Turning Nature Into Innovation: The Story of Stavros Tsobanidis
At CLC, we take immense pride in the accomplishments of our alumni, and today, we shine a spotlight on Stavros Tsobanidis, one of our pioneering alumnus whose entrepreneurial vision and dedication to sustainability have gained international recognition. Our relationship with Stavros began when he was a student at CLC, and it has been inspiring to witness his journey from a determined young innovator to a global changemaker. His story reflects the power of education, perseverance, and a clear vision for a more sustainable future.
Inspired by the abundance of wasted natural resources along the Mediterranean coastline, Stavros founded PHEE in 2014 at just 20 years old. With a mission to bring elements of Greek nature into everyday life, PHEE develops innovative materials (panels) from residual biomass—such as seagrass, coffee waste, and agricultural by-products—replacing conventional petrochemical-based materials. These sustainable composites find applications in furniture making, architectural design, signage, and hospitality products, establishing PHEE as a true innovator in the circular economy.
Under his leadership, PHEE has collaborated with global brands such as Adidas, Deloitte, Four Seasons, One&Only, and Marriott, while also working directly with industries to transform their organic waste into new materials—an applied model of the circular economy in practice. Stavros is now spearheading a new model of collaboration with industrial partners, transforming their organic by-products into unique composite materials that can be used in custom product development, architectural interiors, and hospitality applications. This innovative approach not only creates high-value products but also closes the loop in sustainable production, giving a second life to materials that would otherwise be discarded.
His achievements earned him a place in the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list in the Industry category, along with multiple awards and fellowships recognizing his impact on sustainable innovation. Today, Stavros continues to expand PHEE’s international presence, leading a fully integrated production facility in Patras while remaining committed to continuous R&D and strong partnerships. With his vision and dedication, he is not only redefining the future of materials but also inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs to pursue innovation with purpose.