von Holzhausen Debuts Plant-Based Foam to Replace Petroleum Plastics

Developed through patented green chemistry, the material moves away from fossil-derived feedstocks to create a resilient, low-density foam. CEO Vicki von Holzhausen stated that the innovation finally bridges the gap between sustainability and the rigorous energy return requirements of modern athletic footwear. By engineering the foam to be compatible with existing manufacturing workflows, such as supercritical foaming, the company aims to offer brands a seamless transition away from traditional plastics like EVA and PEBA.

The implications for Liquidplant® extend well beyond footwear. The platform is designed for drop-in integration, capable of replacing conventional materials in wearable tech and injection-molded components. Because the biomolecules are created via biofermentation, the resulting resin is entirely non-toxic and avoids the microplastic pollution associated with standard plastic production. This shift represents a broader push to remove toxic chemicals from supply chains, offering a circular alternative that can either be recycled or naturally biodegrade without leaving harmful residues.