MassChallenge

Tropical Matter promotes an environmentally conscious culture by providing material alternatives made from renewable resources. Tropical Matter was founded by Debora Zuniga Arias.

Endeavor Composites provides a zero waste solution for fiber and composite manufacturers. It is manufacturing for the automotive, aerospace, and maritime industries.

Grain4Grain is a San Antonio-based food-tech startup focused on producing low-carb, high-protein flour from brewers spent grain, a significant byproduct of the brewing industry. The company has developed a patent-pending process that efficiently dries and mills this spent grain in under 20 minutes, a significant reduction from the conventional six-hour method. By upcycling this resource, Grain4Grain not only creates a nutritious ingredient but also promotes sustainability within the food supply chain. Since its launch 10 months ago, the company has upcycled 120,000 pounds of spent grain and introduced two consumer packaged goods in nearly 200 HEB stores. Additionally, Grain4Grain is actively pursuing contracts with various product makers, bakeries, and even a dog food manufacturer to expand its market reach and product offerings.

Provider of delightful building materials intended to protect natural resources from being depleted. The company uses biological waste and food waste as raw materials to be used in interior design and industrial design products, enabling designers to upcycle green waste and perform zero-waste designing.

Outlander Materials specializes in developing biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastics through its innovative product, UnPlastic. This circular product is created from food industry sources, by-products, and brewery waste, ensuring it is both functional and compostable. UnPlastic is designed to serve as a non-toxic alternative to conventional plastic packaging, with properties that prevent it from breaking down into harmful microplastics. It is particularly suitable for food and packaging applications, allowing businesses to reduce their reliance on commercial single-use plastics while addressing critical issues related to plastic and food waste. This approach positions Outlander Materials as a key player in the movement toward sustainable packaging solutions.

CADEL DEINKING is a technological development company created with the aim of implementing plastic recyclers and converting companies in an innovative plastic recycling process, through which it is possible to eliminate printed ink on plastic surfaces. The technology, developed by CADEL DEINKING , allows for the first time to eliminate the ink from the plastic before its recycling to obtain a product with a quality very similar to virgin plastic. This allows to use it in the same applications as a new material. It is a unique technology in the world, whose patent has been extended to more than 20 countries. CADEL DEINKING has a demonstration plant in San Vicente del Raspeig (Alicante) that allows to carry out all the steps of the process on an industrial scale. CADEL DEINKING demonstrates in its facilities the feasibility of the process technique before the companies interested in arranging the technology, mainly large film printers and recyclers. The tests carried out at the CADEL DEINKING deinking plant with the client material are a key step before licensing the technology and developing the engineering at the client's facilities. The companies that choose to install a de-inking plant in their facilities will increase their competitiveness, since they will offer their customers a recycled material of very high quality. CADEL DEINKING shares the efforts of industries to improve the quality of products with increasingly sustainable processes and methods.

B'ZEOS is a technology-driven start-up that specializes in developing innovative, seaweed-based packaging solutions aimed at providing sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. The company focuses on material development and utilizes green processing technology to create bio-based packaging products that are compostable and free from toxic chemicals. By targeting industries seeking to decarbonize and reduce their reliance on conventional plastic, B'ZEOS offers tailored packaging solutions that align with environmental sustainability goals.

NaturLoop is a Swiss-based cleantech and material science company focused on sustainable development through the production of natural biocomposites. The company specializes in manufacturing coconut-based fiberboard derived from agricultural waste, utilizing a low-tech process that promotes circular economy practices. By leveraging existing wood panel infrastructure, NaturLoop offers a versatile and eco-friendly alternative for the construction sector, addressing environmental concerns while providing a cost-effective solution to expensive imported building materials. Additionally, NaturLoop's unique turnkey micro-factory concept allows for the industrial-scale production of biocomposites, which integrate local rural communities into the value chain. Through its innovative approach, NaturLoop aims to mitigate the depletion of natural resources and make sustainability accessible to a broader audience.

Provider of environmental services intended to reverse carbon dioxide emissions by turning construction waste into fresh concrete for construction. The company's services decompose concrete waste into original carbonate powder and gravel components, enabling clients to recycle and produce fresh concrete.

DePoly is a spin off out of the LSMO lab at EPFL- Valais that has developed a novel technology allowing for the chemical recycling of PET plastic back to its main two components ethylene glycol (EG) and terephthalic acid (TPA). Our approach turns low valued materials (PET waste) into high-valued chemicals like TPA creating a circular economy. We expect this process to generate revenue from chemically recycling PET to TPA/EG, which can be sold back to industry to make new virgin PET plastic and allowing for a sustainable source of TPA and EG on the market.

