MacroCycle's Innovative Approach to Plastic Recycling
MacroCycle has found a shortcut for plastic recycling, which could significantly reduce the amount of energy needed to produce new material, making it competitive with virgin plastic.
Currently, only about 9% of all plastic is recycled globally, while a mere 0.5% of textiles are recycled. The main challenge lies in the complexity of materials used in textiles, such as buttons, zippers, and synthetic blends like spandex.
"The challenge to recycling is that you can never predict your waste," said Stwart Peña Feliz, co-founder and CEO of MacroCycle. "Your waste has infinite number of contaminants."
MacroCycle's approach aims to address this issue and make recycled plastic as inexpensive as virgin material. Learn more about their innovative solution at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025.
Author's summary: MacroCycle simplifies plastic recycling.