with another $2.5 million in funding, julia collins’ planet fwd launches climate-friendly snack brand

Planet FWD, a food company dedicated to environmental sustainability and established by Zume co-founder Julia Collins, is introducing its initial offering: Moonshot Snacks. These snacks are designed with the environment in mind, achieving carbon neutrality alongside certifications as organic, kosher, plant-based, and non-GMO, with no sugar added.
The snack crackers are available in three distinct flavors – sourdough sea salt, rosemary garlic, and tomato basil. Consumers can purchase a box of these crackers for $5.99.
Planet FWD is also announcing a new round of funding totaling $2.5 million. This investment is spearheaded by Emerson Collective, Concrete Rose, MCJ Collective, and Arlan Hamilton, and includes contributions from current investors such as BBG Ventures, January Ventures, and Kapor Capital. This builds upon the $2.7 million the company secured earlier in the year.
A key differentiator for Planet FWD’s Moonshot Snacks lies in its sourcing of ingredients. The company partners with farmers who employ regenerative agriculture techniques. This approach to farming focuses on reversing the impacts of climate change by increasing carbon storage in both soil and plant life, leading to greater biodiversity, healthier soils, and improved water systems.
“Our goal is to empower consumers by demonstrating that their food choices can contribute to addressing climate change,” Collins explained to TechCrunch. “By making conscious decisions about what we eat, we can support farming and business practices that actively work to reduce environmental impact.”
Collins expressed her hope that Planet FWD can demonstrate a clear consumer interest in environmentally responsible products. This demand, she believes, will encourage a wider adoption of regenerative agriculture practices among farmers.
While organic farming has established traceability, regenerative agriculture currently lacks a similar level of transparency. This is an area where Planet FWD’s technological capabilities come into play.
Planet FWD is currently in the alpha testing phase of a carbon impact assessment tool. This tool will allow brands to evaluate the greenhouse gas footprint of their products, pinpointing the sources of emissions – such as packaging, ingredients, or distribution – and providing recommendations for reduction strategies.
“It’s a remarkable time to be alive and aware of the opportunity we have to tackle climate change,” Collins stated. “While we may not be able to halt or reverse the effects entirely, we can take action to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. However, the timeframe for effective action is becoming increasingly limited.”
Moonshot Snacks are available for purchase starting today through the company’s website. They will also be stocked at the plastic-free grocery store Zero beginning December 16, with broader retail availability planned for next year.
Planet FWD intends to expand its product line to include items like cookies and chips. However, the company’s development strategy prioritizes the supply chain and identifying opportunities to transition farms to regenerative practices.
“Planet FWD is fostering a movement of environmentally conscious farmers and producers through its sustainable ingredient platform, paving the way for a more sustainable future,” said Fern Mandelbaum, managing director at Emerson Collective, in a press release. “Julia’s leadership and dedication are helping to establish a new benchmark for the food industry’s role in climate solutions.”