Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 13 J U N E 2 4 , 2 0 1 9 E N E R G Y / E N V I RO N M E N T Craft coasters that go against the grain Kai Smith, 33, founded Maine Coasters & Bio-Boards in early 2017 to develop coasters and bio-based packaging made from softwood pulp and grains left over from the brewing process. "Coasters are a niche product and the market hasn't really evolved for many years, so the bar was low in terms of innovation and the opportunity to try and enter the market," says Smith, who has mainly self-funded the business, which he runs from his home basement in Falmouth. New to paper production, Smith says it helped to know Portland-area brewers who have been supportive of his idea. Currently in pre-production, the company has prototypes and "a couple thousand coasters floating around at sev- eral Maine breweries and restaurants." ey include Rising Tide, Maine Beer Co. and Allagash Brewing Co., whose founder Rob Tod tells Mainebiz the brewer loves supporting local businesses. "Eventually," Smith says, "the goal is to create a variety of forest-based products that breweries can use in their everyday operations." at includes paper made with spent grains and alter- natives to the plastic used for canning. C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » CN Brown has a variety of rate plans that are suitable for the smallest businesses to the largest en es. Choose a plan based on your business's size and unique needs. cnbrownenergy.com/commercial-fuel/commercial-electricity Backed by superior service and reliability! > Electricity > Hea ng Oil > Kerosene > Propane > Natural Gas > Gasoline > Ultra-low Sulfur Diesel > Off-road Diesel Comprehensive energy op ons for your business TRCcompanies.com Local Knowledge. Global Perspective. As Maine's top engineering design firm, TRC develops breakthrough energy and environmental solutions for businesses and communities in the Northeast and beyond – from solar power and microgrids to cutting-edge remediation and compliance programs. We are a global consulting company solving complex engineering, permitting and construction challenges for the power, oil and gas, industrial, real estate, transportation and government sectors. Our projects deliver quantifiable results and ongoing benefits to meet local needs and help our clients succeed in an ever-changing world. P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY F O C U S Kai Smith of Maine Coasters & Bio-Boards runs his startup from his home in Falmouth.

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