The Startup Turning Swamps Into Fashion Gold

The Startup Turning Swamps Into Fashion Gold

June 18, 2026 · 29 min · Episode 174

About this episode

Julian Ellis-Brown discusses Ponda's mission to create sustainable materials from restored wetlands.

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Julian Ellis-Brown, CEO and co-founder of Ponda, the innovative biomaterials company developing the world’s first wetland-regenerating material supply chain. Julian shares the story behind Ponda’s mission to transform how we think about materials - starting with BioPuff, a plant-based insulation made from bulrush grown on restored wetlands. Discover how Ponda is redefining sustainability in fashion by linking material innovation with ecosystem restoration. Julian discusses the challenges and breakthroughs of scaling a regenerative supply chain, the role of farmers and landowners in their journey, and why wetlands are the key to a more resilient, carbon-negative future. Learn about Ponda’s collaborations with major brands like Stella McCartney, Berghaus, Sheep Inc., and Parley for the Oceans, and how their crowdfunding campaign is accelerating the shift from pilot to commercial scale.

People in this episode

Host: Thomas Ohr

Guest: Julian Ellis-Brown

Topics covered

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ponda, Stella McCartney, Berghaus, Sheep Inc., Parley for the Oceans

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