Epoch Biodesign aims to transform plastic waste into raw materials, bypassing petroleum dependency, with backing from Lululemon and venture firms.
Jacob Nathan founded Epoch Biodesign to develop a method for breaking down plastics, starting his efforts while in high school. The company uses enzymes to convert waste textiles, such as nylon 6,6 from clothing and other products, into monomers for new plastic production.
Epoch's process involves a cascade of enzyme treatments that recover more than 90% of the desired monomers from pre- and post-consumer plastic waste. This approach leaves only dyes as byproducts, which can be captured and handled separately, according to Nathan.
Funding and Applications
The startup recently secured a $12 million funding round, with participants including Lululemon, Exantia, Happiness Capital, Kompas VC, and Leitmotif. This investment will fund a demonstration-scale facility near Imperial College London, with plans for a commercial facility by 2028 capable of producing 20,000 metric tons of monomer annually.
Nylon 6,6, a durable synthetic material used in apparel, airbags, carpets, and ropes, is the primary focus of Epoch's technology. Nathan stated that this material remains essential due to its strength and versatility, making recycling it a key step in reducing reliance on petroleum-based feedstocks.
By using waste textiles instead of oil, Epoch avoids price volatility in raw materials, as noted by Nathan. The company plans to expand its technology to other plastics after reaching maturity with nylon 6,6, potentially creating more consistent production methods for the industry.
This development comes amid rising precursor prices for materials like nylon 6,6, which have increased by up to 150% recently. Epoch's method detaches plastic production from fossil fuels, promoting sustainability in the face of global electrification trends.
