Idea to reality: Develop a comfortable yet biodegradable mat, as an alternative to rubber, for use in hog farrowing and nursery barns. The mat is made from cornstalks and provides a comfortable bed that improves growing conditions and decreases mortality rates for baby and weaned pigs.
AURI’s role: AURI provided connections to a manufacturer and technical resources to help test and develop the product including formulations and adhesives.
Outcomes: USA Solutions is selling these mats, called Compost-A-Mats, around the world. They have sold more than one million mats, which work better than rubber mats that need to be cleaned and disinfected between uses.
By the Numbers: USA Solutions sold 500,000 mats in two years, creating at least six jobs in northern Minnesota.