Málama Composites

What happens when La Jolla's high-minded surfboard shapers switch mediums?

Malama and Green Comm Racing promote environmental innovation at America’s Cup

15 November 2011

Malama Composites, a manufacturer of polyurethane foam made from bio-based renewable resources, has joined Spain’s Green Comm Racing Team at the America's Cup to promote environmental innovation within the sailing industry.

Malama Composites joins Spanish team for America's Cup

Green Comm Racing Team
America's Cup

More than anything, Sacred Craft is a celebration of the surfboard – the philosophical icon of enduring youth. No other object stirs as much passion, as much stoke, and as much power. Experience the expo on October 8 & 9, 2011 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and look for NOMAD MOBILI to see Malama Composites Bio-based foam in action. http://sacredcraftexpo.com

Málama Composites has successfully completed the CONNECT Springboard program. Springboard, CONNECT’s flagship program, assists innovators and entrepreneurs with the definition of a compelling commercialization strategy through mentoring by seasoned, C-level executives – CONNECT’s Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs). Since 2005, 177 companies have completed the Springboard process and 75% of these companies are still in operation. These companies have raised over $ 140 Million in seed-, venture- and debt financing.

In December 2005, the biggest maker of polyurethane foam blanks used to make the core of surfboards (and other products) abruptly shut down—creating a huge void among Southern California surfboard makers and the composites industry.

What do wake surfboards, wind blades, construction materials and military target drones all have in common? They are all products from Malama Composites that help make composites greener through the use of soy polyols. Malama Composites, located in San Diego, builds their business around incorporating soy polyols into all kinds of products. The United Soybean Board (USB) and soybean checkoff fund research to help commercialize soy products such as soy polyols.

MANUFACTURING: Company’s Ideas Borne Out of Surfboard Industry Experience

By Andrea Siedsma

Ned McMahon is not only passionate about the environment, he also plans to nab a piece of the multibillion-dollar, global clean technology market at a time when energy efficient and green building materials are at the forefront of government mandates and funding.

The Rob Machado Surf Experience and Cardiff Green Expo will take place during the weekend of September 26 and 27 at Seaside Reef in Cardiff.

Betty Steele, co-creator of the Cardiff Green Expo, and a member of the Cardiff 101 Chamber of Commerce. Betty is also co-founder of the San Diego chapter of the Surfrider Foundation.