Episode 8 -- Dr Shafali Gupta and Andy Epifani from Uuvipak
Episode description
In episode eight of @AuManufacturing Conversations with Brent Balinski, we speak to Dr Shafali Gupta and Andy Epifani, the co-founders and co-CEOs of Uuvipak.
The cell biologist and the software engineer met last year and are commercialising a novel food waste-based solution, turning grain and beverage industry waste into single-use plastic substitutes that are home-compostable.
And here’s the kicker – you can eat their cups and bowls when you’re done with them.
Shafali and Andy are in the Ocean Impact Accelerator's current cohort, and are preparing to launch a Kickstarter this month followed by a capital raise later in the year.
Episode guide:
1:20 – Origin story. Targeting landfill, emissions, and plastics through their product.
3:15 – Previous business (Andy) and leaving the lab (Shafali.)
5:18 – Adapting compression moulding to transform food and beverage waste. Starting with edible plastics.
7:02 – Types of waste used.
7:35 – What does it taste like?
8 – Changing laws around cups with plastic liners.
10:10 – What logistics will look like with grocers and grain producers.
11:20 – R&D. Teaming up with Dr Vassilis Kontogiorgos of University of Queensland to be able to use a broader range of waste materials.
12:04 – Choosing to manufacture in-house rather than use a contract manufacturer.
13:58 – What they are learning from accelerator programs.
14:04 – Planned capital raise this year and Great Wrap’s recent Series A round.
15:07 – “There is something missing in Australia.”
17:10 – Australian Made.
17:40 – Upcoming Kickstarter.
Relevant links
Uvipak's website
https://uuvipak.com/
Ocean Impact's 2022 cohort
https://www.ocean-impact.org/accelerator-program-2022-cohort
Story about Great Wrap's $24 million Series A round in July
https://www.aumanufacturing.com.au/bioplastics-company-wraps-up-24-million-series-a