VANCOUVER, BC — January 7, 2025 — ChopValue, the leading circular manufacturer for commercial-grade solutions, is proud to announce its newest Microfactory expansion in New York City. Building on the success of the Boston location, this marks a significant step in ChopValue’s mission to scale sustainable manufacturing, fostering local job creation and waste reduction in a city celebrated for its innovation, resilience, and dedication to sustainability.
New York City, home to one of the largest concentrations of Asian restaurants in the U.S., generates an abundance of chopsticks that will now be recycled into premium, sustainable materials. The Microfactory will actively contribute to the city’s ambitious sustainability goals, including to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.
The NYC Microfactory will be led by local residents Karlyn Adams and Vinc Math. Adams is a seasoned management consultant with over 20 years of experience in corporate sustainability. Adams has worked with prestigious organizations such as BlackRock, BCG, and BSR, and holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Business. A longtime resident of the New York metro area, Karlyn’s deep connection to the city fuels her passion for creating meaningful environmental and social impact.
“As a sustainability professional, I’m naturally concerned about the high levels of material waste and greenhouse gas emissions generated by our economy,” shared Adams. “ChopValue is an influential example of the power of human ingenuity to turn trash into treasure. When beautiful design, local employment, and positive environmental impact all come together, I’m inspired and hopeful for our collective future.”
Vinc Math brings over a decade of global manufacturing expertise to the team. Math’s extensive background spans from building award-winning bamboo structures to managing his own fine woodworking shop in Queens, NY. Having joined ChopValue in 2023 as a Microfactory Technician, Math has been instrumental in the successful establishment of Microfactories worldwide.
“I’m excited to bring ChopValue’s innovative model to the vibrant and ever-changing landscape of New York City,” added Math. “This Microfactory will reflect the diversity and creativity of the city while championing sustainability and local craftsmanship.”
With over 80% of New Yorkers concerned about climate change, the city provides an ideal environment for ChopValue’s mission to empower local communities through circular economy solutions.
“New York City marks an iconic urban area and history to expand our 'waste to resource' efforts to,” said Felix Böck, Founder and CEO of ChopValue. “I am most excited to see our teams work closely together in developing a unique, local version of the ChopValue brand and introduce a vibrant urban area of close to 10 million people to our tangible approach of making the circular economy viable, one chopstick at a time.”
ChopValue’s expansion into New York City is a testament to the growing demand for circular economy solutions that make a meaningful difference. Launching immediately with a focus on community engagement and building strategic partnerships, this new location will join a growing network of Microfactories in countries like Japan, Malaysia, and the UK, all contributing to a future where manufacturing is decentralized, localized, and centered on the responsible use of resources.
About ChopValue
ChopValue is the world’s first circular economy franchise for commercialized decentralized manufacturing, with operations in 9 countries and over 80 Microfactories in development to create local impact on a global scale. Founded in 2016, ChopValue’s urban harvesting approach has diverted over 190 million chopsticks from the landfill. This underutilized resource is engineered into climate positive wood alternative products with zero trade offs to quality or design for homes, restaurants, and businesses. ChopValue serves as a blueprint for a viable circular economy, showcasing the potential of hyperlocal business operations to drive impactful change. To learn more about their resource-efficient impact for a carbon negative future, please visit www.chopvalue.com.
ChopValue is part of the Microfactory Venture Platform (MVP) Group, committed to prioritizing climate positive materials and products whenever and wherever possible. Find out how MVP is leading the change towards a circular economy by visiting www.microfactory-venture-platform.com.
