06.27.23
Beiersdorf AG is investing in Swiss startup DePoly SA, developer of a chemical recycling technology that allows for the recycling of difficult recyclable consumer and industrial plastic waste streams—such as those containing mixed plastics, mixed colors, dirty plastic waste streams, as well as fabrics and fibers— and converts these waste streams into their main raw components.
The investment was made by Beiersdorf’s Oscar&Paul Venture Capital Unit.
The parties have agreed not to disclose financial details of the investment.
“The process developed by DePoly can be used to produce advanced packaging materials for the cosmetics industry and the requirements that are specific to that industry,” says Michael Becker, VP global packaging development R&D at Beiersdorf. “We strongly believe in the potential of the DePoly technology as it bridges a crucial gap in circular PET usage by preserving desired quality standards effectively.”
“Our technology has the potential to fundamentally change the lifecycle of PET plastics and reinforce the global efforts in tackling the climate challenge. We are thrilled to have Beiersdorf and other strategic investors in this round supporting us in implementing our solution on a larger scale,” noted Samantha Anderson, CEO and co-founder of DePoly.
Proceeds from the financing round will allow DePoly to accelerate the scale-up and development of its depolymerization process and build a showcase plant that is scheduled to be operational in 2024.
“We are looking forward to supporting DePoly and the development of this new recycling solution for us and the cosmetics industry,” said Ascan Voswinckel, Head of Oscar&Paul Beiersdorf Venture Capital.
DePoly was founded in 2020.
The investment was made by Beiersdorf’s Oscar&Paul Venture Capital Unit.
The parties have agreed not to disclose financial details of the investment.
“The process developed by DePoly can be used to produce advanced packaging materials for the cosmetics industry and the requirements that are specific to that industry,” says Michael Becker, VP global packaging development R&D at Beiersdorf. “We strongly believe in the potential of the DePoly technology as it bridges a crucial gap in circular PET usage by preserving desired quality standards effectively.”
DePoly Recycling Technology
The recycling technology developed by DePoly transforms the materials at room temperature and at standard pressure. This makes the process highly energy-efficient.“Our technology has the potential to fundamentally change the lifecycle of PET plastics and reinforce the global efforts in tackling the climate challenge. We are thrilled to have Beiersdorf and other strategic investors in this round supporting us in implementing our solution on a larger scale,” noted Samantha Anderson, CEO and co-founder of DePoly.
Funding and Scale-Up
DePoly’s seed financing round in the amount of €12.6 million was led jointly by BASF Venture Capital and Wingman Ventures, with the participation of Beiersdorf, Infinity Recycling, CIECH Ventures and others.Proceeds from the financing round will allow DePoly to accelerate the scale-up and development of its depolymerization process and build a showcase plant that is scheduled to be operational in 2024.
Oscar&Paul Venture Capital Unit
The Oscar&Paul Venture Capital Unit—named for the founders of Beiersdorf (Oscar Troplowitz and Paul Beiersdorf)— invests in innovative companies and start-ups. The unit’s mission is to create mutual value and jointly drive pioneering technologies and skin care innovations, according to Beiersdorf.“We are looking forward to supporting DePoly and the development of this new recycling solution for us and the cosmetics industry,” said Ascan Voswinckel, Head of Oscar&Paul Beiersdorf Venture Capital.
DePoly was founded in 2020.