Green Mining
Non Equity Assistance in 2024
Green Mining is a company focused on enhancing environmental, social, and economic sustainability through its innovative reverse logistics technology. It specializes in efficiently retrieving post-consumer packaging by identifying waste generation points and collecting materials from surrounding areas. This systematic approach enables clients to reclaim materials and reintegrate them into the supply chain, thereby promoting responsible waste management and supporting recycling initiatives. Green Mining's solutions aim to create a more sustainable production cycle while fulfilling the shared responsibility of managing post-consumer waste.
EcoAct Tanzania
Non Equity Assistance in 2024
EcoAct Tanzania is a manufacturer focused on creating eco-friendly building materials by recycling post-consumer plastic waste. The company utilizes chemical-free plastic extrusion technology to transform various waste materials, including packaging and agricultural waste, into durable plastic lumber. This innovative approach provides customers with affordable alternatives to traditional wood timbers, offering products that are termite-free and resistant to rot. By specializing in energy conservation technology, EcoAct Tanzania contributes to sustainable waste management while promoting environmentally friendly construction materials.
TRASHCOIN
Non Equity Assistance in 2024
TRASHCOIN is a digital recycling technology that improves citizen engagement in recycling, to drive operational efficiencies and increase transparency in the supply chain. With our mobile app, Users can search for the closest recycling or collection station, take their plastic bottles to them, and get paid. They have the option to exchange their earnings for cash, for mobile Airtime/Data, pay for electricity and PayTv subscriptions, or pay for University Entrance examination fees. Recycling companies can register their business locations on our web platform and be seen by users who live nearby. They get to receive very clean PET bottles that improve the quality of their feedstock and eliminate the logistics and transportation costs involved in visiting households and dumpsites to purchase filthy PET bottles. Our system ensures they have a proper inventory system to track their recycling activities and generate valuable Data. Our Recycling as a Business solution also allows individuals with start-up capital as low as 10,000 Naira ($25) to register as collectors/aggregators, receive bottles from users, and resell the bottles to recycling companies to make up to 20% profit margin monthly. Our system isn’t limited to plastic collection alone, we also facilitate the recycling of other recyclables like Aluminium cans, bottles, Cartons, cardboard, papers, Nylon, Metal, Electronic waste, and car batteries.
EcoBean
Non Equity Assistance in 2024
EcoBean specializes in transforming waste coffee grounds into valuable, eco-friendly products. The company's proprietary technology processes these grounds into sustainable raw materials and specialty chemicals, addressing a significant global waste issue while reducing carbon footprint. EcoBean collects spent coffee grounds from cafes and offices using designated bins and bags, then repurposes them into various bio-products such as briquettes, pellets, biodegradable flower pots, coffee capsules, oils, and fragrances. This approach not only decreases environmental impact but also creates economic value by providing sustainable alternatives to traditional fuel materials.
CBE Eco-Solutions Pte
Non Equity Assistance in 2024
Recycling industrial carbon waste into high-value products
Sunbird Straws
Grant in 2023
Sunbird Straws is a manufacturer specializing in eco-friendly products. They produce biodegradable drinking straws and pens from dried fallen coconut leaves, aiming to reduce single-use plastic waste and minimize environmental impact. Their straws maintain durability in beverages, while their pens offer smooth writing technology. Sunbird Straws also provides customization options to meet diverse client needs, promoting sustainability and supporting rural employment, particularly for women.
AllCup is a company focused on creating innovative, environmentally friendly products, particularly through the development of edible coffee cups. These cups are manufactured from heat- and water-resistant materials, specifically designed to resemble sweet ice cream cones. By offering a disposable product that can be consumed after use, AllCup aims to redefine convenience and sustainability in everyday consumables. Their approach seeks to reshape the future of disposable items, providing businesses and consumers with an environmentally conscious alternative.
Scrapp
Non Equity Assistance in 2023
Scrapp is a mobile app and tablet station designed to simplify the recycling process by scanning waste items to determine their recyclability based on local recycling regulations. The app has demonstrated a significant impact by reducing contaminated waste by 93% and doubling recycling participation rates. Utilizing patent-pending AI technology, Scrapp connects various stakeholders in the recycling value chain, offering insights that help brands and retailers understand the recyclability of their packaging. This data-driven approach not only aids businesses in cost-saving on waste management but also supports them in meeting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives. By incentivizing correct recycling practices, Scrapp fosters a culture of sustainability, encouraging users to contribute to a more sustainable future, one item at a time.
TextRe
Non Equity Assistance in 2023
TextRe creates environmentally friendly plastic polymers from recycled textile waste in an effort to cut down on plastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the textile and plastic industries.
Composite Recycling
Grant in 2022
Composite Recycling specializes in developing an innovative method for recycling Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) composites. The company's technology uses a pyrolysis technique to recover glass fibers from composite materials while preserving their structural and functional properties, making them reusable. This process also produces pyrolysis oil as a byproduct. Composite Recycling aims to address the growing issue of composite waste, particularly from sources like boats and wind turbine blades, by converting this waste into high-quality reclaimed glass fibers and pyrolysis oil.
