EsterCycle

EsterCycle is a chemical recycling company that has developed a platform for the low-energy recycling of mixed-polyester plastics. The technology utilizes an alcohol solvent and a catalyst to break down petroleum-based and bio-based polyesters, including complex or multi-layer packaging materials, into their fundamental monomer building blocks under mild conditions. These monomers are subsequently separated and purified to allow for the production of recycled plastics with properties comparable to virgin materials. By operating at lower energy levels and enabling the processing of mixed feedstocks, the process is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossil-based raw materials compared to traditional recycling methods.

The company aims to solve the problem of plastic waste contamination in recycling streams and the limited acceptance of compostable plastics in existing composting facilities. By providing a scalable, circular recycling pathway for single-use packaging, EsterCycle seeks to help polymer manufacturers and consumer brands meet sustainability goals and improve the circularity of their material supply chains. Founded by Dr. Julia Curley as a spin-out from the BOTTLE Consortium at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the company is currently focused on validating the quality of its recycled products with industry partners and scaling its operations from laboratory to pilot-level facilities.