Workers First 2

Workers First

Acid-Neutralizing Materials
Manufacturing & Wholesale · Version 1.0 Stage · Pittsburgh, PA
Workers First offers Polyreact, the first PFAS-free, preemptive acid-neutralizing and chemical-resistant plastic for use in fabrics, floor mats, coatings, and much more.
Elevator Pitch
Since 2020, there have been 1,300 chemical spills in the US, with a third caused by acids. Spills occur in various settings, including battery manufacturers, food producers, and local car washes. While high-profile incidents like East Palestine grab headlines, similar events are happening daily and could occur in your backyard. Until now, the only solutions available were PFAS-laden materials that merely resisted acids or are reactions to them. Workers First introduces Polyreact, the first PFAS-free material that neutralizes acids on contact, offering a proactive solution to this pervasive problem. Products created with this polymer change the game for workers safety.
Startup Journey
I worked in a chemistry lab where we were tasked with conducting experiments using sulfuric acid. Despite bein equipped with gloves and a lab coat, I felt a burning sensation on my hands without even spilling the acid. I consulted my teaching assistant, who informed me that exposure to acid hazards was an ongoing risk for engineers, with no comprehensive solution available. Unwilling to accept this as the norm, I was motivated to establish a company dedicated to creating the first acid-neutralizing protective equipment designed to preemptively protect workers. I partnered with Dr. Richard Partch, my co-inventor. Together, we developed an acid-neutralizing material and secured a full patent. Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, we raised $250,000 to develop our MVP. In 2021, we were awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF) for $256,000, enabling us to refine our manufacturing process for large-scale production. By 2022, we achieved metric ton production and established a comprehensive supply chain, positioning us to enter the market effectively. In 2023, we navigated regulatory challenges, obtained third-party certifications for our products, and conducted our first paid trials and now in 2024 we will find our market fit.
Founder(s)
Matthew Borowiak
Founder
  • 2 granted patents
  • Funded by the NSF
Dr. Richard Partch
Co-Founder
  • Developed Gore-Tex
  • 50yrs of Organic Chemistry
Revenue Forecast (USD)
2029 Revenue

$87.3m

5 Year CAGR

138%

YOY Growth - 2029

144%

2029 Year-End Rev. Run Rate

$128.0m

Earnings Forecast (USD)
2029 EBITDA

$56.0m

2029 EBITDA Margin

64%

2029 Gross Profit

$61.1m

2029 Gross Margin

70%

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