Interview with Ashlee Jahnke, Director of R&D at Teysha Technologies

April 23, 2025

Interview with Ashlee Jahnke, Director of R&D at Teysha Technologies

“Every scene you get to, you’ve got to actively assess what’s going on and make decisions in the moment. That’s exactly what it’s like working in the lab doing R&D day-to-day. You changed one small thing that you didn’t really expect to have an effect, and now everything’s gone awry and you’re troubleshooting in the moment to get things back on track.” From developing plastic substitutes as her day job, to her role as an on-call volunteer at the College Station Fire Department, Ashlee dedicates her life to protecting the planet and community.

How ‘sustainability-aware’ would you say your company is and what recent measures have you taken to improve your overall contribution to the circular economy?

Teysha Technologies is deeply committed to sustainability, with our entire business model centred on developing innovative solutions to replace traditional plastics, taking into account the entire supply chain. Our flagship platform, AggiePol, produces degradable bioplastics made from waste feedstocks, offering versatile applications across a wide range of materials.

Recent research on black soldier flies, as noted below, demonstrates how we are continually working to make our solution circular and reliant on fewer resources.

In your opinion what have been the most significant developments in terms of recycling and bio-based packaging?

Research on developing degradable bioplastics from black soldier flies represents a significant breakthrough in the field of alternative materials. At Texas A&M University, our CTO Dr Karen Wooley is investigating the potential of adult black soldier flies as a sustainable raw material for bioplastic production. While the larvae of these insects are widely used as animal feed, their adult carcasses are often discarded in large quantities by farmers. Dr Wooley found that chitin can be effectively extracted from these carcasses, serving as a valuable resource for producing biodegradable plastics. This innovative approach not only makes use of an underutilised waste stream but also promotes circularity, as the larvae can consume the bioplastics, creating a closed-loop waste management system.

What do you consider to be the most promising market opportunities for your company at this time?

Teysha sees substantial potential in the cosmetics industry where there is a growing focus on sustainability to protect both the planet and human health. Our bioplastics can replace petrochemical plastics used by the cosmetics industry, meeting both performance requirements and naturally biodegrading within 30 days. Alongside replacing cosmetics packaging, AggiePol can be used in products such as eyelash glue, fillers, shampoo, face foundations and photo protection.

What are the key drivers for change in your industry sector and how much is the on-going pressure for greater sustainability and recycling affecting your productivity?

Key drivers of change in the industry include government regulations that restrict single-use plastics and the growing consumer demand for plastic-free materials. With the upcoming UN Global Plastics Treaty just a month away, we anticipate a significant shift in international regulatory measures surrounding plastic production, further accelerating the transition towards bioplastics. In fact, BCC Research predicts that the market for sustainable plastics will grow by 7% from 2024 to 2029.

In response to this increasing demand for AggiePol, we have recently launched a partnership with High Force Research, a laboratory based in the North-East of England, to produce prototypes at kilogram scale, which we are sending to potential partners for evaluation.

Can you describe your product portfolio and its sustainability credentials?

Teysha Technologies’ product portfolio is centred around our innovative platform, AggiePol, which develops highly customisable and fully biodegradable bioplastics derived from renewable and waste feedstocks. Unlike traditional plastics, AggiePol materials are designed to meet the specific performance requirements of various industries, including packaging, cosmetics, agriculture, and beyond, while ensuring they break down naturally at the end of their lifecycle.

Key to AggiePol’s sustainability credentials is its foundation in circular economy principles. The platform utilises natural polymers, such as those derived from agricultural by-products, to create materials that not only reduce reliance on petrochemicals but also minimise environmental impact. AggiePol’s bioplastics are engineered to degrade in a range of conditions, from industrial composting to marine environments, within a short timeframe.

Are you planning the launch of any new products in the foreseeable future that you can tell us about?

We are currently in conversation with multinationals in the cosmetic business where we see an ever-growing demand for sustainable products.