CleanHub

CleanHub is a Berlin-based company offering a track-and-trace platform that weighs, photographs, and monitors each waste bag using AI and manual controls to ensure the efficient collection, processing, and reintroduction of plastic waste. The track-ng and-tracing services are facilitated by the CleanHub app, which is used to upload proof-of-work throughout the collection, sorting, and transportation processes. The company also maintains a live dashboard showing real-time data from its plastic recovery operations. The company claims to receive more than 70 data points per day as of March 2024. It also offers a beta version of the Plastic Footprint Calculator, which estimates the annual plastic footprint associated with product packaging. The company aims to prevent 50% of new plastic waste from entering the oceans by 2030 and promote a circular economy for plastic.

Key customers and partnerships

The company partners with brands to improve their brand engagement by providing communication tools such as customizable impact reports, impact trackers for websites, and a Trustmark in recognition of their plastic impacts. As of March 2024, the company had partnered with more than 300 brands.

The company is building a global network of local collection hubs in high-impact locations, such as southeast Asia, to facilitate the collection and safe processing of non-recyclable plastic. Following the collection, the company sells recyclable items for local recycling. Through collaboration with Geocycle, a company turning waste into energy and recycled materials, the non-recyclable plastics undergo a process called “co-processing,” which involves recovering mineral materials and energy. As of March 2024, the company had collected over 8 million kg of waste.

Funding and financials

In June 2023, the company secured USD 7 million in a funding round led by Lakestar.