Mango Materials
Mango Materials is a California-based biomanufacturer that uses proprietary methanotrophic fermentation to convert waste methane biogas into biodegradable PHA polymers (YOPP™ brand), selling pellets and branded products to consumer brands, fashion companies, and wastewater treatment operators seeking sustainable plastic alternatives.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersRedwood City, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Mango Materials does
Mango Materials is a privately held U.S. biomanufacturer, headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and founded by Stanford University researchers, that produces biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers from waste methane biogas. Its core platform uses proprietary methanotrophic bacteria fermentation to convert methane sourced from wastewater treatment plants, landfills, and dairy farms into PHA pellets marketed under the YOPP™ brand (production grade YOPP+), which are positioned as direct replacements for oil-based plastics and conventional polyester in injection molding, fiber extrusion, and packaging applications. The company operates a first-of-a-kind Launch Facility at the Easterly Wastewater Treatment Plant in Vacaville, California, under a long-term lease and biogas purchase agreement with the City of Vacaville, and is extending gas fermentation capacity through a 2026 partnership with BEAM Circular and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
The company's revenue model centers on B2B sales of YOPP+ PHA pellets to enterprise customers and brand partners, complemented by a nascent direct-to-consumer line (the YOPP™ Sandbox Toy Set). It pursues an enterprise field sales and co-development go-to-market motion, with flagship brand partnerships in footwear (Allbirds), luxury fashion (Stella McCartney), and consumer electronics (Vogel's), alongside structured market access through the Fashion for Good accelerator and scaling ecosystem. Additional value-chain integrations include application development for wastewater nitrogen removal (PHA as a slow-release carbon source) and microgravity biopolymer production under NASA STTR programs with Colorado School of Mines.
Mango Materials finances much of its technology development through non-dilutive grants and awards from the U.S. Department of Energy, NASA, the National Science Foundation, BioMADE (Manufacturing USA Institute), Schmidt Marine Technology Partners, the Conservation X Labs Microfiber Innovation Challenge, and the Dutch Postcode Lottery Green Challenge, supplemented by undisclosed venture rounds from investors including Alante Capital, Fashion for Good, The Mills Fabrica, and ONE WORLD Impact Investments. The company is B Corporation certified (Best for the World 2022, top 5% globally) and operates with a headcount of 11–50 employees as of the most recent reporting.
Mango Materials firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Mango Materials
- Legal name
- Mango Materials, Inc.
- Website
- https://mangomaterials.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Mango Materials is a California-based biomanufacturer that uses proprietary methanotrophic fermentation to convert waste methane biogas into biodegradable PHA polymers (YOPP™ brand), selling pellets and branded products to consumer brands, fashion companies, and wastewater treatment operators seeking sustainable plastic alternatives.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Mango Materials industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Biodegradable Biopolymers
- NAICS
- Resin and Synthetic Rubber Manufacturing (32521), Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing (326)
- SIC
- Plastic Materials, Synth Resins & Nonvulcan Elastomers (2821)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Bio-Based & Biodegradable Compounds (PLA/PHA/Starch Blends) (IMANABAF)
Keywords
Where Mango Materials is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Redwood City
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Mango Materials business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- YOPP™ PHA Biopolymer Pellets: Sale of biodegradable PHA pellets (YOPP™ brand) as replacement for conventional plastics and polyester. Products sold include pellets for injection molding, fiber production, and consumer goods such as the YOPP™ Sandbox Toy Set. Revenue derived from direct product sales to brands and manufacturers seeking sustainable material inputs.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Mango Materials product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Mango Materials manufactures and sells biodegradable PHA biopolymers (YOPP™ brand) produced through proprietary methanotrophic bacterial fermentation of waste methane biogas sourced from wastewater treatment, landfills, and dairy farms. Its core product is YOPP+ biopolymer pellets used as drop-in replacements for oil-based plastics and polyester in injection molding, fibers, and packaging. The company also sells branded consumer products, including the YOPP™ Sandbox Toy Set, through its own e-commerce store.
Product overview
Mango Materials is a biomanufacturing company that produces next-generation sustainable biodegradable materials through a proprietary platform that converts waste methane into PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) biopolymers. The core offering centers on the YOPP™ brand, which encompasses YOPP+ biopolymer pellets designed to replace polluting plastics across various supply chains. The company also offers consumer products under the YOPP™ brand, such as the YOPP™ Sandbox Toy Set. The technology enables circular biopolymer solutions where methane-eating bacteria convert waste gases into biodegradable materials that safely return to nature.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- YOPP™: Proprietary brand of biodegradable PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) pellets produced by Mango Materials' methane-to-biopolymer platform. YOPP pellets serve as a replacement for polluting plastics and polyester and can be used across various supply chains.
