Our Story

Why Ponda Exists

Ponda exists to revolutionize the materials industry by creating sustainable, bio-based alternatives that don't compromise on performance. We believe the future of manufacturing lies in regenerative materials that work with nature, not against it.

What struck us about the challenge of sustainable materials was the gap between intention and action. While many companies talk about sustainability, few are developing materials that truly close the loop. We saw an opportunity to transform agricultural waste into high-performance materials that could replace traditional plastics and foams.

Meeting on the Masters

We were studying from a design-engineering perspective when we came together, driven by a shared goal to create “planet-regenerating fibres” — fibres that link textile production with wetland restoration, ecosystem regeneration and climate responsibility.

Our first conversations centred on the gap between the urgency of the climate crisis and the slow evolution of sustainable materials. We connected over shared curiosity, spending long hours exploring natural fibres and questioning how material systems could work in harmony with ecosystems rather than against them.

We quickly realised we shared a passion for pushing the boundaries of what materials could be. Where others saw agricultural waste, we saw untapped potential. Where others accepted limitations, we saw opportunities for innovation.

"The chemistry between us was immediate - not just as collaborators, but as people who genuinely believed we could create something that mattered. The masters gave us the tools, but it was our shared vision that sparked everything."
— The Founding Team
Four diverse young professionals standing indoors with industrial equipment in the background.

Working Together

We first worked together on a brief exploring circular economy principles in product design. What started as a class project became an obsession - we spent countless hours in the materials lab, testing, failing, and learning.

One of the biggest turning points during our masters was discovering that agricultural residues could be transformed into functional materials without harsh chemicals. This breakthrough moment happened at 2am in the lab, and we knew we were onto something special.

What we learned about each other's working style was that our differences made us stronger. Where one saw technical challenges, another saw design opportunities. Our complementary skills - spanning materials science, engineering, design, and business - became the foundation of Ponda.

How the Idea Came About

The idea began when we were challenged to design sustainable packaging for a real-world client. Traditional sustainable options either compromised on protection or were prohibitively expensive. We refused to accept that trade-off.

We realised there was an opportunity to create a material that matched the performance of expanded polystyrene and polyurethane foams while being completely biodegradable. The agricultural industry generates millions of tonnes of waste annually - what if that waste could become tomorrow's materials?

The first prototype looked like chaos - a messy combination of wheat straw, natural binders, and hope. But when we tested its cushioning properties, we knew we'd discovered something remarkable. That prototype was the seed that would grow into BioPuff®.

Close-up of fluffy seed heads on a plant stem with a blurred green background.
"That first working prototype wasn't just a material - it was proof that we could bridge the gap between sustainability and performance. It was the moment everything changed."

From Saltyco to Ponda

Our journey of continuous evolution and growth

Saltyco was born from our conviction that agricultural waste could become valuable. The name reflected our early focus on coastal and saline-resistant crops. As our vision expanded beyond just salt-tolerant plants to encompass all agricultural residues, we evolved into Ponda.

The transition to Ponda allowed us to better communicate our mission: creating materials that regenerate rather than deplete. Ponda represents our commitment to positive impact - materials that support both planet and people.

2019

Saltyco is Born

Saltyco was born from our conviction that agricultural waste could become valuable during our masters programme.
2020

First Breakthrough

As we grew, we realised the potential extended far beyond our initial focus, opening doors to multiple applications
2021

Key Milestone

A milestone we're still proud of achieving our first commercial partnership and proving the technology at scale
2022

Rebranding to Ponda

The transition to Ponda allowed us to better communicate our mission of creating regenerative materials that give back to ecosystems
2023

Scaling Production

A milestone we're still proud of establishing production capacity while maintaining our sustainability principles
2024

Building Partnerships

A milestone we're still proud of creating circular supply chains with farmers and major brands]

The Founding Team

Each founder brings unique expertise and a personal connection to Ponda's mission

Julian Ellis-Brown

CEO and Co-founder

Background

Before the masters, I studied Mechanical Engineering and worked on projects exploring sustainable technologies, which sparked my interest in regenerative materials and the relationship between engineering and natural ecosystems.

Role at Ponda

My role at Ponda centres on steering the company’s growth, shaping our material strategy, and supporting the team as we develop fibres that actively restore wetland ecosystems.

