems in material science.
Early Career: Learning the Ropes in Environmental
Engineering
Before founding Cruz Foam, John gained valuable experience
in environmental engineering, which played a pivotal role in shaping his
perspective on sustainability. He worked as an engineer at Tetra Tech, where he
was involved in site investigations and the remediation of contaminated
groundwater, soil, and air at various locations, including Cape Canaveral and
LAX. His work involved addressing environmental issues on large scales,
providing him with a strong foundation in handling ecological challenges.
Inspiration from Surfing and the Ocean
As an avid surfer, John was deeply aware of the negative
impact plastic waste has on marine environments. This connection to the ocean
sparked his desire to develop solutions that would protect it from further
damage. His passion for surfing combined with his scientific expertise led to
the creation of Cruz Foam, a company dedicated to providing sustainable
alternatives to harmful plastics that often end up in the ocean.
Cruz Foam’s Mission: A Circular Solution to Plastic Waste
Cruz Foam focuses on replacing conventional plastics with
bio-benign, renewable materials. The company's solutions are designed to be
fully circular, meaning they can be reused, recycled, or safely biodegraded.
John and his team are committed to creating materials that are not only
sustainable but also high-performing, making it easier for businesses to adopt
eco-friendly alternatives without sacrificing functionality or cost.
Biography of John Felts: Co-founder and CEO of Cruz Foam- Entrepreneur#eco-friendly alternatives to plastics#startup#age#net worth#investor#Cruz Foam
A Seamless Transition to Sustainable Packaging
One of the key aspects of Cruz Foam’s innovation is that its
materials can be integrated into existing manufacturing processes without the
need for expensive new equipment or major disruptions to supply chains. This
frictionless transition is critical for helping global brands adopt sustainable
packaging solutions. By focusing on compatibility with current systems, Cruz
Foam ensures that sustainability is accessible to businesses at all levels.
Recognition and Achievements in Sustainability
Cruz Foam’s breakthrough materials have garnered significant
attention within the sustainability community. The company has received several
accolades for its contributions to sustainable packaging, including the 2022
Global Seafood Alliance Innovation Award and the 2023 Bronze PentAward for
sustainable packaging design. Additionally, Cruz Foam has earned recognition
from organizations like the National Science Foundation, winning two Small
Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants for its work.
Backing by Notable Investors
The company has attracted the attention of influential
investors who share John’s vision for a cleaner planet. Notable names like
Ashton Kutcher and Leonardo DiCaprio are part of Cruz Foam’s investor base,
providing not only funding but also strategic support. This backing has been
instrumental in helping Cruz Foam scale its operations and bring its innovative
products to market.
Cruz Foam’s Impact on Industry Leaders
Cruz Foam’s solutions have the potential to transform
industries that rely heavily on packaging materials, especially those in
sectors like seafood, food, and consumer goods. By providing an eco-friendly
alternative to traditional plastics, Cruz Foam is enabling key industry players
to adopt more sustainable practices and become part of the global effort to
reduce plastic pollution. The company’s materials are helping businesses make a
real impact on environmental preservation.
A CEO with a Strong Environmental Vision
As the CEO of Cruz Foam, John leads the company with a
strong commitment to environmental sustainability. His work is a direct
reflection of his passion for innovation and his desire to create meaningful
change. His leadership is rooted in a deep understanding of the environmental
challenges we face and the importance of creating scalable solutions that can
be adopted globally.
Living the Mission in Santa Cruz
John Felts is not only a leader in the business world but
also a family man who resides in Santa Cruz, California, with his loved ones.
This coastal community, with its stunning beaches and surf culture, continues
to inspire his work. His connection to the ocean remains at the core of his
drive to develop materials that will protect marine environments and create a
cleaner future for all.
Looking Ahead: A Cleaner, More Sustainable Future
Looking forward, John and Cruz Foam are committed to
continuing their mission of transforming the way industries approach packaging
and plastics. By pushing the boundaries of material science and focusing on
circular solutions, they aim to lead the charge toward a plastic-free future.
John’s work is a testament to the power of innovation and the positive change
that can be achieved when science and sustainability come together to solve
global problems.
A timeline for John Felts’ journey:
2008 - Earned a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from UC Santa
Barbara.
2015 - Completed an M.Sc. in Materials Science and
Engineering from the University of Washington.
2017 - Founded Cruz Foam to create eco-friendly alternatives
to plastics.
2022 - Won the Global Seafood Alliance Innovation Award for
sustainable materials.
2023 - Received the Bronze PentAward for sustainable
packaging design.
Present - Leading Cruz Foam in transforming industries with
circular, sustainable materials.