- YOPP+
- YOPP™ Sandbox Toy Set
Products and services
- YOPP+ Biopolymer Pellets Optimally-formulated biodegradable PHA pellets produced by bacterial fermentation of waste methane. Sold as a drop-in replacement for oil-based plastics and polyester in injection molding, fiber extrusion, and packaging supply chains. Customers include enterprise brands, fashion companies, and manufacturers seeking sustainable material inputs.
- YOPP™ Sandbox Toy Set
Quantifiable outcome
- 53% reduction in ammonium concentrations in wastewater secondary effluent when PHA was added (after 3 days of incubation)
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Mango Materials
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Mango Materials technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Mango Materials partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- BEAM CircularcoreBEAM Circular acquired a 130-liter gas fermentation pilot system — a rare bioreactor capable of converting methane and CO2 into sustainable proteins, fuels, chemicals, and biodegradable materials — which will be temporarily housed at Mango Materials' Vacaville facility before moving to the California Bioeconomy Innovation Campus in Stanislaus County. The $10.4 million pilot system is backed by California Jobs First grant ($10.4M) and $8 million state budget allocation. The partnership integrates with Mango Materials' methane-to-PHA platform and expands access to scale-up capabilities for gas fermentation technologies.
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (California Bioeconomy Innovation Campus)coreThe gas fermentation pilot system (BEAM Circular) will anchor the California Bioeconomy Innovation Campus in Stanislaus County, operating in partnership with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to advance circular-economy manufacturing in California's Central Valley. The project addresses critical infrastructure gaps in U.S. biomanufacturing by providing open-access scale-up capacity for gas fermentation innovators.
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)coreCEO Dr. Molly Morse joined U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright at Berkeley Lab to showcase Mango Materials' biodegradable YOPP pellets and product prototypes. The visit highlighted Mango Materials' role in advancing the bioeconomy through collaborative, science-driven innovation. DOE has previously supported the company through the Small Business Vouchers program (2016, ~$50K-$300K voucher).
- City of VacavillecoreCity of Vacaville approved a long-term lease and biogas purchase agreement to support Mango Materials' commercial scale-up. The partnership enables Mango Materials to use Easterly Wastewater Treatment Plant's biogas as feedstock at the Vacaville Launch Facility. The city views the partnership as bringing green jobs to Vacaville and establishing it as a biomanufacturing hub.
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab / ABPDU)coreMango Materials collaborates with Berkeley Lab's Advanced Biofuel Process Demonstration Unit (ABPDU) to optimize the methane-to-PHA process and test industrial-scale relevant equipment. The partnership, supported by DOE funding, helps accelerate commercialization and explore downstream processing options for PHA biopolymers.
- Stella McCartneyflagshipStrategic partnership announced at COP28. Stella McCartney unveiled a groundbreaking exhibition showcasing over 15 next-gen material innovators including Mango Materials, highlighting the future of sustainable fashion. Represents a flagship partnership for luxury fashion market entry.
- AllbirdsflagshipMango Materials' PHA biopolymer featured as one of three materials in Allbirds' net-zero carbon footprint sneaker (0.0kg CO2 emissions). Represents a flagship commercial application of Mango Materials' technology in mainstream consumer footwear.
- National Science Foundation (NSF Convergence Grant with UCSB, URI, University of Rochester)coreNSF-funded Convergence Grant collaboration with University of California – Santa Barbara, University of Rhode Island, and University of Rochester. Team will develop biodegradable oceangoing bioplastics using Mango Materials' PHA technology, 3D printed and tested in the open ocean. Addresses plastic pollution in marine environments.
- Vogel'sminorCollaboration through Impact Nation's 100-day sustainability challenge. Vogel's, a leading manufacturer in electronics mounting equipment, worked with Mango Materials to explore use of PHA biopolymers in audio visual sector products.
- Fashion for GoodcoreMango Materials accepted into Fashion for Good's Scaling Programme following participation in the Accelerator Programme (Batch 3, Spring 2018). The Scaling Programme helps accelerate the journey to commercialization of PHA biopolyester through brand partnerships, mentorship, and market access. Mango Materials also featured in Fashion for Good's interactive museum in Amsterdam.