Loop Closing
Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Loop Closing offers a comprehensive food waste solution by replacing dumpsters and trash cans with an on-site composting system and returning the finished compost to the soil, closing the ecological loop and solving waste problems. It helps organizations regenerate soils, the environment, and communities by composting their food waste on-site. It operates in dense urban environments reducing existing pest and smell pressures from current food waste practices for around the same cost.
TrashCon
Non Equity Assistance in 2021
TrashCon is a sustainability company recognized for its innovative technological solutions in waste management and plastic recycling. The company specializes in the manufacturing of solid waste segregators designed to enhance waste management practices. Its advanced machines utilize automated sorting trommel screens to effectively separate mixed municipal solid waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable components. This process not only aids in efficient waste segregation but also facilitates the creation of recycled panels, allowing clients to derive value from unsegregated waste. Through its efforts, TrashCon aims to promote zero waste initiatives and improve the overall efficiency of recycling processes.
Plastogaz
Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Plastogaz is a Swiss company based in Lausanne that specializes in the production of natural gas from waste resources, particularly synthetic waste streams like plastics. Founded in 2019, it utilizes a patented catalyst technology to convert mixed plastics into grid-compatible methane and naphtha, which can serve as fuel or be used for creating new synthetic materials. By transforming plastic waste into usable products, Plastogaz aims to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a more sustainable environment. The company's innovative approach not only addresses the challenges of plastic disposal but also helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional waste management practices.
NaturLoop
Non Equity Assistance in 2021
NaturLoop is a Swiss-based cleantech and material science company focused on promoting sustainable development through the production of natural biocomposites. The company specializes in manufacturing coconut-based fiberboards derived from agricultural waste, utilizing an innovative and low-tech process to create eco-friendly materials. By leveraging existing wood panel infrastructure, NaturLoop offers versatile and high-performance alternatives for the construction sector, addressing environmental concerns and supporting circular economy practices. Its unique turnkey micro-factory concept enables the industrial-scale production of these biocomposites, while also integrating local rural communities into the value chain. Through its efforts, NaturLoop aims to provide accessible and affordable sustainable options, mitigating the depletion of natural resources.
Greencovery
Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Greencovery specializes in food upcycling technology that allows food companies to produce sustainable ingredients from side-stream production. The company's proprietary platform accelerates the time-to-market for new ingredients, focusing on savory flavors, supplements such as amino acids, proteins, fruity flavors, and fibers. By enabling the recovery of valuable ingredients that would otherwise be discarded, Greencovery helps its customers enhance the feasibility and sustainability of their businesses. The ingredients produced have a low carbon footprint, are sourced close to market, and offer high functionality, making them suitable for various applications in the growing sports nutrition, beverages, and protein alternatives sectors.
Ottan
Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Ottan is an impact-driven startup focused on up-cycling food and agricultural waste within a circular economy framework to mitigate plastic use and safeguard natural resources. The company specializes in developing and producing sustainable bio-composite materials that serve as alternatives to traditional materials like wood, stone, and acrylic solid surfaces. These innovative Ottan Materials are designed for a variety of applications, including cladding, furniture, and housewares, catering to the needs of design offices and industries committed to environmentally friendly practices. By utilizing biological and food waste as raw materials, Ottan empowers designers to engage in zero-waste design, promoting sustainable practices in interior and industrial design.
WeCo
Non Equity Assistance in 2021
WeCo specializes in the development of innovative and ecological self-contained toilets designed for public sanitation. Their patented technology utilizes a biological process and an electrochemical reactor to effectively treat and recycle black water on-site, producing clean water suitable for flushing in just two hours. This system significantly reduces water consumption, using only 350 liters annually for 100 daily users, compared to the 156,000 liters required by standard public toilets. Additionally, WeCo's approach transforms urine into usable water and natural fertilizer, promoting a sustainable solution for waste management while supporting the ecological transition in sanitation practices.
Outlander Materials
Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Outlander Materials is a manufacturer focused on addressing the challenges posed by single-use plastics through its innovative product, UnPlastic. This biodegradable alternative is crafted from food industry sources, including by-products and brewery waste, ensuring that it remains functional and compostable without breaking down into harmful micro- or nano-plastics. Designed for food and packaging applications, UnPlastic offers businesses a sustainable option that not only reduces plastic waste but also contributes to minimizing food waste. By providing a circular solution, Outlander Materials aims to transform the packaging landscape and promote environmentally responsible practices.
CADEL DEINKING
Non Equity Assistance in 2021
CADEL DEINKING is a technological development company created with the aim of implementing plastic recyclers and converting companies in an innovative plastic recycling process, through which it is possible to eliminate printed ink on plastic surfaces. The technology, developed by CADEL DEINKING , allows for the first time to eliminate the ink from the plastic before its recycling to obtain a product with a quality very similar to virgin plastic. This allows to use it in the same applications as a new material. It is a unique technology in the world, whose patent has been extended to more than 20 countries. CADEL DEINKING has a demonstration plant in San Vicente del Raspeig (Alicante) that allows to carry out all the steps of the process on an industrial scale. CADEL DEINKING demonstrates in its facilities the feasibility of the process technique before the companies interested in arranging the technology, mainly large film printers and recyclers. The tests carried out at the CADEL DEINKING deinking plant with the client material are a key step before licensing the technology and developing the engineering at the client's facilities. The companies that choose to install a de-inking plant in their facilities will increase their competitiveness, since they will offer their customers a recycled material of very high quality. CADEL DEINKING shares the efforts of industries to improve the quality of products with increasingly sustainable processes and methods.
