Polymateria is a startup specializing in biodegradable and compostable plastics, focusing on addressing fugitive plastics, which are plastics that escape waste collection systems and pollute natural environments. According to the company, approximately 2.1 billion tonnes of plastic waste are projected to become fugitive plastics by 2050, aggravating ocean and ecosystem pollution.
Novoloop is a startup working on solutions to break down and upcycle plastics. Through its Lifecycling™ platform, Novoloop transforms hard-to-recycle plastics, such as plastic bags and packaging, into high-performance materials with a reduced carbon footprint. This novel technology chemically converts post-consumer polyethylene into essential building blocks, which are then used to produce thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), reducing carbon emissions by up to 41% compared to conventional methods.
PlantSwitch is a startup with a mission to replace all petroleum-based single-use plastics with plant-based alternatives. PlantSwitch's proprietary technology upcycles agricultural residues into plant-based resin that can be used to manufacture nearly all types of plastic products. According to the company, their home-compostable resin can fully break down in backyard compost within 12 months, leaving behind no microplastics.
Plasticfri is a Swedish-based startup developing sustainable packaging solutions from agricultural waste, wild plants, non-edible plants, and wood fibers. The company’s innovative approach is setting a new standard by creating a new generation of advanced natural materials beyond plastics. By using waste, residues, and side streams, Plasticfri supports a circular economy and reduces pollution.
Developed by Carbios, a French biotechnology company that focuses on solutions for recycling plastics and textiles through enzymatic recycling technology. The process uses an enzyme capable of specifically depolymerizing the PET (polyethylene terephthalate) contained in various plastics or textiles.
Resinergy is developing an innovative, scalable, and environmentally efficient Continuous Microwave Assisted Pyrolysis (CMAP) technology that reduces fossil-fuel-based resource dependency.
Terracle specializes in the chemical recycling of waste plastics, producing high-purity recycled terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG) from disposable coffee cups, low-grade plastics, polyester, and PET materials. This is achieved through a process known as depolymerization, a form of chemical recycling.
UBQ™ is a bio-based thermoplastic produced entirely from unsorted household waste, including organic materials and unrecyclable items. This innovative material can seamlessly integrate into existing manufacturing processes, replacing oil-based resins across industries. By adopting UBQ™, manufacturers reduce landfill waste, lower the carbon footprint of their products, and contribute to a circular economy.
Xampla is a UK-based company specializing in sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics and synthetic materials. The company focuses on developing biodegradable products that replicate the strength and functionality of traditional plastics but are derived from plant-based proteins. Xampla’s patented technology uses a range of abundant feedstocks to create scalable, reliable, drop-in replacements for plastic films, microcapsules, and coatings.
Traceless® materials are fully plant-based, biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics, derived from agricultural residues. These innovative materials are produced as pellets, which can be processed into a wide range of products such as paper coatings, rigid and flexible materials, or adhesives. Designed for applications in single-use items, packaging, and adhesives, traceless® enables manufacturers to avoid traditional plastics, offering a truly regenerative and nature-based option.