Mark Herrema is a renowned American entrepreneur and the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Newlight Technologies, a cutting-edge climate-tech company that has revolutionized the way greenhouse gases are captured and transformed into biodegradable materials. Through his leadership, Newlight has pioneered the creation of AirCarbon, a sustainable alternative to plastics derived from captured methane and carbon dioxide. This innovative technology not only tackles one of the world’s most pressing environmental issues—carbon emissions—but also offers a solution to the growing global plastic pollution crisis.
Mark Herrema Early Life and Education
Mark Herrema’s journey into the world of entrepreneurship and sustainability began in his formative years. Born in the United States and raised in a family that valued education, Mark’s curiosity for the sciences was apparent early on. He attended Princeton University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Politics and Political Theory. While at Princeton, he also studied physics, chemistry, and mathematics, blending the fields of social science with a deep understanding of the physical sciences.
It was during his time at Princeton that Mark began to focus on environmental issues, particularly the challenges posed by greenhouse gas emissions. He believed that market-driven solutions could solve some of the world’s biggest environmental problems, a vision that would shape his future entrepreneurial path. His passion for sustainable development and the desire to create lasting change ultimately led him to the founding of Newlight Technologies in 2003.
Career Journey and Newlight Technologies
Mark Herrema co-founded Newlight Technologies with the goal of turning greenhouse gases—primarily methane and carbon dioxide—into useful, high-performance materials. The company’s breakthrough came in the form of AirCarbon, a biodegradable polymer that captures methane and converts it into a material that can replace plastics used in everything from packaging to furniture and automotive parts.
Herrema’s leadership has been instrumental in Newlight’s rise to prominence within the climate-tech and sustainability sectors. Under his guidance, the company has raised significant investments and partnered with major brands in the fashion, automotive, and consumer goods industries. Newlight’s AirCarbon technology has been adopted in various commercial products, offering a promising solution to the global plastic pollution crisis.
Newlight Technologies has received widespread recognition for its work, including being named to TIME‘s TIME100 Climate list, which honors the most influential individuals in climate action. Mark’s innovative approach to solving environmental issues through technology has earned him numerous accolades, including being named a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum.
Mark Herrema Age and Net Worth
Mark Herrema’s exact age is not publicly verified. However, based on his educational timeline and his early entrepreneurial achievements, it is estimated that he is likely in his mid-40s as of 2025.
While details about Mark Herrema’s net worth are not publicly disclosed, Newlight Technologies’ rising valuation and his position as CEO of a rapidly expanding climate-tech company suggest a significant personal wealth. The company has raised over $125 million in equity funding as of 2023, marking Newlight as a major player in the sustainability space. However, as his personal net worth has not been made public, any estimates are speculative.
Personal Life: Relationship with Emily Canham
Mark Herrema has largely kept his personal life private, with little public information available about his family background. However, it is publicly known that he is engaged to Emily Canham, a British influencer and content creator. The couple has shared their joy about expecting their first child, making headlines in both the influencer community and mainstream media. Emily Canham’s announcement on social media confirmed the pregnancy, and they are both awaiting the arrival of their baby.
Beyond his relationship with Emily, there are no detailed records available about his family, parents, or any previous marriages. His relationship with Emily Canham has been the most publicly visible aspect of his personal life.
Mark Herrema Family and Children
While Mark Herrema’s family background and parents are not widely discussed in public forums, it is known that he has built a family with Emily Canham. The couple is expecting their first child, marking a new chapter in Mark’s personal life. No additional information about children from previous relationships or extended family has been made public.
Significance and Impact
Mark Herrema is a significant figure in the world of climate-tech innovation. As the CEO of Newlight Technologies, he has spearheaded efforts to tackle climate change and plastic pollution simultaneously. His work has the potential to reshape entire industries, offering scalable solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
By transforming greenhouse gases into sustainable, biodegradable materials, Mark and his team at Newlight have provided a practical, commercial way of reducing the world’s carbon footprint while also offering alternatives to harmful plastics. His leadership at Newlight has made him a key figure in the sustainability movement, demonstrating how technological innovation can be leveraged to address environmental concerns and create lasting change.
Conclusion
Mark Herrema’s career is a testament to the power of innovation, entrepreneurship, and climate action. As the co-founder and CEO of Newlight Technologies, he has demonstrated that sustainability and business success can go hand-in-hand. Through his work in developing AirCarbon, Mark has not only contributed to the fight against plastic pollution but also shown the world how environmental challenges can lead to groundbreaking business opportunities.
Though much of Mark’s personal life, including his family and net worth, remains private, his professional achievements speak for themselves. His leadership continues to inspire those within the climate-tech industry, proving that visionary ideas, paired with determination and strategic thinking, can make a profound impact on the planet.
As the world faces increasingly urgent environmental challenges, Mark Herrema’s work at Newlight Technologies stands as a powerful example of how business leaders can use their expertise to create solutions that benefit both the planet and the economy.