From Waste To Gas: Cyclize Develops Innovative Plastic Recycling
In an effort to reduce the chemical industry’s ecological footprint, ClimateTech startup Cyclize has developed a groundbreaking method for converting plastic waste and CO 2 into valuable synthesis gas. This initiative marks a significant step in the effort to create a more sustainable chemical industry and actively supports global climate goals.
Cyclize, a spin-off from the University of Stuttgart, benefits from EXIST research transfer funding from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection. The startup has developed a plasma-based process that enables high-quality synthesis gas production from mixed plastic waste. This technology promises to sustainably transform the chemical industry by offering an alternative to the traditional use of fossil resources.
Contribution to climate-neutral chemistry
Maike Lambarth, co-founder and CEO of Cyclize, underlines the importance of innovation: “With our process, we are sending a significant signal for climate-neutral chemistry. Through our patented Cyclize process, we enable chemical companies to remain competitive despite rising energy prices in Europe.” These words emphasize the potential of Cyclize technology to promote a sustainable circular economy in which plastic waste is transformed into a valuable raw material.
The newly secured capital of around 5 million euros will flow into expanding the team and into test series with pilot customers. These customers need synthesis gas or want to recycle complex waste streams. A central goal is to build and operate the first waste-to-syngas plant of its kind in a chemical park in order to demonstrate its applicability in an industrial environment.
Funding by EXIST
The development of Cyclize was crucially supported by the EXIST program, which provides the financial basis for research and development as well as securing the team’s salaries. Lambarth emphasizes the importance of this support: “We have the EXIST funding program to thank for the fact that we were able to pursue this path so determinedly, which provides the necessary framework conditions.”
Cyclize exemplifies the innovative use of technology to promote sustainable solutions in the chemical industry. The startup impressively shows how significant progress in the area of environmental protection and resource conservation can be achieved through creative approaches and the support of funding programs such as EXIST.