Loo Works Limited
Seed Round in 2020
Loo Works limited manufactures sustainable components from solid waste materials to create container based toilet in every home
Neustark
Pre Seed Round in 2020
Neustark is a company focused on promoting sustainable construction practices by enabling zero-emissions concrete production. It captures carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere and transforms them into limestone, a material that can replace cement and sand, which are significant cost contributors in concrete manufacturing. Additionally, Neustark offers services that allow for the recycling of construction waste by decomposing it into its original carbonate powder and gravel components. This process not only reuses materials but also helps reduce the overall carbon footprint of concrete production, positioning Neustark as a key player in the movement towards environmentally friendly construction solutions.
Carbonauten
Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Carbonauten is a company focused on developing innovative solutions for carbon capture and storage. It specializes in creating NET Materials, a new category of materials that combines CO2-reducing biocarbons with various binders through an advanced pyrolytic carbonization process. By sourcing biocarbons from problematic materials and local biogenic waste, Carbonauten effectively removes CO2 from the atmosphere and permanently stores it in its products. This process not only captures carbon but also mitigates the release of other greenhouse gases, such as methane and nitrous oxide, by preventing the decomposition of organic materials. The company's industrial system provides municipalities, companies, and various industries with sustainable options for managing biomass residues while contributing to environmental sustainability.
RE2BE
Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Re2Be provides upcycling options to make use of waste streams and create value.
Applied Bioplastics
Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Applied Bioplastics is a company focused on providing sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. Its mission is to eliminate dependence on virgin plastics by offering affordable, high-grade recycled options that incorporate sustainably sourced plant materials from developing nations. This approach not only reduces costs but also addresses the economic barriers that hinder companies from adopting recycled plastics. The company's bioplastic products are designed to lower carbon dioxide emissions and minimize habitat destruction, combining plant fibers with standard, recycled, or biobased polymers. These materials can be injection molded or extruded, making them suitable for a wide range of applications across various industries, including household goods, automotive, appliances, electronics, and outdoor equipment, all while maintaining quality and performance.
Radial Biomateriales
Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Radial Biomateriales, established in 2018 and headquartered in Zapopan, Mexico, specializes in the production of biodegradable packaging and related products. The company innovatively utilizes agro-industrial waste to create these eco-friendly solutions, targeting applications in packaging, industrial design, and interior design.
TicInsect
Non Equity Assistance in 2020
TicInsect is a company focused on addressing food waste disposal issues by providing sustainable solutions that reduce environmental impact. It specializes in the bioconversion of organic waste into protein ingredients for animal feed by rearing larvae, which serve as natural recyclers of this waste. Through this process, TicInsect recovers protein content from food waste, transforming the larvae into protein flour and oil. These insect-derived ingredients offer a sustainable alternative to traditional fish and soy-based feed components, catering primarily to pet food manufacturers seeking protein-rich substitutes.
ASCENDO Earth
Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Ascendo Earth is a technology app expands organic side stream recycling with fly larvae.
ECONEXUS VENTURES LIMITED
Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Econexus Ventures is a renewable energy firm. They provide services that include environmental investing, technology, recycling, conservation farming, and marketing. An online inquiry form is available on the company's website.
Candam Tech
Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Candam Tech is a company focused on advancing waste management solutions through innovative technology. It has created a cost-effective Smart Ring technology that utilizes acoustic techniques and artificial intelligence to identify various types of packaging materials in real time. This patented system enhances waste collection processes and aims to improve recycling rates, thereby supporting the circular economy. Candam Tech's platform also facilitates access to waste management and collection systems, particularly in urban areas, addressing challenges related to plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices, including the management of pharmaceutical waste.
Orange Fiber
Pre Seed Round in 2020
Orange Fiber is an Italian company that specializes in the production of sustainable fabrics derived from citrus juice by-products, which would otherwise be discarded. By transforming these materials into a silk-like cellulose yarn, the company creates refined and lightweight fabrics that align with the tradition of high-quality Italian textiles and high fashion. This innovative approach not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also allows clients to source materials that offer a soft hand-feel and versatility for blending with other fabrics. Through its unique manufacturing process, Orange Fiber envisions a new life for these precious resources, underscoring its commitment to elegance and eco-friendliness in the textile industry.
Mi Terro
Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Mi Terro is an advanced material company specializing in the development of eco-friendly packaging solutions derived from agricultural waste. Unlike other companies that focus on consumables like beverages or snacks, Mi Terro transforms agricultural byproducts into flexible packaging materials that are both ocean degradable and home compostable. Their innovative approach repurposes waste to replace traditional plastic and paper materials, providing additional income for farmers globally. The company’s products cater to a wide range of applications, including packaging for fresh produce, dry food, fashion items, and cleaning products. Mi Terro’s process is energy-efficient, consuming less energy than conventional paper and plastic production while generating 90% less CO2 emissions compared to plastic. By utilizing protein-based materials sourced from agricultural waste, Mi Terro is redefining the concept of a circular economy, ensuring that waste materials are repurposed into sustainable products that can ultimately return to the earth as compost or biodegradable matter.
