We Care About the “Glue”
Think about the last time you opened a new product—new shoes, a new car, new furniture. That “new smell” you noticed? It’s not as harmless as it seems. These smells are a reminder of the invisible dangers around us, impacting almost everything we use and what surrounds us. Changes in “glue” may seem small, but they are just significant enough to be used in almost everything.
Elemental
Thinking
to
Planetary Impact
We’re a new kind of material innovator, leveraging AI + HTS + computational chemistry + natural materials to accelerate healthier and more sustainable future. We believe change begins at the molecular level, binding and transforming the very materials that surround us.
Changes Start From Our Home
We spend 90% of our time indoors, surrounded by toxins from binders like phenol formaldehyde (PF) and urea formaldehyde (UF), both of which are carcinogenic and major contributors to respiratory issues. Isocyanates in PMDI/MDI are also linked to severe respiratory problems and asthma. Each year, producing 760 million cubic meters of engineered wood—primarily for buildings—requires about 50 million tons of these harmful binders. That’s equivalent to every person on Earth carrying a 13-pound backpack of toxic chemicals. We avoid junk food because of its health risks, yet we unknowingly face the same risks every day in our "junk food buildings".
Structure Decoded
At EcoForge, the secret to our binding agent—or “glue”—lies in the molecular interactions we’ve engineered. We start by exploring the “genes” of binders—cross-linkers—to achieve precise designs that function as molecular-scale adhesives, linking polymer chains to significantly enhance strength, durability, and resistance to water and heat. We also prioritize chemical polarity, especially under surface treatments, as it critically affects solubility, intermolecular forces, and chemical reactivity. By meticulously fine-tuning these polar interactions, we ensure our binders form strong, stable, and cohesive networks capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions.
A Paradigm Shift
via
AI4Science
Our innovation extends beyond traditional laboratory methods through AI4Science. Our groundbreaking high-throughput cross-linker pipeline integrates a multi-scale Machine Learning (ML) model with advanced computational techniques like Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Molecular Dynamics (MD). This enables us to explore and simulate over two million potential chemical structures. Using advanced multiscale modeling and computational simulations, we narrow down the selection to the most promising candidates. Our science team then verifies and refines these candidates, blending real-world material science expertise to create a final product that is functional, practical, scalable, and cost-effective.
Fast-Tracked
for
Urgent Needs
Traditional trial-and-error R&D processes are inefficient, costly, and too slow to meet industry needs without endangering human health or the planet. Formaldehyde, a well-known carcinogen, has been used in binding agents for decades to boost material performance. Despite awareness of its health risks for over 45 years, these harmful agents are still widely used, particularly in buildings where people spend most of their time. This is just one example of the ongoing risks we face.
We are committed to shedding light on this issue and delivering a solution that isn’t just revolutionary—it’s necessary.
MVP
Renewable, plant-based, ecologically safe binding agent; excellent for building interior products, furniture, and DIY.
70% Natural Content
Zero VOC, No PFAS Added
Formaldehyde, Isocyanate, and Red-List Materials Free
Water - Only By Product
Various Eco Label Options
Excellent Performance to various bio-based materials and minerals
Optional Features: Fire-resistant, Water Resistant, and More
Our Team
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An innovative engineer across the design, engineering, and science fields for positive impact. He has extensive experience in research, technology innovation, and design strategy. Previously, he has worked and collaborated with companies like Amazon, NASA, PSA Group, Subaru, and Nissan Silicon Valley Research Center.
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A material technologist with expertise in polymer engineering and AI4Science. He has an extensive background in material science, having worked at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, where he focused on the development of new polymer materials and the modification of polymer interfaces. Holding degrees from UC Berkeley and the University of Pennsylvania, he brings a wealth of knowledge to EcoForge. As the material technologist of EcoForge, Caleb leads the development of innovative, sustainable, and environmentally friendly polymer materials to support the building industry. His work aims to revolutionize green building materials, aligning with EcoForge’s mission to drive sustainability in building industry.
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A seasoned Business Operations Lead with a passion for tech and startups. She played a pivotal role at Bumble as Head of Product, managing a global team. Her diverse career includes roles in beauty tech, healthcare messaging, and media companies like NBC. Myung's tech journey began at Accenture, followed by instrumental work at KnowMe, which was acquired by Apple. Known for her exceptional team-building and leadership skills, Myung excels in various environments, from startups to large
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An experienced finance professional with extensive expertise in financing, accounting, investment, ESG, and real estate. He has previously worked at CapitaLand Investment as a real estate private equity investor and at Sinatra Real Estate as an acquisition associate, during which he raised and acquired over $200M in real estate assets across the U.S. and China. Alex co-founded the Penn Quakers Venture Club and served as an Impact Venture Associate with the Wharton School ESG Initiative. He holds an MPA from the University of Pennsylvania and a BS in finance from the University of Oregon.
