This process enables the recycling of one of the largest plastic waste streams (polyolefins) into high-quality monomers with reduced energy input compared to other advanced recycling technologies. This makes it possible to recycle difficult to process plastic waste streams.

“This partnership embodies BigCircle Ventures’ commitment to scaling impactful cleantech,” said Reinier van der Vusse, Venture Partner at BigCircle Ventures. “Catalytic ball milling has the potential to transform the plastic recycling sector by making it cleaner and more sustainable. We are thrilled to be working on valorising this technology.”

“Innovations in sustainable chemistry are essential to reducing our reliance on fossil-based feedstocks,” says Assistant Professor Ina Vollmer. “In the new process, contaminants stay behind and clean monomers are produced that can be recycled into new plastics. This is the key step to create a truly circular economy for polymers.”

BigCircle Ventures will now recruit a fitting CEO, finalize investment and operational plans, engage industry partners, and establish a venture to bring catalytic ball milling to market.

About Utrecht Holdings:
Utrecht Holdings consists of UMCU Holding BV and UU Holding BV, 100% subsidiaries of the University Medical Center in Utrecht and Utrecht University respectively. Utrecht Holdings facilitates the commercialization of UU and UMCU innovations and intellectual property (IP) and invests in promising spin-offs based on scientific discovery from or related to both institutions. Since 2000, Utrecht Holdings invested in over 50 spinoffs.

Contact: Anouk Dagelet
anouk.dagelet@utrechtholdings.nl
www.utrechtholdings.nl

About BigCircle Ventures – Turning big potential into big impact
The world needs greentech innovations to reach net zero and circularity, but a wealth of research inventions never gets used at scale. BigCircle Ventures brings a unique flow of early-stage innovations to the market that would otherwise stay untouched on a shelf, hidden in a university, research institute, or company lab. By using a long-proven model for discovering, nurturing, and funding, we aim to be the world’s leading greentech venture builder and accelerate the journey toward sustainability.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Reinier.van.der.vusse@bigcircle.ventures
www.bigcircle.ventures