Cleantech startup MacroCycle Technologies has raised $6.5 million in seed financing to commercialize its innovative solution for upcycling plastic waste into high-quality reusable materials. The Massachusetts-based company aims to address the global plastic waste crisis by offering a low-energy, low-cost recycling alternative that transforms contaminated plastics into virgin-grade materials suitable for new products.

Plastic waste contributes to over 5% of global CO2 emissions, yet only 15% of it is recycled. High contamination levels and energy-intensive recycling processes have long been barriers to sustainable plastic reuse. MacroCycle, launched in 2023 by CEO Stwart Peña Feliz and CTO Jan-Georg Rosenboom, utilizes advanced chemistry and non-toxic reagents to overcome these hurdles. Their process requires 80% less energy than conventional PET production and reduces capital expenditures by 50–75% compared to existing recycling methods.

“There is a $700 billion linear plastics market opportunity, but current recycling technologies remain costly and inefficient,” said Peña Feliz. “MacroCycle offers a scalable solution that delivers high-quality recycled plastics, competitive with fossil-fuel-derived materials, unlocking the economic benefits of a circular economy.”

The company’s proprietary process leverages macrocycles to recycle PET bottles and polyester textile waste. Customers in industries such as cosmetics, textiles, home goods, and food and beverage are expected to benefit from its sustainable PET resin. MacroCycle plans to establish its first pilot plant to manufacture bottles and garments entirely from upcycled materials, helping industries transition to a circular supply chain.

The funding round, led by Clean Energy Ventures and Volta Circle, with participation from KDT Ventures and Neotribe Ventures, will enable MacroCycle to expand operations by 50% and scale its pilot plant facilities.

“Global plastic waste is expected to triple in the next 40 years, and existing recycling methods fail to address the issue effectively,” said Temple Fennell, Managing Partner at Clean Energy Ventures. “MacroCycle’s technology provides a critical solution for creating an economically viable, environmentally friendly plastics ecosystem.”