Cyclize

Cyclize is a Germany-based startup that recycles plastic waste into Syngas. The company uses a plasma-based process to convert mixed plastic waste and CO2 as a feedstock to produce Syngas that is either rich in carbon monoxide or hydrogen. Syngas can be used as a base ingredient to produce plastics, methanol, hydrogen, and e-fuels. The company claims that its process provides an alternative to existing technologies like electrolysis or carbon capture and storage (CCS), which struggle to meet the growing demand for CO2-neutral synthesis gas. 

Cyclize also claims its process can potentially be carbon-negative depending on the end product by using CO2 as a feedstock. Cyclize was founded in 2023 as a spin-off of the University of Stuttgart. Prior to its spinoff, the company’s reports that its team has been researching carbon utilization based on plasma technology since 2018.

Funding and financials

In February 2024 , the company raised EUR 4.75 million (~USD 5.2 million) in seed funding to develop its technology, carry out tests with pilot customers, and build a waste-to-synthesis gas plant to demonstrate its industry applicability. In May 2022, the company secured EXIST-Forschungstransfer funding from the German Government to adapt its technology for industrial applications.