USEFULL
Non Equity Assistance in 2020
USEFULL is a company dedicated to creating a zero-waste future by eliminating plastics and single-use packaging within college and corporate dining operations. It offers a sustainable solution through its stainless steel, returnable takeout containers, designed for ease of use akin to checking out a library book. These containers are durable and can be used for at least three years before being recycled, contributing to significant reductions in waste, water usage, and emissions. By integrating a proprietary application, USEFULL simplifies the checkout and return process, enabling organizations to save money while effectively promoting their sustainability initiatives and driving lasting behavior change among customers.
OBAGGO RECYCLING
Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Obaggo Recycling includes segregating clear, brown, and green glass; sorting paper from periodicals, and crushing aluminum cans to make them denser for storage. All clean or dry polyethylene bags and packaging films were recycled.
Graviky Labs
Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Graviky Labs is a company that specializes in capturing carbon emissions from the atmosphere and converting them into usable materials. The company has developed an innovative device that can be retrofitted onto vehicle exhaust systems to capture pollution emitted by fossil fuel-based sources such as cars, trucks, and diesel generators. This captured air pollution is then recycled into products like inks, paints, and coatings, as well as converted into carbon dioxide-based solutions such as ethylene and ethanol. By transforming harmful emissions into valuable resources, Graviky Labs aims to contribute to environmental sustainability and support a greener future.
Polybion is a manufacturer specializing in the design, production, and finishing of bio-assembled materials derived from waste. By utilizing circular carbon-sourced processes, the company aims to support designers and material engineers in creating environmentally friendly products. Polybion’s innovative approach addresses the ecological challenges posed by traditional textile materials sourced from petroleum or animals, thereby contributing to sustainability and promoting a circular economy.
SEADS - SEA DEFENCE SOLUTIONS
Grant in 2019
SEADS, or Sea Defence Solutions, is dedicated to protecting the world's oceans and wildlife by addressing the issue of plastic waste. The company specializes in developing barriers that are strategically placed in rivers to capture waste before it reaches the sea. These barriers create a cross-flow current that directs waste into collection basins, where it can be accumulated and redirected for recycling. This approach provides a sustainable and low-maintenance solution for intercepting waste, significantly reducing one of the primary sources of ocean pollution. SEADS aims to deliver long-term environmental benefits while promoting healthier oceans, recognizing their vital importance to human survival.
LUP COLOMBIA
Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Lup Colombia design and market recycle glass waste into silicon fertilizers.
Envic-Sense
Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Envic-Sense is a company that specializes in developing advanced measuring instruments for environmental applications, specifically designed to detect extremely low levels of heavy metals in water and soil. Utilizing Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) technology, Envic-Sense's instruments enable real-time measurement by analyzing the frequency changes of a coated crystal when different substances adhere to its surface. This technology allows for the precise monitoring of various heavy metals, including mercury, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and TNT. Envic-Sense has innovated the use of interchangeable measuring cells, which can be easily replaced after multiple tests, ensuring high sensitivity and accuracy. The measuring cells are designed for recycling, contributing to sustainable practices in environmental monitoring. As the company continues to expand its offerings, it aims to enhance decision-making processes for clients by providing reliable and efficient tools for assessing environmental contamination.
1H2O3
Non Equity Assistance in 2019
1H2O3 is an international platform for sizing and selling equipment related to water and environmental protection. They design and manufacture their own equipment from recyclable materials for various sectors, including sanitation, drinking water, and aquaculture. They provide all the information concerning water treatment, several pieces of equipment for specific applications, and various sizing tools that will meet specific needs.
OtailO
Non Equity Assistance in 2019
OtailO is an Israeli company based in Ramat Hasharon, founded in 2019, specializing in sustainable solutions for managing online product returns. The company's AI-driven platform optimizes return processes by calculating the best destination for each returned item in real-time and dynamically routing it accordingly. OtailO's system includes remote inspection to verify the validity and condition of returns, and transforms authorized partners into local spots for reselling, recycling, refurbishing, or donation. By enhancing the post-purchase experience, OtailO helps enterprise retailers reduce costs, carbon emissions, return rates, fraud, and boosts customer loyalty.
Phool
Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Phool is a company dedicated to managing and recycling floral waste generated from religious places of worship. It operates on a circular economy model, transforming this waste into a variety of organic products, including charcoal-free incense sticks, organic vermicompost, and biodegradable packaging materials. By utilizing patented processes, Phool not only addresses the environmental issues associated with floral waste but also provides employment opportunities for marginalized women. The company aims to promote sustainability while delivering effective organic solutions to its customers.
Solutum Ltd., founded in 2017 and located in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel, specializes in the development and production of biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastics. The company has created a unique formula that allows its products, including plastic bags, to dissolve in water, transforming into eco-friendly components. This innovative approach aims to address the pressing issue of plastic pollution, which contributes to significant environmental and health concerns globally. With approximately 350 million tons of plastic produced annually, much of it being single-use, Solutum's products provide a strong, cost-efficient solution that mitigates the harmful effects of plastic waste on land and in oceans. By offering biodegradable options, Solutum contributes to reducing the social and environmental costs associated with plastic pollution, which are estimated to exceed $139 billion each year.
