WHO WE ARE
Paving the way for a planet-positive future.


Where It All Started
Living in London, England, Dundee Butcher worked at a high-end florist in her neighborhood. She was always fascinated by the beauty of floral design, yet became disheartened by the enormous amount of unnecessary waste created by floral foam used in arrangements, which all went to landfill.
After moving to California, a friend introduced her to a young polymer student pursuing his PhD at the University of Minnesota. He introduced her to Professor Marc Hillmyer, Director of the National Science Foundation Center for Sustainable Polymers. BKB Floral, LLC was formed (later BKB Floral Foam, Inc.) to enter into a research agreement with the Center for Sustainable Polymers. The team developed a prototype for a completely new floral foam made from plants.
In Spring 2022, patents were granted for the new foam technology developed at the University. Later that year, BKB went on to win the 2022 MN Cup (a competition of nearly 2,600 early-stage companies in Minnesota) for its development of a compostable and non-toxic foam that the company believes will become the sustainable choice of florists around the world.
In May 2023, BKB changed its name to Phoam Labs, Inc. as it recognized the potential for its foams to be used in wider applications, including opportunities in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), where the same sustainability issues are being encountered as in the floral industry.
We are deeply committed to creating a fully sustainable product lifecycle from raw materials to processing to disposal.
Our Award Winning Team
Our team is a unique blend of scientists, florists, innovators, and problem-solvers, but at its core is a deep understanding of the floral industry’s demands. Sustainability isn’t just about creating alternatives—it’s about developing solutions that work for florists. Combining firsthand industry experience with scientific expertise, we are committed to designing practical and compostable floral mechanics that support both creativity and the planet.

Dundee Butcher
Co-founder, CEO and Director
Read full bio

Ian Butcher
Chairman and Director
Read full bio

John Parnell
Director
Read full bio

Phillip Schultz
Manufacturing and R&D Engineer
Read full bio

Duncan McCabe
Head of Social Media
Read full bio

Taekjun Kim
Assistant Research Scientist
Read full bio

Professor Marc Hillmyer
Advisor
Read full bio

Tara Poseley
Advisor
Read full bio

Helen Dyson
Advisor
Read full bio