NFW
Michelangelo LaTona is a Rubber Development Engineer at Natural Fiber Welding, currently conducting research on silicone elastomers to improve mechanical properties. Prior to this, Michelangelo worked as a Scientist at Wacker Chemical Corporation, reviewing patent landscapes for potential IP filings. With a background as a Rubber Analyst at Eastman Chemical Company and Lab Chemist at Star Thermoplastic Alloys & Rubbers, Inc., Michelangelo has extensive experience in developing TPE formulations and analyzing materials using various techniques. Michelangelo holds a Master of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering from The University of Akron and a BS in Chemistry from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
NFW
NFW is a circularity platform for plastic-free performance materials. NFW follows three Ground Rules in everything we develop: start well, stay clean, end well. While nearly everything in the built world relies on some type of plastic that began as crude oil and that will become plastic pollution, we are establishing a new material reality. We believe all materials should begin and end as nutrients, ready for the next growth cycle—true circularity. Our multi-material platform serves a wide range of industries—from fashion and footwear to automotive and upholstery. NFW technology embeds seamlessly into existing supply chains, enabling the world’s most iconic brands to design and scale products with high-performance, plastic-free materials. NFW makes global brands more sustainable, empowering them to create without plastics. Alongside the boldest brands and visionary designers, we are pioneering a naturally circular, post-oil economy.