Infinite Cooling
Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Infinite Cooling Inc. is a renewable and environmental technology company that specializes in water recovery systems for industrial-scale facilities, particularly power plants. Founded in 2017 and based in Somerville, Massachusetts, the company has developed an innovative technology that utilizes high-voltage electric fields to capture and recycle water that evaporates from cooling towers. This advanced method not only mitigates water scarcity but also significantly reduces water consumption and treatment costs for its clients. By focusing on wastewater management and recycling, Infinite Cooling addresses critical environmental challenges while promoting sustainable practices in industries such as power generation and manufacturing.
Magnomer is a Boston-based manufacturer specializing in innovative magnetic inks designed to enhance the recyclability of plastic packaging within a circular economy framework. Founded in 2017, the company has developed a product called Design2Recycle™, which serves as a design tool for consumer brands and manufacturers. This technology incorporates printable magnetizable inks that improve the recyclability of multi-layer plastics without necessitating changes in existing manufacturing processes. By offering coatings for inks used in such packaging, Magnomer enables recycling facilities to more effectively separate these materials using magnetic sorting technology, addressing the challenges posed by traditional recycling methods.
GrubTubs Inc. is a company focused on developing animal feed for local family farms by repurposing food waste. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, GrubTubs collects leftover food from restaurants and delivers it to local farms, where the food is transformed into chicken feed. Additionally, the company cultivates insects that serve as a nutritious food source for chickens, pigs, and fish. By implementing a waste collection system that includes providing restaurants with specialized tubs for food scraps, GrubTubs helps restaurant owners manage and reduce food waste while fostering a connection between urban eateries and rural agriculture.
PROTRASH
Non Equity Assistance in 2018
PROTRASH is a social enterprise that enhances the quality of life marginalized communities in Mexico by exchanging their recyclable waste for money.
Eceptacle
Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Eceptacle is a company that focuses on advancing waste management solutions through innovative technology. It manufactures and distributes Wi-Fi-enabled compacting trash receptacles equipped with digital displays. These smart trash cans are designed to collect and compact solid waste efficiently while providing real-time notifications when they are full. By enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs for municipalities and organizations, Eceptacle aims to improve public safety and contribute to environmental sustainability. The company’s products not only streamline waste management processes but also create opportunities for additional revenue streams.
Takachar is a company focused on transforming agricultural waste into valuable products, particularly eco-friendly cooking fuel. Operating primarily in Kenya, it has developed low-cost technologies that enable the conversion of unmanaged agricultural residues into charcoal, a non-toxic and affordable energy source for low-income households. Over the past three years, Takachar has established or assisted seven locally run waste-to-charcoal enterprises, some of which have achieved operational profitability. The company has successfully created approximately 100 jobs and sold 50 tons of its eco-char product. By utilizing oxygen-lean torrefaction reactors, Takachar helps farmers reduce waste through recycling, allowing them to generate additional income while preventing open burning of agricultural residues. The company aims to demonstrate the financial sustainability of these enterprises as a foundation for expanding its franchise network in the future.
Arqlite is a company specializing in the development of innovative materials derived from plastic waste, utilizing a proprietary recycling process that effectively handles all types of plastics, including those traditionally deemed non-recyclable. The company transforms this complex plastic waste into a lightweight artificial gravel, offering an eco-friendly alternative for construction and landscaping applications. This material not only serves as a cost-effective solution but is also ten times better as an insulator and three times lighter than conventional options, contributing to significant environmental benefits. Arqlite's efforts aim to promote a circular economy by providing sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics while helping businesses mitigate landfill costs through the use of their advanced products.
BUHO
Non Equity Assistance in 2018
BUHO is a sustainable fashion & lifestyle platform with products for women, men, kids & home under one banner for the first time. We're rooted in an uncompromising commitment to sustainable contemporary fashion that’s easy to find, fun to wear, and earth-loving. Our company was born out of a belief that fashion can do better because we know better. By combining fashion and social impact, BUHO provides consumers the opportunity to shop by the values most important to them. As an active member of 1% For the Planet, BUHO commits to donating 1% of all sales to support environmental programs and is a fully circular business with biodegradable packaging and an easy recycle program that distributes items to one of our non-profit partners repurposes it into new materials. We are currently going through our B-Corp Certification Process.
Resthetics
Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Resthetics, founded in 2015 and based in Austin, Texas, specializes in anesthetic recycling services aimed at converting waste anesthetic gas into a renewable resource. The company utilizes a unique porous crystalline organic framework, developed from interdisciplinary research at the University of Houston, which exhibits a high affinity for fluorinated anesthetics and enables the efficient desorption of captured molecules. By recapturing these anesthetics, Resthetics allows manufacturers to acquire them at a lower cost compared to producing new materials. This innovative approach not only helps reduce hydrofluorocarbon emissions from hospitals but also taps into a significant market opportunity. The company has garnered recognition in prominent scientific publications and has secured multiple grants, reflecting its commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the healthcare sector. Additionally, Resthetics holds an exclusive licensing agreement with the University of Houston for its proprietary technology.
Backspace
Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Backspace is junk removal with an environment saving twist. Rather than taking items to the landfill, Backspace can recycle most of it. We donate what we can like clothing and furniture, but if not then we can recycle it. We can recycle computers, appliances, metal, cardboard, mattresses, and lots of other items.
