S4 E9 Turning plastic waste into Candyfloss: The Polyfloss Factory co-founder Audrey Gaulard has an incredibly creative mind, which has taken her from haute couture fashion to engineering for the creation of circular economies

Today we are joined by Audrey, one the co- Founders of The Polyfloss Factory. The company's main goal is to reduce plastic waste and to transform it into a valuable and unique new resource by inventing a machine inspired by the principle of candy floss making, to recycle plastic waste. The technology turns plastic waste into fibre that can be used for insulation, packaging, textiles and moulded plastic pieces. We have a huge interest in sustainability as we have discussed in many of our previous episodes, so Audreys business is incredibly fascinating to us.

Audrey met her fellow founders on the masters program Innovation Engineering Design course at the Royal College of Arts & Imperial College London and is now a teacher there herself! She initially trained in fashion and has worked as a designer in several companies such as Alexander Mcqueen and Jean Paul Gaultier working in haute couture.  Audrey tells us some stories from her time in this world from seeing the beginning of 3D printing and digital embroidery technology, also getting the chance to design and dress Lady Gaga with her innovative and technology led fashion. She gained amazing creative skills and had some incredible experiences but felt this wasn't the career for her, Audrey wanted to design for purpose and to help people.

The Polyfloss family was formed after realising the amazing chemistry the four founders had bringing together engineering, material science and industrial design coupled with their curiosity about each other skills led to a great family dynamic with no hidden agendas. Audrey and the team spent years learning all about plastic - she even conducted her own experiments in her kitchen much to her flat mates dismay!  For more than 6 years they developed their technology and used it for educational workshops, exhibitions and tests. The team were so determined to get the Polyfloss name out there that at points they even slept in the exhibition space when they couldn't afford a hotel!

We ask Audrey how this machine can be applied or used in the retail industry. One of the biggest issues we’ve found as Buyers wanting to work with recyclable materials and more sustainable options. We discuss how retailers need to be making conscious decisions without putting the pressure on the buying team to ‘make up the money’. Audrey tells us all about how the Polyfloss Factory is currently developing a brand new and easy-to use mini Polyfloss machine for Fablabs, R&D centres, associations and anyone wishing to tackle plastic on a small scale.

Our takeaways:

1. The team’s patience and passion during years of trial and test, highlight the importance of staying true to your values, continuously learning, and challenging your thinking. 
2. Collaboration across diverse skills often leads to the best solutions. the polyfloss story reminds us of the power of working together.
3. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by the next generation. They bring hope with fresh ideas and a strong determination to drive positive change

This episode is an incredible educational and inspirational listen. Watch this space and find out more about how to work with, support and purchase the machines at https://www.thepolyflossfactory.com. 

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