The startup manufactures renewable and biodegradable plastic materials derived from algae, focusing on biodegradable polyurethane foam products for applications in footwear and surfboards. This approach provides a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics, directly addressing the issue of global plastic pollution.
Funding
$33.5M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
The widespread use of petroleum-based plastics contributes significantly to global pollution, with billions of pounds ending up in landfills and oceans annually, leading to microplastic contamination and environmental damage. Traditional plastics also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions during production and do not readily biodegrade, exacerbating long-term environmental issues.
Solution
Algenesis provides a solution to plastic pollution by manufacturing renewable and biodegradable polyurethane materials derived from algae and other plant-based sources. Their patented Soleic™ technology produces high-performance polymers that can replace conventional petroleum-based plastics in a variety of applications, including footwear, coated fabrics, and 3D printing filaments. These materials are designed to biodegrade fully in compost, soil, and ocean environments, leaving zero persistent microplastics behind. By partnering with manufacturers across industries, Algenesis enables the creation of durable, sustainable products that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimize environmental impact.
Target Audience
Algenesis targets manufacturers in the footwear, apparel, automotive, furniture, and packaging industries seeking sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics.
Features
- Soleic™ A/B PU system suitable for foam applications in footwear and furniture, with 52-55% bio content and 60-64% lower GHG emissions compared to petroleum-based alternatives.
- Soleic™ TPU system ideal for molding, extrusion, coated textiles, and foam, with 62-87% bio content and 78-84% lower GHG emissions.
- USDA BioPreferred certification for bio-content.
- Fully biodegradable materials that break down in home composting conditions within 6 months to 2 years.
- Drop-in replacement for many existing manufacturing processes.
- Customizable formulations to meet specific product requirements.