+ A diverse, world-class science and engineering team ensures these formulations are practical, scalable, and cost-effective for real-world use by leveraging deep material science expertise.
Reimagine Surroundings
Redefine What's Possible
One Binder at a Time
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Construction
Examples: OSB, plywood, CLT, concrete additives, waterproofing membranes, structural adhesives, insulation materials, roofing materials (asphalt shingles, metal roofing, TPO membranes), sealants (expansion joint sealants, firestopping sealants, window and door caulking), drywall compounds, fiber cement boards, rebar coatings.
Interiors
Examples: High-durability paints (VOC-free paints, anti-microbial paints), adhesives for wall coverings (wallpaper adhesives, tile adhesives, fabric wallcovering adhesives), coatings for countertops, flooring materials (laminate flooring, engineered wood flooring, vinyl plank flooring, cork flooring, bamboo flooring), ceiling tiles (acoustic tiles, gypsum ceiling panels), wall paneling.
Furniture
Examples: Adhesives for wood composites, coatings for furniture surfaces, binders in upholstery materials, laminate and veneer adhesives, hardware finishes, edge banding adhesives, cushioning materials.
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Circular Economy Applications
Examples: Recyclable adhesives for packaging, compostable coatings for paper products, binders in materials designed for reuse.
Circularity in Manufacturing
Examples: Adhesives that allow for easy disassembly of products, coatings that extend the life of recyclable materials, binders in sustainable composites.
Agriculture
Examples: Coatings for controlled-release fertilizers, seed coatings, adhesives for agricultural films.
Water Treatment
Examples: Coatings for water filtration membranes, binders in flocculants for water purification, sealants in water-resistant infrastructure.
Recycling & Waste Management
Examples: Adhesives and binders in recyclable materials, coatings that facilitate waste separation, materials designed for reuse or composting.
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Food & Beverage
Examples: Edible coatings for fruits and vegetables, adhesives for food packaging, coatings for beverage cans.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Examples: Film-forming agents in hair sprays, durable coatings in nail polishes, binders in skincare formulations.
Fashion
Examples: Durable textile finishes, coatings for synthetic leathers, adhesives for shoe soles.
Textiles
Examples: Flame-retardant finishes, waterproof coatings, binders for nonwoven fabrics.
Household Products
Examples: Adhesives in cleaning wipes, coatings for kitchen utensils, binders in disposable items.
Toys & Games
Examples: Adhesives for assembling plastic components, coatings for toys, binders in foam materials.
Sports Equipment
Examples: High-performance composites for tennis rackets, adhesives for bicycle frames, coatings for ski equipment.
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Pharmaceutical
Examples: Drug delivery systems, controlled-release capsules, protective coatings for pills.
Medical Devices
Examples: Biocompatible adhesives for surgical instruments, coatings for catheters, materials for prosthetics.
Biomedical
Examples: Hydrogels for wound care, biocompatible coatings for implants, adhesives for medical devices.
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Renewable Energy
Examples: Adhesives for assembling solar panels, coatings for wind turbine blades, materials for energy storage devices.
Semiconductor & Electronics Manufacturing
Examples: Adhesives for wafer bonding, coatings for electronic substrates, binders in high-performance electronic components.
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Printing and Coatings
Examples: Inks for high-speed printing, protective coatings for packaging, adhesives for lamination.
Adhesives and Sealants
Examples: High-strength adhesives for industrial applications, sealants for construction joints, binders in hot-melt adhesives.
Paper & Pulp
Examples: Adhesives in laminated paper products, coatings for glossy magazines, binders in paper recycling processes.
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Consumer Electronics
Examples: Encapsulation materials for electronic components, adhesives for screen assembly, protective coatings for devices.
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Aerospace & Defense
Examples: High-performance composite materials for aircraft, adhesives for bonding structural elements, coatings for thermal protection.
Marine
Examples: Anti-corrosion coatings for ships, adhesives for composite boat hulls, sealants for underwater applications.
Oil & Gas
Examples: Coatings for pipelines, adhesives for insulation materials, additives in drilling fluids.
Mining & Extraction
Examples: Adhesives for equipment assembly, coatings for wear resistance, binders for dust control in mining operations.
Follow our journey~
Our journey is just beginning, but the impact is already clear—safer materials, healthier spaces, and a more sustainable world. Together, we’re driving a movement that’s reshaping industries and improving lives!