Alkemy Environmental
Grant in 2017
Alkemy Environmental is a cleantech company based in Massachusetts, founded in 2008 by Sofia Bethani and Peter Kombouras. The company specializes in recycling industrial waste streams into concrete aggregate, providing solutions that include expandable lightweight aggregate, ultra lightweight aggregate, and high strength lightweight aggregate. In addition to its recycling services, Alkemy Environmental offers waste management solutions to help clients efficiently dispose of toxic waste. By converting industrial waste into structural grade lightweight concrete aggregate, including LEED-certified synthetic aggregate, Alkemy Environmental enables businesses to minimize their environmental impact while reducing construction costs.
Social Fabric
Grant in 2017
Social Fabric is a sustainable textile center committed to promoting the use of textiles and clothing that minimize ecological and social footprints. The company operates a community-based association that emphasizes the integration of refugees in Switzerland and sustainability in textile production. Through its atelier, Social Fabric aims to provide customers with meaningful and customized garments that reflect principles of a circular economy, innovative technology, and ethical labor practices. By combining decentralised manufacturing with a focus on sustainability, Social Fabric enables individuals to access high-quality, sustainable textile products tailored to their needs.
LeCycle is a company based in Lausanne that specializes in producing gastronomic oyster mushrooms using repurposed coffee grounds sourced from local restaurants. By collecting used coffee grounds, LeCycle not only creates high-quality mushrooms but also contributes to sustainable waste management practices. The process involves transforming the coffee remains into a nutrient-rich fertilizer, which can be reused, further enhancing the cycle of sustainability. This innovative approach allows LeCycle to address food production and waste reduction simultaneously, promoting environmentally friendly practices in the culinary sector.
LEDsafari SA, founded in 2014 and based in Lausanne, Switzerland, is a clean-tech company focused on sustainability education and training. The company offers training programs and innovative solar kits designed to help users learn about solar technology and its applications. Through these programs, trainees assemble electrical circuits using the kits and create personalized lamp bodies made from recycled materials. LEDsafari's first product has gained traction in the market, with 15,000 units sold last year across 15 countries via its online platform. The company has developed a state-of-the-art learning platform that includes high-quality animations, graphics, and games, with plans to incorporate augmented reality and mobile technology in the future. By empowering the next generation with practical skills and knowledge, LEDsafari aims to foster a commitment to tackling climate change and promoting sustainable energy practices.
Dechets a L'Or
Grant in 2017
Creating a waste management system in secondary cities that collect urban waste for composting and anaerobic digestion to produce Fertilizer and Energy. We imagine a world in which cities obtain social, economic and environmental value from waste and are therefore healthier and more sustainable places. Our mission is to change how cities in sub-Saharan Africa view their waste. Through innovation of waste systems in small and medium-sized African cities we will provide fertilizer to farmers, energy to businesses, improve the local environment and community health, and create jobs to reduce poverty.
EcoTech Recycling
Grant in 2017
EcoTech Recycling specializes in the management of semiconductor scrap streams of precious and non precious metals from all stages of manufacturing; from Front end through Final Manufacturing. We offer the US and International communities a niche one stop shop for controlled and protected recycling of semiconductor manufacturing scrap. As a global importer, our customers feel that all of us have the opportunity to benefit. We want to maintain being green by reducing our global footprint, maximizing revenue for our customers, protecting our customer’s intellectual property, and doing our part to help toward sustainability of our environment. Our goal is to reduce landfill deposits and promote recycling of raw materials. EcoTech provides the following benefits to the companies we serve: -Assure Environmental Responsibility -Protect Intellectual Property -Security -Consulting -Auditing -Maximize Revenue
Novamet sarl
Non Equity Assistance in 2017
Novamet Sarl, established in 2014 and located in Saint-Sulpice, Switzerland, specializes in optimizing aluminum melting and recycling processes through its innovative data-driven platform. The company offers a product called SmartMelt, which utilizes online data acquisition, numerical modeling, and machine learning to enhance the efficiency of industrial furnaces in the aluminum sector. By integrating real-time data analysis with advanced simulation techniques, Novamet's system collects information from sensors placed within melting furnaces. This enables the prediction of optimal melting cycles, allowing aluminum and metallurgy plants to improve energy efficiency and overall productivity during production.
Ascend Elements
Grant in 2016
Ascend Elements is a manufacturer of advanced battery materials, specializing in the reclamation of valuable elements from spent lithium-ion batteries. The company employs hydroprocess recycling and direct recycling techniques to deconstruct old cathode materials to the atomic level, allowing for the creation of new cathode materials. This innovative approach not only facilitates the recycling of battery components but also supports clients in maximizing their returns on investments, promoting the economic viability of recycling and the production of low-cost battery materials.
Safi Organics
Grant in 2016
Safi Organics is a company focused on enhancing agricultural productivity by supplying high-quality organic fertilizers to rural farmers. Its innovative approach involves the development of carbon-negative fertilizers produced from locally sourced agricultural waste, utilizing proprietary low-cost, decentralized biomass conversion technology. This process not only helps farmers improve their crop yields and income but also addresses environmental concerns by reducing waste and mitigating pollution associated with traditional waste burning practices. Through its sustainable solutions, Safi Organics aims to support the agricultural community while promoting environmentally friendly practices.
