Aircarbon Alliance: Turning Greenhouse Gas into Everyday Good
A New Kind of Sustainability
In a world increasingly aware of plastic pollution and carbon emissions, one company is taking an extraordinary approach: turning greenhouse gases into everyday products.
Meet Newlight Technologies, the California-based biotechnology firm behind Aircarbon®, a naturally occurring material made by microorganisms that consume greenhouse gases and convert them into a strong, flexible biopolymer.
With its latest initiative — the Aircarbon Alliance — Newlight is scaling that innovation to empower consumers, manufacturers, and foodservice partners to work together toward a shared goal: ending climate change through materials that remove carbon from the air.
From Carbon to Cutlery
Aircarbon® is composed of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a natural polymer that exists throughout the biosphere — in plants, soil, and even ocean life. By recreating that process using greenhouse gases, Newlight captures carbon that would otherwise contribute to climate change and transforms it into usable, durable material for products like straws, utensils, and packaging.
The results are nothing short of remarkable.
“Composting is important, but it’s not enough,” says Mark Herrema, CEO of Newlight. “We can’t solve ocean health without tackling carbon in the atmosphere. Aircarbon lets us do both — reducing waste and removing carbon.”
Compostable, Durable, and Certified
The new Aircarbon Alliance Straws are built to perform — strong, smooth, and never soggy. They hold up beautifully in cold drinks and hot beverages alike, making them a real alternative to paper and plastic.
Even better, they’re certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) for commercial composting and by TÜV Austria for home composting. That means they’ll safely decompose whether tossed in an industrial compost facility or a backyard bin.
Every straw and utensil is also PFAS-free, BPA-free, and FDA-approved, and complies with rigorous safety standards including REACH, RoHS, and California Proposition 65.
Measurable Climate Impact
Unlike traditional plastics — which emit carbon as they’re made — Aircarbon products remove greenhouse gases from the air.
Each Aircarbon Alliance product comes with third-party verification from ECG Global Solutions, ensuring its carbon-negative impact meets international standards such as ISO 14044:2006 and The Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
That means every straw, every fork, and every plate made with Aircarbon contributes to measurable climate repair.
“Small actions, taken together, can drive global change,” says Herrema. “That’s what the Aircarbon Alliance is about — empowering everyone to make a difference.”
A Pacific Northwest Connection
Here in the Northwest, Unity Foods LLC, a broadline food distributor servicing restaurants, manufacturers, institutions, and distributors throughout Oregon and Washington, has become a strong supporter of Aircarbon’s mission. With local deliveries to Bend, Corvallis, Centralia, Tacoma and Seattle, Unity Foods is committed to helping the region’s foodservice operators make more sustainable choices.
“These straws aren’t just compostable — they’re part of a bigger climate solution,” says Calvin Walsh, owner of Unity Foods. “Our customers want products that look good, perform well, and help the planet. Aircarbon Alliance checks every box. It’s exciting to bring this innovation to foodservice operators who care about both quality and carbon reduction.”
From coastal cafés to mountain resorts, more Northwest establishments are turning to Aircarbon Alliance straws as a practical, planet-positive upgrade — and Unity Foods is helping lead the charge.
“We see this as the future of food packaging,” adds Walsh. “If every restaurant in America switched to Aircarbon products, imagine the collective impact we’d have on reducing emissions.”
Why It Matters Now
According to NASA, coral reefs could decline by up to 99% if global warming reaches 2°C above pre-industrial levels. With the planet already at 1.1°C, urgent solutions are needed — not just to reduce waste, but to reverse emissions.
The Aircarbon Alliance brings a hopeful message to that challenge: that sustainability can be both beautiful and functional, and that collective consumer action can truly cool the planet.
Joining the Alliance
With its sleek new green straw symbolizing renewal and progress, the Aircarbon Alliance isn’t just selling products — it’s inviting businesses, consumers, and manufacturers to become part of a movement.
Whether you run a café, order takeout, or just care about what happens after you toss your straw, you’re part of the solution.
🌎 Learn more and join the movement at newlight.com
✳️ Quick Facts: Aircarbon Alliance Straws
- Made from Aircarbon®, a natural carbon-capture material
- Home & commercially compostable
- BPI & TÜV certified
- PFAS-, BPA-, and allergen-free
- Verified carbon-negative lifecycle
- Distributed in Oregon & Washington by Unity Foods LLC
For over a decade, Unity Foods, LLC has been a trusted name in the Pacific Northwest’s food distribution industry. Founded in 2012 by Calvin Walsh, the Portland-based company has built its reputation as one of the last independent, broadline foodservice distributors in the region—serving restaurants, retailers, and manufacturers with a commitment to quality, sustainability, and community engagement. Now, as Unity Foods expands into Seattle, it brings more than just products—it brings a mission: to deliver fresh, high-quality food while leading the way in sustainable distribution.
