ABOUT

Stuart thrives on solving problems, particularly in replacing plastic packaging with natural fibers at Varden. Previously, he was a senior product designer for top brands, creating future-focused solutions. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling, especially challenging hill climbs.

Mark excels in organizing creative endeavors, guiding Varden’s teams effectively. A skilled communicator with a passion for the environment, he holds an Honour degree in Environmental Science from London University.

Rico leads Varden’s lab research on high-performance barriers, using Monash University’s facilities. He earned his PhD in the UK on surfactant kinetics and nanoparticle stabilization. With over 100 papers in surface and colloidal science, he enjoys bush walks with his dog Marlowe.

Sarah oversees Finance at Varden. Previously, she was an Executive Director at an ASX-listed company. A Fellow of the ACCA and graduate of AICD, she has over 20 years’ experience in financial reporting and compliance in Australia and the UK. Outside work, she’s a dedicated mom and chauffeur.

Matt leads a specific stream of work on high-barrier and biodegradable paper coatings within the research team, building on his PhD in colloids and surface science. When not in the lab he is probably fishing somewhere quiet.

Sasha leads a specific stream of work within the research team, building on her experience with interfacial interactions in colloidal systems, which are the key in development of water-based emulsions for coating applications.

A key member of the research team creating our amazing coatings and working on how to produce these economically and at scale, Jon has a PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry and is passionate about sustainability. When not in the lab he enjoys gardening, tinkering with gadgets and travelling.

Liam leads our research into fibre and nanofibre across all our product lines. With a double degree in Chemisty and Engineering he has a passion for sustainability.

Jenicka is a researcher in our coatings team, with particular responsibility for executing the complicated multi-variate trials of prospective new coatings. With a double degree in Engineering and Pharmaceutical Science, she has a passion for travel and photography.

Holly, a researcher in our coatings team with degrees in Materials Engineering and Chemistry, translates lab research into scalable industrial processes. Passionate about sustainability and inspired by the outdoors, she ensures our products positively impact industry and the environment.

Connor leads the application of our fibre IP into our pilot and scaled manufacture processes. With a double degree in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering he has a passion for sustainability.

Paul is our in-house champion for Quality Control and Certification, based at our pilot manufacturing facility. With a Doctorate in pharmaceutical development, he has worked at t startups, pharma and contract research organisations. He is also a keen sailor.

Lucas runs customer success, translating customer needs into outcomes across the full width of the lifecycle. With a double degree in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering he has a passion for sustainability, and is a keen member of the Victorian SES.

Scott is a mechanical engineer who is entrusted with keeping the pilot line at Varden running efficiently 24/7. When he is not fixing our robotic line, he is either playing sport, or cheering on the South African team (in any sport!)

Campbell has a strong technical background built on 20 years of experience in engineering including leadership roles working in FMCG and manufacturing. When he’s not finding solutions at work, you’ll find him experimenting in the kitchen creating sweet treats with his family.

Dion is a design engineer in our research team, with a Masters in Additive Manufacturing and he champions the design and manufacturing of 3D-printed toolsets that is a key part of our IP. When not slicing models in CAD Dion can be seen smashing shuttlecocks across the net.

Jacqui loves walking her dog, Honey, along the beach every day, rain, hail or shine! Jacqui enjoys family time camping, travelling, gardening, reading and cooking.

Yi currently runs our day to day QC operations in the pilot plant. With a Masters in Food Science he has the skills and the eye to keep our pilot production within tight tolerances.

One of our team delivering product from the pilot line in Braeside.

One of our team delivering product from the pilot line in Braeside.

One of our team delivering product from the pilot line in Braeside.

One of our team delivering product from the pilot line in Braeside.