Trisol is a recycling firm focused on repurposing end-of-life tires and rubber products. The company addresses environmental challenges by transforming these materials into useful products, particularly sports surfaces. Trisol specializes in creating safe and sustainable flooring solutions for industrial and recreational use, including decorative and functional surfaces for athletic activities. By converting tires into visually appealing sports surfaces, Trisol enhances the quality of play areas, contributing to improved safety and functionality for children and athletes alike.
Donii lets you donate your gently used clothes, household items, and kids' stuff directly to the people who need them most. Our platform connects donors with individuals and families in need, via the nonprofits, charities, and social workers that serve them. Each donation earns points which donors can use to shop a catalog of exclusive rewards. Give better with Donii.
RethinkResource
Non Equity Assistance in 2016
RethinkResource is a company focused on developing a cross-industrial smart sourcing platform designed for producing companies. The platform aims to facilitate the implementation of a circular economy by transforming industrial side-streams into sustainable and innovative products. RethinkResource offers services in innovation management, product development, and circular engineering, enabling producers and brand owners to responsibly manage their material streams. Through its efforts, the company aspires to foster resource stewardship and support the emergence of industry leaders committed to sustainable practices.
Arqlite
Non Equity Assistance in 2016
Arqlite is a company specializing in the development of innovative materials derived from plastic waste, utilizing a proprietary recycling process that effectively handles all types of plastics, including those traditionally deemed non-recyclable. The company transforms this complex plastic waste into a lightweight artificial gravel, offering an eco-friendly alternative for construction and landscaping applications. This material not only serves as a cost-effective solution but is also ten times better as an insulator and three times lighter than conventional options, contributing to significant environmental benefits. Arqlite's efforts aim to promote a circular economy by providing sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics while helping businesses mitigate landfill costs through the use of their advanced products.
ReFleece is a company dedicated to sustainable practices through the upcycling of damaged clothing and textile scraps. Established in 2012 by a former IDEO designer and a former science teacher, ReFleece collaborates with reputable clothing brands to transform materials that would otherwise be discarded into stylish accessories, such as iPad sleeves and laptop bags. By focusing on the principles of upcycling, ReFleece aims to challenge the culture of disposability in fashion, demonstrating that sustainability can be both scalable and profitable. The company has positioned itself as a leader in the production of modern, eco-friendly accessories, emphasizing the potential for waste reduction in the textile industry.
Saathi is a consumer packaged goods company focused on providing eco-friendly hygiene products, specifically designed to promote menstrual health for women. The company specializes in manufacturing zero-plastic, compostable alternatives to traditional absorbents such as diapers, sanitary pads, and incontinence pads. Founded by graduates from prestigious institutions, Saathi innovates by using locally sourced materials, including banana fiber, to create products that are both environmentally sustainable and safe for users. These products are also perfume-free, reducing the risk of rashes and irritation often associated with conventional hygiene items. Saathi's mission emphasizes the importance of creating solutions that are beneficial for individual health, the environment, and the broader community.
Beantown Bedding
Grant in 2013
Beantown Bedding is a Boston-based company founded by two entrepreneurs, specializing in innovative, compostable bedding solutions designed to eliminate the need for laundry. Their signature product, Laundry-Free Linens, provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional laundering, appealing to both consumers and businesses in sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, and emergency management. Made from Tencel, a plant-based material, these soft sheets can be used for several days or weeks before being discarded or composted, offering significant savings in time, water, and energy. Beantown Bedding has garnered national recognition for its unique approach to comfort, hygiene, and sustainability, earning media attention from outlets like CNBC, USA Today, and the Today Show. The founders have also received accolades, including recognition as notable figures in Women & Wealth Magazine's 2017 "17 Women to Watch."
Lallitara is an environmentally conscious apparel brand that specializes in creating stylish, one-of-a-kind products by upcycling vintage sari fabrics. The company offers a range of eco-friendly apparel, accessories, and home products that allow customers to express their personal style while supporting sustainable practices. By repurposing traditional Indian saris, Lallitara not only provides unique fashion options but also contributes to the livelihoods of India's informal recycling community by ensuring fair wages. Additionally, the brand emphasizes domestic manufacturing, aligning itself with the 'Made in America' movement. Overall, Lallitara combines fashion with a commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
CleanFiber, LLC is a manufacturer of cellulose insulation materials designed for use in attics, walls, and floors of both residential and commercial buildings. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Blasdell, New York, with an additional office in Buffalo, the company specializes in producing high-performance, carbon-negative insulation from recycled corrugated cardboard. This innovative approach not only promotes sustainability but also enables construction companies to build fire-resistant structures while maintaining cost competitiveness. CleanFiber has transitioned from its former name, UltraCell Insulation, LLC, in September 2018, and is currently focused on rapidly scaling up production to meet growing demand in the insulation market.
Sword & Plough
Grant in 2013
Sword & Plough is a company founded in 2012 by sisters Emily and Betsy Nunez, rooted in their military upbringing. The business focuses on creating stylish bags made from recycled military surplus fabric. Its mission is to employ veterans and promote environmental sustainability while fostering greater civilian appreciation for veterans. By recycling materials that would otherwise go to waste, Sword & Plough aims to offer socially conscious consumers unique products while enhancing awareness of veterans' experiences and contributions. The company has gained recognition through participation in various competitions and initiatives aimed at social entrepreneurship.