Passion

I’m most passionate about building a company where innovation, ecology, and responsibility work hand in hand.

Neloufar Taheri

COO and Co-founder

Background

Before the masters, Nelly studied architecture and sustainable design, focusing on how built environments can work in harmony with natural ecosystems. Her early work explored material lifecycles, circular design, and the intersection between craft, science, and environmental responsibility. She later joined the Innovation Design Engineering programme at Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art, where her interest in regenerative materials deepened.

Role at Ponda

At Ponda, Nelly leads operations, material development, and ecosystem projects, ensuring that every fibre we create is grounded in ecological impact and real-world viability. She bridges the scientific, design, and organisational sides of the company- turning research insights into scalable regenerative systems.

Passion

Nelly is most passionate about building materials that work with nature, not against it, and designing systems that allow wetlands, wildlife, and communities to thrive together.

Finlay Duncan

CTO and Co-founder

Background

Before the masters, Finlay studied mechanical engineering and biodesign, exploring how technology and biology can work together to create sustainable materials. During the Innovation Design Engineering programme at Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art, he deepened his focus on scalable, nature-led material systems.

Role at Ponda

At Ponda, Finlay leads the technical development of our biomaterial processes—turning research into efficient, scalable technologies that support regenerative fibre production.

Passion

Fin is passionate about using engineering innovation to enhance natural ecosystems and create materials that work in harmony with the environment.

Antonia Jara

CCO and Co-founder

Background

Before the masters, Antonia studied communication design and sustainability, focusing on how storytelling, visual systems, and community engagement can drive environmental change. During the Innovation Design Engineering programme at Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art, she deepened her interest in translating complex ecological ideas into accessible, human-centred narratives.

Role at Ponda

At Ponda, Antonia leads communication, brand, and partnerships—shaping how our mission, materials, and impact are understood. She connects science, design, and community to build strong, trusted relationships across the ecosystem.

Passion

She’s passionate about using design and communication to inspire climate action and create narratives that centre regeneration, wetlands, and the people who depend on them.

From Nature to Innovation

Transforming agricultural waste into high-performance sustainable materials

Single brown cattail plant with long, narrow leaves on a white background.
Natural Source
Close-up of a light green quilted fabric corner with a white tag labeled 'BioPuff'.
Material Development
Green John Deere Gator vehicle towing red agricultural machinery in a muddy field with yellow tubes.
BioPuff® Innovation
Small black quilted pouch with a white tag labeled BioPuff on a white background.
Product Testing
Close-up of the layered edge of a white sheet of plywood against a blurred beige background.
Finished Products
Four smiling people standing close together in a field of tall grass under a partly cloudy sky, wearing hats and sunglasses.
Research & Development
Close-up of brown cattail seed heads surrounded by green reeds in a marsh.
Material Science
Close-up of a plant with green leaves and a white petal, showing fine textures and soft focus.
Prototyping
Our journey from agricultural residues to revolutionary materials showcases what's possible when innovation meets sustainability. Each step of our process is designed to work with nature, not against it.

In Their Own Words

"A moment that changed everything for me was realizing we didn't need to invent something completely new - nature has been creating incredible materials for billions of years. We just needed to learn her language."
— Nelly
"The biggest lesson I've learned through building Ponda is that true innovation requires humility. The farmers we work with have knowledge that no lab can replicate."
— Fin
"What excites me most about Ponda's future is seeing our materials become the new normal - not as a premium sustainable option, but as the obvious choice that makes both business and environmental sense."
— Julian
"The world doesn't need more products - it needs smarter materials. Materials that give back to the earth instead of taking from it, that create value at every stage of their lifecycle."
— Antonia

Looking Ahead: Our Vision for the Future

Our vision for the next chapter is to accelerate the shift toward sustainable, circular materials that redefine how we build and live. Over the next few years, we aim to expand our impact, collaborate with innovative partners, and bring transformative solutions from concept to everyday reality.

We hope to inspire a global community of creators, thinkers, and changemakers to rethink waste, embrace circular design, and champion environmental responsibility. Every small action can ripple into meaningful change, and we want our journey to spark that momentum.

If there’s one thing we want people to take away from our story, it’s that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand—and that by working together, we can reshape industries, preserve our planet, and leave a legacy that future generations can be proud of.