Summary:It’s 2022, and what’s good for the planet is becoming increasingly good for business. The warning bells scientists and environmentalists have been ringing for decades are getting too loud to ignore, and the market is reflecting it. Consumers want better, more responsible options, and with sustainable alternatives becoming more cost competitive than ever, companies with strong environmental standards are making a big impression on investors.One such company is Footprint, helmed by co-founder and CEO Troy Swope. Recently announcing that they will go public via merger with SPAC Gores Holdings VII, Footprint is a sustainability and material science company focused on inventing and manufacturing alternatives to short-term use plastic. By helping retailers, CPGs, and food companies make the jump to plant-based alternatives at a cost comparable to plastics, they’re creating a healthier planet and a healthier bottom line for their clients (who just so happen to be some of the biggest companies in the world).In this episode, Troy shares how a culture of innovation allows Footprint to completely control their ecosystem while unlocking more and more value for their stakeholders, why Footprint’s clients see ROI that goes well beyond the actual product, and how Troy became an “accidental environmentalist.”Highlights: How Troy Swope became and “accidental environmentalist” (03:21) What does Footprint do? (06:29) Who are Footprint’s clients? (07:26) How Footprint controls their entire ecosystem (09:04) What Footprint looks for in a customer (11:24) Why Footprint’s ROI goes beyond the actual product (12:45) Footprint’s unique contract and billing strategy (15:33) What Footprint plans to do after going public (17:08) Troy talks innovations and IP (18:39) Upcycling and the future of waste (20:22) Fostering a company culture of innovation (23:09) Footprint’s path to going public via SPAC (24:39) Wrap Up (25:49) Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteTroy Swope LinkedInTroy Swope TwitterFootprint WebsiteFootprint LinkedInFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, andrew@lowerstreet.co.