Home / Technology / Enzyme Tech Recycles Nylon From Old Textiles
Enzyme Tech Recycles Nylon From Old Textiles
25 Mar
Summary
- Enzymes break down plastic waste into reusable monomers.
- Waste textiles are the primary feedstock for plastic production.
- A new facility aims for 20,000 metric tons of monomer production annually.
Epoch Biodesign is revolutionizing plastic recycling with a groundbreaking enzyme-based technology. The company focuses on breaking down pre- and post-consumer plastic waste, such as nylon 6,6, into monomers – the essential components for creating new plastics. This method utilizes industrial enzymes to efficiently depolymerize waste materials.
The process achieves a recovery rate exceeding 90% for target monomers, with leftover dyes being handled as a separate byproduct. Founder and CEO Jacob Nathan highlighted that waste textiles serve as a cost-effective and stable alternative to petroleum-based feedstocks, mitigating price volatility.
The company has secured $12 million in funding, including investment from Lululemon, to construct a demonstration-scale facility near London. Epoch Biodesign plans to launch a commercial-scale facility by 2028, with an anticipated annual monomer production capacity of 20,000 metric tons.
