DeepSummary
In this episode of the Getting In the Loop podcast, host Katie Welland interviews Robert Luo, the founder and CEO of Metero, a material technology company that turns excess milk and milk waste into sustainable fibers. Robert shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey and how he came up with the idea for Metero after witnessing the significant amount of milk waste at his uncle's dairy farm in China.
Robert provides insights into Metero's process of extracting casein protein from milk waste and spinning it into fiber through a patented process. He discusses the positive response from customers who find the material soft, moisture-wicking, and comfortable, leading to repeat purchases and potential partnerships with major fashion brands like Nike and H&M.
The episode also touches on Metero's future plans, including expanding into vegan milk fibers like soy, partnering with food companies like Danone and General Mills to reduce their milk waste, and exploring the production of sustainable packaging from milk waste. Robert emphasizes the importance of finding solutions to problems and encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to persevere through failures and rejections.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Metero is a material technology company that turns excess milk and milk waste into sustainable fibers for apparel, packaging, and other applications.
- The company was founded by Robert Luo, a three-time entrepreneur, after witnessing the significant amount of milk waste at his uncle's dairy farm.
- Metero's milk-based fibers have received positive feedback from customers for their softness, moisture-wicking properties, and comfort.
- The company plans to expand into vegan milk fibers, such as soy, and explore sustainable packaging solutions made from milk waste.
- Metero aims to partner with major fashion brands and food companies to reduce their milk waste and potentially license its technology.
- Robert Luo emphasizes the importance of perseverance, finding solutions to problems, and overcoming the fear of failure for aspiring entrepreneurs.
- The company's success has been driven by its innovative approach, customer satisfaction, and Robert Luo's determination and entrepreneurial spirit.
- Metero's mission is to replace petroleum-based materials with sustainable, protein-based materials made from food waste.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “People come back to purchase more, uh, because the quality of our product is softer than cotton, is moisture wicking, and also it's very comfortable.“ by Robert Luo
- “So we took the matter into our own hands. Basically, I drew the sketch of what I want to see in our video, scene by scene, and I shot the video with my friend and basically I did everything myself, learning from scratch.“ by Robert Luo
- “I believe that most startups, when they're small, it will come from personal story, something that's close to us.“ by Robert Luo
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Episode Information
Getting In the Loop: Circular Economy | Sustainability | Closing the Loop
Katherine Whalen
5/18/20