CleanFiber
Overview
CleanFiber is an innovative materials science company that manufactures high-performance cellulose insulation using recycled corrugated cardboard. Founded in 2013, CleanFiber emerged from a need to find sustainable alternatives to traditional building materials. Its headquarters are located in Buffalo, New York. The company successfully raised over $100 million through various funding rounds, including a recent $28 million Series B round. The founder, Jonathan Strimling, has led CleanFiber to become a pioneer in sustainable insulation solutions.
Recent Developments
- February 2025: CleanFiber announced a leadership change with Sami Rahman stepping in as President, and Eric Chapman appointed interim CEO after Jonathan Strimling stepped down to pursue new opportunities.
- October 2024: CleanFiber received $20 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to support the establishment of two new production facilities in Texas and Washington, enhancing its production capacity and market presence.
- August 2024: The company was recognised as the #1 Fastest Growing Manufacturing Company in America by Inc. 5000, citing a 5,684% growth over three years.
- April 2024: CleanFiber successfully closed a $28 million Series B funding round to scale operations and expand production capabilities.
- January 2024: Sami Rahman joined CleanFiber as President to spearhead innovation and growth.
- September 2024: CEO Jonathan Strimling was named the New Hampshire Entrepreneur of the Year for his leadership and success with CleanFiber.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2013 |
| Headquarters | Buffalo, New York, USA |
| Founders | Jonathan Strimling |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed, significant recent growth noted |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | Spring Lane Capital, AXA Investment Managers, Climate Innovation Capital, Tokyu Construction/Global Brain |
| Industry | Manufacturing, Climate Technology |
| Number of Employees | Approximately 95 |
Early History
CleanFiber was initially founded as UltraCell Insulation by a group of veteran cellulose installers in Maine who were concerned with the dwindling supplies of newsprint, traditionally used in cellulose insulation. Realizing the potential impact of this shortage, they innovated a new product that utilized recycled cardboard, which led to the formal establishment of CleanFiber in 2013. The company initially struggled with commercialization the unique cellulose insulation technology it had developed, but the arrival of Jonathan Strimling as CEO helped propel the firm towards successful product development and market entry.
Company Profile and Achievements
CleanFiber is committed to producing sustainable, high-performance building insulation from recycled materials. The company's proprietary process imbues the cellulose fibers with liquid borate fire retardants, making the insulation safer and more effective than conventional products. A few key milestones in CleanFiber's journey include:
- Winning the 43North Competition in 2016, which facilitated the company's move to Buffalo and provided initial funding and resources.
- Innovating a process to diversify raw material sources, moving from newsprint to corrugated cardboard, ensuring a steady supply chain unaffected by the decline in newsprint availability.
- 2018 Launch of Commercial Production: With a state-of-the-art facility in Buffalo capable of producing millions of bags of insulation annually.
- Continued Expansion and Recognition: As demand for sustainable materials increases, CleanFiber is positioned as a leader in the industry, achieving significant recognition for its rapid growth and innovation.
Current Operations and Market Position
Today, CleanFiber operates a major production facility in Blasdell, NY, with plans for additional sites in other states. The company's cellulose insulation has been installed in thousands of homes across the U.S., demonstrating its effectiveness and popularity among builders and contractors. CleanFiber leverages key alliances and investments to fuel its national expansion, riding the tide of an increasing market demand for sustainable building solutions. It is positioned competitively within a growing industry that emphasizes carbon reduction and energy efficiency.
Conclusion
CleanFiber represents a significant stride toward sustainable solutions in the building materials industry by transforming waste materials into high-performance insulation products. The company’s pioneering efforts in recycling cardboard not only reduce landfill waste but also contribute to energy-efficient building design. With strong leadership and strategic investments, CleanFiber is poised to expand its impact, addressing both environmental concerns and market needs for sustainable construction solutions.