- Colorado School of MinescorePartnership with Dr. Junko Marr and Dr. Tzahi Cath at Colorado School of Mines for NASA STTR Phase I and Phase II awards. Research focuses on membrane bioreactor technology for biopolymer production, including testing in microgravity environments via parabolic flights. Could enable 3D printing of bioplastics in space.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Mango Materials competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Danimer Scientific: Danimer Scientific is a direct PHA biopolymer peer producing Nodax PHA from canola oil feedstocks via fermentation, used in biodegradable packaging, straws, and coatings. It is the most prominent publicly listed PHA producer and a directly comparable competitor in biodegradable biopolymers.
- Newlight Technologies: Newlight produces AirCarbon, a PHA bioplastic made via microbial fermentation of methane and CO2 from air and industrial gas sources. It is a direct technology peer using gas fermentation to make PHA, with overlapping end markets in packaging and consumer goods.
- CJ CheilJedang (PHACT): CJ CheilJedang produces PHACT-brand PHA biopolymers at industrial scale using engineered microbial fermentation. It is a direct PHA peer with substantially larger production capacity and competing ambitions in compostable plastics.
- Kaneka: Kaneka manufactures Kaneka PHBH, a bio-based polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) copolymer. It is a direct peer in the PHA biopolymer category, with established commercial volumes in single-use applications and competing with Mango Materials for brand and packaging customers.
- RWDC Industries: RWDC Industries produces Solon PHA biopolymers from plant-based oils using bacterial fermentation, targeting single-use foodservice and packaging. It is a direct peer in the biodegradable PHA market, competing for similar brand and converter customers.
Broad incumbents
- NatureWorks: NatureWorks is the world's largest PLA bioplastic producer (Ingeo PLA from corn starch) and a broad incumbent in bio-based, biodegradable plastics. It competes with Mango Materials for sustainable plastics demand across packaging, fibers, and consumer goods.
- Braskem: Braskem produces bio-based polyethylene from sugarcane ethanol (I'm green) and is also developing renewable polymers at scale. It is a broad incumbent in bio-based plastics competing for brand sustainability commitments in packaging and consumer goods.
Emerging players
- LanzaTech: LanzaTech uses proprietary gas fermentation (acetogenic bacteria on industrial CO/CO2 off-gases) to produce fuels and chemicals, with growing interest in biopolymer precursors. It is a technology-adjacent gas fermentation peer that could either compete for feedstocks or partner on downstream PHA production.
- TianAn Biologic Materials: TianAn (via ENMAT) is one of the early PHA biopolymer producers, with applications in packaging, agriculture, and consumer goods. It is an emerging peer in the same PHA category as Mango Materials, primarily serving Asia-Pacific markets.
- Notpla: Notpla produces seaweed-based biodegradable packaging and films as an alternative to single-use plastics. It is an emerging player in the biodegradable materials space targeting similar brand customers in foodservice and consumer goods, though using a different (algae-based) feedstock.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Mango Materials social profiles
Digital presenceMango Materials compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Mango Materials financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Mango Materials leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Mango Materials funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds5 records
Investors6 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Mango Materials M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Mango Materials
What does Mango Materials do?
Mango Materials manufactures and sells biodegradable PHA biopolymers (YOPP™ brand) produced through proprietary methanotrophic bacterial fermentation of waste methane biogas sourced from wastewater treatment, landfills, and dairy farms. Its core product is YOPP+ biopolymer pellets used as drop-in replacements for oil-based plastics and polyester in injection molding, fibers, and packaging. The company also sells branded consumer products, including the YOPP™ Sandbox Toy Set, through its own e-commerce store.
Is Mango Materials a public or private company?
Mango Materials is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Mango Materials founded?
Mango Materials was founded in 2012. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Mango Materials based?
Mango Materials is headquartered in Redwood City, United States, in the North America region.
How does Mango Materials make money?
One revenue line is on record: YOPP™ PHA Biopolymer Pellets.
Who are Mango Materials's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Danimer Scientific, Newlight Technologies, CJ CheilJedang (PHACT), Kaneka and RWDC Industries. Broad incumbents are NatureWorks and Braskem. Emerging players are LanzaTech, TianAn Biologic Materials and Notpla.
Does Mango Materials have an API?
No public API is recorded for Mango Materials.
What industry is Mango Materials in?
Mango Materials's product category is Biodegradable Biopolymers. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMANABAF, Bio-Based & Biodegradable Compounds (PLA/PHA/Starch Blends). Its NAICS code is 32521 and its SIC code is 2821.