DePoly

High-Level Overview

DePoly is a Swiss deep-tech startup specializing in chemical recycling of hard-to-recycle plastics, particularly unsorted, dirty PET waste and polyester textiles, converting them into virgin-grade raw materials like PTA (Purified Terephthalic Acid) and MEG (Mono-Ethylene Glycol).[1][2][4][7] It serves B2B customers in industries such as post-consumer packaging, textiles, fashion, sporting goods, cosmetics, and resin production, solving the problem of complex plastic streams that cannot enter mechanical recycling due to contamination, blending, or chemical issues, thus enabling a circular economy by diverting waste from landfills and incineration while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.[1][2][4][6] Currently operating a 50-ton-per-year pilot plant, DePoly is scaling to a 500-ton showcase plant in Monthey, Switzerland, with five customers secured and plans for a larger commercial plant in 2027; it has raised over $30 million including a $23 million seed round, earning accolades like 2024 World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer and Top 100 Swiss Startup Award.[1][2][6]

Origin Story

DePoly was founded in 2020 in Sion, Switzerland, as a spinout from EPFL by CEO Samantha Anderson, CTO Bardiya Valizadeh, and CSO Christopher Ireland, who relocated there for PhDs and post-docs.[1][2][3] The idea emerged from their alarm over plastic pollution—microplastics in humans, ocean patches, and affected wildlife—prompting them to develop a chemistry-based solution for recycling complex PET and polyester that mechanical processes ignore.[1][2] Early traction came via a pilot plant processing 50 tons annually, partnerships like with Odlo for fashion and PTI Technologies for packaging, and investments starting with BASF Venture Capital in 2023, followed by an oversubscribed CHF 12.3 million seed round and a $23 million extension in 2025, growing the team to 13.[1][2][3][6]

Core Differentiators

• Low-temperature, low-pressure process: Operates at room temperature without added heat or pressure, enabling breakdown of unsorted, dirty, or blended PET/polyester (including PP/PET or cotton/polyester combos) into virgin-grade PTA and MEG, plus content recovery for other polymers like PU, PLA, and PBT—unlike energy-intensive methods.[1][2][4][6][7]
• Virgin-quality output: Recycled monomers match fossil-based standards, proven in new bottles, high-performance fibers, and cosmetic packaging, creating drop-in substitutes that exceed purity requirements.[2][4][7]
• Scalability and commercial validation: Pilot at 50 tons/year, 500-ton showcase plant opening summer 2025 with five customers (fast-fashion, sports, packaging, resins), and 2027 commercial plant; active in Europe, U.S., Mexico, Canada, Japan, Korea.[1][2][6]
• Awards and funding momentum: 2024 WEF Technology Pioneer, Top 100 Swiss Startup Award winner, Swiss Economic Award 2025 finalist, over $30M raised from investors like MassMutual Ventures and BASF.[2][3][6]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

DePoly rides the global push for circular plastics amid rising regulations on waste and Scope 3 emissions, where only 9% of 56 million tons of annual PET production is recycled due to sorting/cleaning limitations of mechanical methods.[1][6] Timing aligns with EU InvestEU support, corporate net-zero pledges, and demand for sustainable PTA/MEG amid fossil fuel volatility, positioning it to capture market share in a chemical recycling sector projected for growth.[2][4] It influences the ecosystem by partnering with brands like Odlo and PTI, validating tech across textiles/packaging, and enabling industries to meet recycled content mandates while cutting carbon footprints—amplifying cleantech innovation in Switzerland's startup hub.[2][6]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

DePoly's path forward centers on launching its 500-ton showcase plant in 2025 to secure offtake deals, followed by the 2027 commercial facility for massive scale-up, fueled by its $30M+ war chest and global partnerships.[1][2][6] Trends like stricter plastic bans, AI-optimized recycling, and bio-based polymer integration will propel it, potentially expanding to more waste streams (e.g., PU/PLA) and regions like Asia.[1][2] Its influence could evolve from Swiss pioneer to Europe/U.S. leader in chemical recycling, redefining plastics as a truly circular resource and accelerating the shift from linear oil-dependent models. This builds on its core mission: turning intractable waste into pure, reusable building blocks for a cleaner planet.[4][7]