- DePoly raised CHF 12.3m in a seed round co-led by BASF Venture Capital and Wingman Ventures.
- The pilot plant processes 50 tonnes of PET and polyester annually, with plans to scale to 500 tonnes.
- DePoly's technology operates at room temperature and standard pressure without pre-washing or sorting.
- The company aims to reduce plastic waste by 500 tonnes annually and expand globally.
Investment and Partners
DePoly has secured CHF 12.3m in a seed funding round to scale its unique chemical recycling technology. The round was co-led by BASF Venture Capital and Wingman Ventures, with participation from Beiersdorf, Infinity Recycling, CIECH Ventures, Zürcher Kantonalbank, Angel Invest, ACE & Company, and others.
Technology and Process
DePoly's technology converts PET plastics and polyester textiles into raw chemical components at room temperature and standard pressure. This process does not require pre-washing, pre-sorting, pre-melting, or separating out other materials, making it more efficient than conventional methods. The technology can handle mixed plastics, mixed colors, and dirty plastic waste streams, as well as fabrics and fibers.
Current and Future Operations
The company currently operates a pilot plant in Valais, Switzerland, with a capacity of 50 tonnes per year. Plans are underway to build a new showcase plant with a capacity of 500 tonnes per year to demonstrate the technology at a commercial scale. DePoly aims to reduce plastic waste by an additional 500 tonnes annually and expand its operations globally.
Industry Impact
DePoly's recycling process produces raw materials that match the quality of fossil-fuel-based equivalents, offering a sustainable alternative without compromising on quality. The company aims to create a circular plastic economy by recycling pre- and post-consumer and post-industrial plastics, thereby lowering the carbon footprint by up to 65%.
Future Goals
DePoly plans to establish a network of recycling facilities worldwide, expanding beyond PET plastics to encompass other types of plastic waste. The company is driven by the goal of redefining the global lifecycle of plastics and creating a truly sustainable plastic economy.
