Collaborative Fund

Ravel is a waste management company specializing in the recycling of blended textiles. It develops and manufactures textile waste recycling machines designed to convert end-of-life clothing and textiles into new, market-grade fiber. The company creates compact, shipping container-sized recycling facilities that utilize proprietary mechanical and chemical technologies to transform textile waste efficiently. Ravel's approach addresses waste management in a distributed and localized manner, promoting a circular economy that emphasizes renewable resources. By focusing on environmentally and socially responsible practices, Ravel aims to enhance the sustainability of the clothing supply chain.

Brightly is a food recovery company dedicated to addressing food waste and food insecurity simultaneously. It collaborates with food rescue organizations to redirect surplus food away from landfills, where it typically contributes to methane emissions and environmental degradation. By converting the efforts of these organizations into verifiable carbon credits, Brightly provides them with sustainable funding, enabling them to recover more food and distribute it to underserved communities. This dual approach not only mitigates the pressing issue of hunger faced by millions but also helps combat climate change by reducing the amount of food waste that ends up in landfills.

MacroCycle Technologies is a company developing a chemical recycling process to convert polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyester-fiber waste into virgin-grade plastics. Their proprietary technology, based on synthesizing cyclic macromolecules, enables the production of recycled PET with lower energy use than traditional methods. This process offers a sustainable, zero-carbon, and cost-competitive solution for plastic upcycling, contributing to a circular economy.

Wasted* is a company based in Williston, Vermont, that focuses on transforming human waste into sustainable fertilizers. Founded in 2020, it aims to establish a circular sanitation economy that connects individuals to their local environment while unlocking the value of human waste. The company has developed a technology that effectively separates urine from feces, preserving the nutrients found in both while eliminating the need for chemical additives. This innovative approach enables clients to convert waste into a valuable resource, promoting environmentally friendly waste treatment and disposal practices.

Keel Labs is a biomaterials company focused on producing sustainable materials derived from renewable resources, specifically seaweed. The company addresses the ecological damage associated with the fashion industry by developing a platform for creating durable and rapidly degradable yarns from kelp. This innovative approach integrates scientific research and design with waste reduction in textile production, offering a viable alternative to conventional textiles for the footwear and apparel industries. By utilizing kelp, Keel Labs provides a functional and environmentally friendly resource that aims to mitigate the negative impacts of traditional material sourcing.

Kids on 45th, Inc. is a Seattle-based e-commerce startup that specializes in selling used clothing for children. Founded in 2018, the company aims to provide parents with affordable, high-quality, nearly-new clothing options for their growing kids. It operates a subscription service that allows customers to receive gently-used kids' clothes delivered directly to their homes. By sourcing clothing through various facilities across the country, Kids on 45th offers a convenient solution for parents seeking everyday essentials at lower prices.

For Days, Inc., established in 2016 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, specializes in manufacturing and recycling t-shirts for men and women. The company operates on a subscription and membership basis, providing customers with tees made from recycled fabric. Its unique business model encourages sustainability by allowing users to return their products once they become worn out or stained, facilitating a closed-loop recycling system and reducing waste in the fashion industry. For Days' proprietary platform, Trashie, incentivizes customers to embrace clothing recycling on a large scale, offering tangible rewards for their participation.