Back to UBQ blog
As the world seeks alternatives to conventional plastics, adopting bio-based materials becomes critical in the fight against climate change.
The challenge? Accelerating the use of these sustainable solutions across industries.
In a recent UBQ Talks interview, Gina McCarthy, former Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and White House National Climate Advisor from 2021 to 2022, shared her thoughts on how we can speed up this transition.
Let’s explore her key insights and how UBQ Materials is helping drive this change.
Cost-Effectiveness: A Crucial Factor
One of Gina’s main points is that cost is a major barrier to the adoption of bio-based materials. If greener solutions are not affordable for consumers and businesses, widespread adoption will be difficult. As Gina puts it, “One of the most important things we can do to accelerate adoption is to make sure it’s cost-effective.”
For bio-based materials to gain traction, they need to be both environmentally beneficial and economically accessible. Gina highlights the importance of making these materials affordable to everyone – businesses, governments, and individual consumers alike. UBQ Materials addresses this challenge head-on by creating a climate-positive, bio-based composite that is not only sustainable but also competitive with conventional plastics in terms of cost.
Driving Innovation: The Need for New Technologies
Gina emphasizes the importance of innovation, calling for new technologies and projects that can facilitate the shift to bio-based materials. She highlights UBQ’s efforts as a prime example of how innovation can lead to viable solutions.
UBQ’s patented technology converts mixed household waste, including organics and hard-to-recycle materials, into a bio-based, thermoplastic composite. This innovative approach offers industries an alternative that’s cleaner, greener, and just as functional as traditional plastics. According to Gina, “UBQ is doing a wonderful job of spreading the word that we can eliminate the need for plastics.”
Reducing Dependency on Plastics: UBQ’s Role
A major takeaway from Gina’s talk is her praise for UBQ Materials and our role in reducing the world’s dependency on petroleum-based plastics. Gina explains how UBQ’s material can be integrated into everyday products, offering a sustainable alternative that doesn’t sacrifice quality.
By reducing plastic use and greenhouse gas emissions, UBQ Materials is playing a critical role in driving the bio-based revolution. Gina notes that this innovation isn’t just about replacing plastic—it’s about reshaping how we think about waste and resource use.
The Urgency for Cleaner, Greener Solutions
Finally, Gina underlines the urgency of adopting cleaner, greener solutions to address the global waste crisis and combat climate change. “That’s what we need right now,” Gina emphasizes, noting that the time to act is now if we are to make significant progress toward a more sustainable future.
UBQ’s role in offering a scalable, climate-positive material that reduces carbon emissions and minimizes waste diversion to landfills and incinerators is exactly the kind of innovation needed to meet these challenges head-on.
A Path Forward for Bio-Based Materials
Gina McCarthy’s insights make it clear that accelerating the adoption of bio-based materials like UBQ™ requires a balance between innovation, affordability, and awareness.
As industries face increasing pressure to reduce their environmental footprint, companies like UBQ Materials are at the forefront, offering practical solutions that don’t compromise on performance or cost. By prioritizing the adoption of cleaner technologies, we can build a more sustainable future that’s both economically viable and environmentally sound.
About Gina McCarthy
Gina McCarthy is a prominent environmental policy expert who served as the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the first White House National Climate Advisor from 2021 to 2022.
Throughout her career, Gina has been a strong advocate for environmental protection and sustainable development. Her deep knowledge of climate policy and her focus on practical solutions make her a leading voice in the push for bio-based materials.
