Waste Reduction

Oxccu has developed groundbreaking catalytic processes that redefine the production of sustainable fuels, chemicals, and biodegradable plastics. The company’s novel iron-based catalyst enables the direct conversion of CO2 and green hydrogen (sourced from water) into high-value products such as jet-fuel-range hydrocarbons, green naphtha for bioplastics like polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), and alpha-olefins, which are the foundational ingredients for surfactants, lubricants, and plasticizers.

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. 

Ananas Anam is a UK company known for its innovative approach to sustainable materials. The company specializes in Piňatex®, a sustainable alternative to textiles made from pineapple leaf fibers. Piňatex® offers low impact textile solutions that helps brands and industries to reduce their emissions and achieve their climate and sustainability goals. 

NEFFA (New Fashion Factory) is a Dutch startup focused on creating nature-inspired textiles and technologies. The company has developed MYCOTEX®, a biobased material derived from mycelium (mushroom), offering a natural, leather-like feel without attempting to mimic leather directly. The material flexibility and thickness can also be tailored to specific products. Similar to dope dyeing, pigments are added directly into the biomass for efficient coloring.

Gefn is an Icelandic chemical engineering startup focused on producing and commercializing green chemicals for various industries. The company’s innovative technology replaces fossil-based feedstocks by converting low-value by-products, such as glycerol and fatty acids, and climate-neutral CO2 captured through direct air capture (DAC) and biomass fermentation into valuable carbonates and esters. These green chemicals serve as specialty chemicals, solvents, and intermediates in applications ranging from cleaning products and cosmetics to pharmaceuticals and batteries.

Mycocycle has developed an innovative technology that uses fungi for waste management and recycling. This patent-pending process enhances the natural capabilities of fungi to transform construction waste into low-carbon raw materials suitable for the built environment. Mycelium, the root structure of fungi, is naturally fire and water-resistant, insulative, durable, and lightweight—making it an ideal raw material for the building industry. Mycocycle’s lab process uses mycelium to consume and eliminate toxins from construction waste, producing environmentally safe raw building materials.

PILI is a biotech company that produces dyes and pigments using microorganisms for applications in textiles, inks, polymers, paints, and coatings. The technology uses microbial enzymes, which are re-engineered to produce brilliant and effective dyes from renewable resources. Enzymatic synthesis allows microbes to create materials sustainably by saving energy and reducing waste without significant inputs of toxic reagents. Once enzymatic cascades are designed, large-scale production begins without toxic inputs or harmful byproducts.

Thaely is a footwear company that makes vegan and recycled shoes to address plastic waste, promote ethical practices, and support marginalized communities. The company’s sneakers are made with 100% recycled fabric and laces, recycled rubber shoes, vegan glue, and vegan detergents. Thaely sneakers are produced using innovative recycling technology to turn plastic waste into fashionable footwear. Plastic bags are sourced from Triotap Technologies, a proprietary platform developed by Thaely to transform waste plastic into ThaelyTex using simple heating.

Enerkem specializes in converting waste materials into biofuels and renewable chemicals using patented gasification technology. This process utilizes waste and biomass residues from municipal, commercial, and industrial sources. The waste is initially sorted to remove recyclable and inert components, then shredded and dried for further processing. In the gasification phase, the prepared waste is fed into a proprietary bubbling fluidized bed gasification vessel, where it reacts with steam and oxygen to break down molecules and produce a mixture called syngas.

Technology developed by Evrnu®, an advanced material innovation company, reshaping resource utilization and reducing the negative environmental impacts of the textile industry. Nucycl® is a fiber regenerated from cotton textile waste that provides a real alternative to high-impact raw materials like cotton and polyester. The technology converts textile waste materials into ‘new’ engineered fibers, which can be recycled repeatedly.