Protein Evolution

Protein Evolution develops an enzymatic process to recycle plastics and textile waste into polyester feedstocks. Plastic manufacturers can use Protein Evolution’s feedstock to create 100% recycled petroleum-grade polyester/PET (polyethylene terephthalate), which can be used for a range of consumer products, from plastic containers to T-shirts.

The company’s “Biopure” process uses proprietary chemistry to weaken the molecular bonds of plastic and polyester waste. Protein Evolution also uses AI-designed enzymes that convert the weakened plastic into a feedstock that can be substituted for petroleum-derived raw material. The company claims that its solution is the first of its kind that’s built to scale, and will be able to recycle hundreds of millions of tons of plastic waste each year.

Key customers and partnerships

In October 2023, the company partnered with the Agile BioFoundry and the Joint BioEnergy Institute to accelerate the development of its polyester degrading enzymatic process and to scale manufacturing of the enzyme. In December 2023, Protein Evolution partnered with Stella McCartney to unveil a parka jacket made from recycled polyester waste. In January 2024, the company partnered with Basecamp Research, to design novel enzymes that can break down the long chemical chains of polyurethane and nylon into their constituent precursor molecules.

Funding and Financials

In October 2022, the company raised USD 20 million to develop its technology in a seed funding round led by Collaborative’s SOS fund and Stella McCartney.