166. The Great Reformulation: Joshua Lachter Rethinks How We Make Everything at Scale

Joshua Lachter, co-founder of Synonym, joins us for an in-depth conversation about the future of biomanufacturing and what he calls "the great reformulation." We explore how biology is poised to replace petrochemicals across industries, the infrastructure challenges holding back commercial scale production, and why standardization is critical for mass adoption. Joshua shares insights from Synonym's work building commercial biomanufacturing facilities, including their groundbreaking project in Decatur, Illinois. From GLP-1s to microplastics, we discuss how bio-based products can deliver superior performance while addressing health and environmental concerns. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the commercialization of industrial biotech, the economics of biomanufacturing, and the path toward a reformulated supply chain built on biology.

(00:00:00) - Snowstorm updates from NYC

(00:03:00) - Tech Meets Pharma: The Data Revolution

(00:09:00) - Mr. Beast, Upside Foods, and Colossal Biosciences

(00:14:00) - Joshua's Background and Why He Founded Synonym

(00:18:00) - Financialization and Standardization of Biomanufacturing

(00:25:00) - Early Assumptions That Turned Out Wrong

(00:38:00) - The Great Reformulation: Biology vs. Petrochemicals

(00:48:00) - GLP-1s and Nature-Inspired Innovation

(00:54:00) - Better with Bio: Synonym's Partnership with Brentag

(00:59:00) - Quickfire Questions

(01:03:00) - Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts

Episode Links:

• Synonym

• BetterWith.Bio

• The Great Reformulation 

• Primient and Synonym Forge Strategic Partnership to Propel U.S. Bioproduct Innovation

• NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Snowstorm Prep Video

• Mr. Beast video: $1 vs $1,000,000,000 Futuristic Tech!

• Edward Shenderovich ep

• Amy Trejo and JC Garcia Garcia ep

• Suveen K18 ep 

Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?

Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything

Topics Covered: 

biotech, industry, biomanufacturing, bioprocessing, industrial biotech, Great Reformulation, consumer packaged goods, CPG, biotech R&D, chemical engineering, bioengineering, AI in biomanufacturing

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