Plastic waste management remains a significant environmental issue, with growing concerns over the limitations of conventional recycling methods. Many traditional approaches rely on energy-intensive processes that degrade material quality, making it difficult for industries to transition to sustainable alternatives. London-based Epoch Biodesign is working to address this issue by developing enzyme-based solutions that enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of plastic recycling. The company recently secured $18.3 million in Series A funding to scale its technology and expand collaborations across multiple sectors.
Epoch Biodesign has previously attracted investment for its enzyme-driven recycling methods, which aim to break down plastics more efficiently. The company has built a reputation for leveraging artificial intelligence to refine biocatalysts tailored for industrial applications. The latest funding round, which includes contributions from investors such as Extantia Capital and Inditex, signals continued confidence in enzymatic recycling as a viable alternative to existing methods. Additionally, the company has received government support, further reinforcing its potential to contribute to policy-driven sustainability goals.
How does Epoch Biodesign’s enzyme technology work?
Epoch Biodesign has developed engineered enzymes capable of breaking down complex plastic waste at room temperature. Unlike conventional recycling, which often requires high heat and energy input, this process mimics natural decomposition while maintaining the material’s chemical integrity. The company employs AI-driven techniques to screen and optimize enzymes, ensuring they can efficiently convert mixed plastic waste into reusable raw materials.
The company has formed over 40 industry partnerships spanning fashion, textiles, and automotive sectors. By integrating its enzyme-based recycling system into supply chains, Epoch aims to facilitate the circular economy by providing a scalable method for processing post-consumer plastic waste. The company emphasizes that this approach could offer cost parity with fossil-based alternatives, making it economically viable for large-scale adoption.
What impact will the Inditex partnership have?
Epoch Biodesign and Inditex have entered a multi-year joint development agreement to further refine enzyme-based recycling for textiles. The collaboration aims to ensure that this technology meets the performance requirements of large-scale textile production. This initiative aligns with broader sustainability regulations that are pushing fashion brands toward improved waste management solutions.
The approach aims to address common challenges in textile recycling, including fiber separation and polymer degradation. With new regulations emerging in regions such as California and Europe, companies are exploring novel methods to comply with recycling mandates. Inditex’s involvement suggests that fashion brands are increasingly investing in innovative solutions to meet regulatory and environmental objectives.
Jacob Nathan, CEO of Epoch Biodesign, stated,
“We’re proving that plastic waste isn’t just a problem to solve – it’s a valuable resource waiting to be unlocked. Using the molecular precision of enzymes at an industrial scale, we’re building the solution set to make all plastics recyclable and doing so at a competitive price. This is what real circularity looks like.”
The newly secured funding will support the construction of Epoch’s first processing facility and the expansion of its enzyme library. The company plans to scale its operations to process tens of thousands of tonnes of waste by 2028. Investment from Inditex and other stakeholders reflects a growing industry interest in alternative recycling technologies that can operate at commercial scales.
Óscar García Maceiras, CEO of Inditex, commented,
“Epoch’s innovative and promising technology has impressive potential to revolutionize blended textile recycling. This investment strengthens our commitment to advancing an innovative, circular model and driving the industry’s transition toward low-impact materials.”
The field of enzyme-based recycling has seen increasing attention, particularly as industries look for energy-efficient and scalable solutions. Companies researching similar enzyme-driven techniques have faced challenges in scaling commercial applications and achieving cost-competitiveness with fossil-based plastics. Epoch Biodesign’s AI-enabled optimization and industrial partnerships suggest an effort to overcome these obstacles. While traditional recycling methods still dominate the market, enzyme-based degradation could provide an alternative pathway for hard-to-recycle plastics.
As industries face mounting pressure to meet sustainability standards, enzyme-based recycling technologies offer a potential alternative to reduce reliance on virgin plastics. The ability to break down waste at room temperature may provide an advantage over conventional mechanical and chemical recycling, which often struggle with complex plastic mixtures. However, scaling these solutions to meet global recycling demands remains a challenge. Companies investing in biorecycling must demonstrate that their processes can operate at commercial viability while maintaining material integrity. The next few years will be critical in determining whether enzyme-based recycling can be widely adopted as a mainstream solution.