LittleBonsai
Grant in 2012
LittleBonsai is a product studio that is dedicated to creating fun and useful household products in a responsible way. They’ve developed ReBrush™, an exciting new toothbrush that features replaceable heads and high-quality handles made from aluminum and sustainably grown hardwood.
E-POL has developed a process allowing waste glycerin from biodiesel production to be turned into a variety of products.
Bootstrap Compost
Grant in 2012
Bootstrap Compost is Greater Boston’s premier year-round residential and commercial food scrap pickup service. Partnering with local farms, Bootstrap diverts thousands of pounds of organic material from landfills every week. As a result, they are harnessing the potential of organic refuse to redefine and empower a local food community.
TireTech de-vulcanizes tires, creating clean raw materials in demand by manufacturers.
Cerahelix, Inc. is a manufacturer of ceramic membrane filters designed for high-quality water purification and resource recycling. Established in 2011 and based in Orono, Maine, the company specializes in bio-derived products that utilize patented DNA template technology to create sub-nanometer pores in ceramic membranes. This innovative design enables the filtration of minute particles, allowing water purification agencies to effectively separate salts, metal ions, and other impurities at the molecular level. Cerahelix offers a range of filtration products, including single-channel elements for laboratory and pilot-scale studies, as well as multi-channel elements for commercial applications. Additionally, the company provides filter element housings and laboratory test systems to support small-scale research and development. Its products serve various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, mining, and waste-to-energy.
Down to Earth Waste Solutions
Grant in 2011
Down to Earth Waste Solutions turns food waste into fertilizer. They offer organic waste collection services for small to medium businesses, as well as value-add organic soil production solutions for composting/processing operations.
PK Clean
Seed Round in 2011
PK Clean's vision is to end landfilled waste. It's fifth generation system allows its customers to utilize their plastic waste and lower their energy costs. By providing a low-cost, compact and automated solution, PK Clean's goal is to make its processors as widely available as possible.
Greenbean Recycle
Grant in 2010
Greenbean Recycle is a technology-driven company focused on enhancing beverage container recycling through innovative reverse vending machines (RVMs). These machines allow consumers to return their beverage containers in exchange for cash incentives, which can be deposited directly into bank accounts or donated to charitable causes. By connecting RVMs to the internet, Greenbean enables users to create online accounts where they can track their recycling activities and view their positive environmental impact. The company integrates social and gaming elements to boost user engagement and also collaborates with retail loyalty programs. Additionally, Greenbean provides detailed analytics for corporate partners, leveraging data from scanned UPC codes to gather insights on recycling behaviors. With a vision to modernize consumer beverage recycling, Greenbean aims to reduce the significant number of bottles and cans that end up in landfills each year by promoting a more efficient and rewarding recycling process.
LiveProud Group
Grant in 2010
LiveProud is a collection of sportswear brands focused on creating high quality, innovative performance clothing, all from eco-friendly and recycled materials sourced in North America. Our steadfast commitment means energy conservation, CO2 emissions reduction, & diminishing landfill/litter through our production process, everyday. While our work is focused on providing this great apparel, we work to protect the environment and save fragile natural eco-systems and their inhabitants. At LiveProud we stand ready for the challenge, and dream of our goals – continued stewardship of environmental protection, conservation, and an eco-friendly lifestyle. By purveying the finest clothing to those who understand the “green” lifestyle most of all, we’re poised to really make a difference – and hope you’ll join us in making the world a better place.
Silicon Solar Solutions
Grant in 2010
Silicon Solar Solutions is an Arkansas-based startup focused on addressing the high material costs in the solar industry, which hinder market adoption. The company specializes in developing silicon-based solar cells using a patented large grain polysilicon technology. This innovation aims to reduce material usage while increasing power generation efficiency, applicable to both wafer-based and thin-film devices. Their approach emphasizes the use of abundant, non-toxic materials that are environmentally friendly and easily recyclable, offering a cost-effective solution for manufacturing solar cells and thin-film modules.
Rate It Green
Grant in 2010
Rate It Green is a directory and network platform dedicated to the green building industry. It facilitates connections between individuals and companies seeking green building products and services, while also assisting manufacturers and service providers in enhancing their reputation and reaching new clients. By offering a peer-review directory and resource network, Rate It Green promotes the sharing of information and expertise among green builders and companies, supporting the growth of sustainable practices in both residential and commercial projects. The platform aims to increase access to reliable resources, foster long-term client and vendor relationships, and contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the built environment. Individual memberships and basic company listings are available at no cost, making it accessible for all stakeholders in the green building sector.
Osmopure is a company that specializes in innovative water filtration solutions. Its primary product is a bottle top filtration device that easily screws onto used soda bottles filled with dirty water, transforming them into effective water filtration systems. This design allows users to collect and filter contaminated water, making it safe for consumption in a straightforward and cost-effective manner. The device is particularly valuable in emergency situations, as it enables individuals to access clean drinking water quickly and effortlessly, simply by squeezing the bottle. Osmopure aims to address the global challenge of clean water scarcity while promoting the reuse of plastic bottles.