An Independent Spirit in a Corporate World
The food service distribution industry is dominated by large corporations, leaving many businesses with limited choices when it comes to sourcing ingredients. Unity Foods offers an alternative—a customer-first approach that prioritizes local relationships, flexible service, and fair pricing. “We’re not just another distributor—we’re a partner to our customers,” says Calvin Walsh, CEO of Unity Foods. “Seattle’s food scene is thriving with innovation, and we want to help restaurants and retailers access the best products without the constraints of corporate bureaucracy.”
Sustainability at Core Unity Foods isn’t just about delivering food—it’s about doing it responsibly. The company is actively working toward carbon-neutral distribution, to have 100% electric last-mile delivery trucks by 2030. In addition, they: Recycle all possible materials in operations Purchase carbon offset credits to balance energy use Partner with local farms and food producers to reduce transportation impact Seattle’s commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing aligns perfectly with Unity Foods’ vision, making it a natural next step for the company.
A Best Place to Work—and One of the Fastest-Growing Companies—Now in Seattle
Recently recognized by the Portland Business Journal as one of the 100 Best Places to Work and ranked #27 among the Fastest Growing Companies, Unity Foods is expanding its award-winning culture to Seattle. The company prides itself on creating an environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired to grow—directly translating to exceptional service for customers.
“We believe that when employees are happy, businesses thrive,” says Walsh. “That’s why we’ve built a workplace where people love to come to work every day.”
The Future of Food Distribution in Seattle
As Unity Foods enters the Seattle market, it aims to become the go-to distributor for restaurants, retailers, and food manufacturers looking for: Fresh, high-quality ingredients with personalized service Sustainable, environmentally responsible food distribution.
A flexible, independent alternative to corporate distributors Seattle’s food scene is one of the most dynamic in the country, and Unity Foods is ready to be a part of it. Whether it’s helping a local restaurant create its next signature dish or ensuring a grocery store is stocked with the freshest ingredients, Unity Foods is committed to delivering more than just food—they’re delivering a better future for the industry. Seattle, get ready—Unity Foods has arrived.
Seattle’s culinary scene is as diverse as it is dynamic—from Mediterranean-inspired plates to the creative offerings of local food trucks, neighborhood pubs, and lively bars. As restaurateurs and chefs continue to seek quality ingredients that are reliable, flexible, and delivered on time, Unity Foods LLC is stepping in to provide a solution tailored to the city’s thriving independent food businesses.
Founded in Portland, Unity Foods has earned a reputation for partnering with restaurants, caterers, and food trucks, offering high-quality products, flexible delivery options, and a service-first approach that puts chefs and operators at the center. Now, the company is expanding into Seattle, aiming to support the city’s independent operators and help them run smoother kitchens.
“Seattle’s food scene is unique, with incredible diversity and high standards,” says Calvin Russell Walsh, Founder and CEO of Unity Foods. “We wanted to bring a distribution model that’s not just about delivering boxes—it’s about understanding what each chef and kitchen really needs.”
Unity Foods specializes in supporting a wide variety of establishments, including:
- Mediterranean restaurants: Supplying fresh, consistent ingredients for everything from mezze platters to grilled seafood and house-made sauces.
- Food trucks: Providing flexible, timely deliveries to keep mobile kitchens stocked and ready for busy service hours.
- Pubs and bars: Offering reliable beverage accompaniments and snack items, allowing operators to focus on service rather than inventory headaches.
One of the company’s biggest draws is the personal service model. Rather than operating solely as a traditional distributor, Unity Foods takes the time to understand each kitchen’s workflow, menu, and preferences. “It’s about building a relationship, not just fulfilling orders,” notes Shawn Riggs, Operations Manager.
In addition to serving established restaurants, Unity Foods is targeting Seattle’s burgeoning food truck and pop-up scene—a sector that’s been growing steadily over the past several years. By delivering fresh, chef-quality ingredients directly to mobile kitchens, the company is helping operators maintain consistency without the overhead of traditional supply chains.
“Many small operators struggle with large distributors that don’t understand their pace or menu needs,” says Bettina Carey, Marketing Director. “Unity Foods is filling that gap, helping chefs focus on what they do best: creating incredible dishes for their communities.”
For Seattle food operators looking to streamline their sourcing, improve delivery reliability, and access chef-focused service, Unity Foods offers a fresh approach to distribution. With a track record of growth and satisfaction in Portland, the company is poised to become a key partner for Seattle’s independent culinary scene.
Learn more or schedule a visit at www.unityfoodsllc.com.
