This week on Everybody in the Pool , we’re talking about one of the least-visible but largest waste problems in the world: food processing waste . Every time fruits or vegetables are peeled, chopped, juiced, or processed, mountains of perfectly good plant material get thrown out or sold for pennies. It’s expensive, it’s inefficient, and it’s a huge climate problem. My guest is Michelle Ruiz , founder and CEO of Hyfe, a company unlocking the massive value hidden in this “waste.” Hyfe has developed a clean, water-based technology that can deconstruct food waste into high-value ingredients —like natural antioxidants that can replace carcinogenic petrochemical additives, fibers for gut health, and eventually the bio-based molecules that could power the broader bioeconomy. Instead of paying to get rid of waste, food processors can turn it into a whole new revenue stream — while reducing emissions and building real circularity into the food system. We get into: Why food processing waste is one of the biggest untapped feedstocks in the world How Hyfe’s process “unlocks” the compounds inside plant material without toxic solvents The clean-label antioxidants that can replace petrochemical additives already being banned in multiple states Why fibers are booming — and how food companies want cleaner, more functional sources How this technology could one day replace a chunk of the petrochemical industry The business model: why food processors, not consumers, are Hi-Fey’s real customers Michelle’s journey from oil refinery engineer to World Economic Forum Tech Pioneer The role of circularity, resilience, and adaptation in the future food system Links: Hyfe: https://hyfe.tech/ All episodes: https://www.everybodyinthepool.com/ Subscribe to the Everybody in the Pool newsletter: https://www.mollywood.co/ Become a member for the ad-free version of the show: https://everybodyinthepool.supercast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
