Renewcat Inc

Renewcat Inc is a materials science company focused on the sustainable upcycling of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) waste. The company has developed a proprietary catalytic process designed to transform waste PVC streams into high-value hydrocarbon products, specifically polyethylene waxes, while simultaneously recovering chloride for reuse in PVC manufacturing. The technology centers on chemical processes involving dechlorination and catalytic hydrogenation to convert materials that are typically deemed unrecyclable into marketable commodities for industries such as construction, adhesives, and PVC production. By providing a circular path for a problematic waste stream, the company aims to reduce environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions associated with end-of-life PVC management.

This technology addresses significant gaps in current recycling infrastructure, offering a viable economic pathway for managing plastic waste that otherwise ends up in landfills. The company, co-founded by Dr. Scott Svadlenak and Dr. Konstantinos Goulas, originated from research conducted at Oregon State University and is currently engaged in prototyping, process modeling, and R&D focused on scaling its catalyst performance and separation techniques. Renewcat has been supported by organizations such as the U.S. Department of Energy’s Chain Reaction Innovations program at Argonne National Laboratory, reflecting its role as an emerging startup within the green technology and chemical recycling sectors.