M de Maní develops products with more flavor and more nutrients from less refined ingredients and without harmful chemicals or hydrogenated fats. The company believes that taking care of health is crucial and should be a simple task, which is why they offer practical, delicious, and highly nutritious products.

Provider of food waste disposal services intended to reduce the impact of organic waste on the environment. The company bioconverts food waste into protein ingredients for animal feed by rearing larvae, which are a natural recycler of organic waste and are able to recover proteinic content as well as transforming the larvae into protein flour and oil, which are ingredients for animal feed, providing pet food manufacturers with a substitute protein-rich ingredient.

Radial Biomateriales is a provider of biodegradable packaging and packaging parts. It uses agro-industrial waste to form a packaging solution for biodegradable packaging and industrial or interior design products. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Zapopan, Mexico.

Manufacturer of plant-based materials intended to minimize the environmental impact of conventional petroleum-based plastic by making an environmentally friendly alternative. The company utilizes renewable resources for making a plant-based material that looks and works like conventional plastics, reduces CO2 emissions is biodegradable and breaks down safely into harmless compounds, enabling clients with products that are free from conventional plastic materials and do not harm animals or nature.

Developer of bioplastic products intended to reduce petroleum dependency, carbon dioxide emissions, and habitat destruction. The company offers economically sustainable plant-based plastic alternatives which are a combination of plant fibers and standard, recycled, or biobased polymers and can be injection molded or extruded into a variety of items, enabling household, automotive, appliance, electronics, and outdoor equipment industries to substitute carbon-negative plant material for petrochemical feedstock without sacrificing quality or margin.

Developer of natural and wood-based raw materials designed to help produce industrial and household products. The company's materials preserve the natural properties of wood including appearance and feel, and enable the production of products with natural and unique properties such as consumer products currently produced of plastic, furniture, and construction products, enabling clients to design natural wood products, without design restrictions, while using the standard, common practice of industrial methods for other materials such as plastic.

Aeropowder Ltd, founded in 2016 and based in London, United Kingdom, specializes in the development and manufacture of materials derived from poultry feather waste. The company is focused on creating sustainable solutions to address the environmental challenges associated with modern construction and product design. By utilizing feathers, a byproduct of the poultry industry, Aeropowder aims to reduce waste and promote a more sustainable approach to material production, ensuring that the products developed do not contribute to harmful environmental legacies.

Orange Fiber S.R.L. is an Italian company established in 2014 and headquartered in Catania. It specializes in manufacturing sustainable fabrics derived from by-products of citrus juice, which would otherwise go to waste. The company transforms these by-products into a silk-like cellulose yarn, allowing for the creation of soft, lightweight materials that can be blended with other textiles. By repurposing hundreds of thousands of tons of citrus waste, Orange Fiber not only promotes environmental sustainability but also aligns with the Italian tradition of producing high-quality fabrics suitable for the fashion industry.

Otrafy is a Quality Management Software that optimizes and administers vendor relationship for quality assurance departments.Helping food production facilities to reach compliance and regulatory requirements faster by minimizing and automating mundane, low value-added activities.

Manufacturer of circular carbon-sourced bio-assembled materials intended to help designers and material engineers create eco-friendly products. The company's products reduce the environmental impact generated by textile materials derived from petroleum or animals, enabling customers to increase sustainability and drive the circular economy.

Operator of an interior design company intended to provide fabrication and design services. The company creates custom and customizable furniture for commercial interiors, providing clients with impressive interior elements like branding walls and custom furniture tailored to their unique vision and brand.

Manufacturer of plant-based bio-products intended to replace single-use plastics with renewable alternatives. The company provides plant-based disposable, products made from bioplastic with inputs of solely plant starch and water, making them compostable or biodegradable on their own, enabling society to get a clean environment and get rid of plastic materials.

Phool is a company dedicated to managing and recycling floral waste, primarily generated from religious places of worship. It operates on a circular economy model, transforming this waste into various organic products, including patented organic fertilizers, charcoal-free incense sticks, and biodegradable packaging materials. By focusing on sustainability, Phool not only addresses the environmental issue of floral waste but also empowers marginalized communities by providing employment opportunities, particularly for women. Through its innovative approach, the company aims to create a positive impact on both the environment and society.

Operator of an ingredient and food technology company intended to focus on the repurposing of food waste. The company's services produce tasty and nutritious snacks from Brewers' Spent Grain which is typically sent to landfill or fed to livestock and also provide education on sustainability and make savory and sweet treats that positively impact the environment, enabling consumers to get sustainable food that has a significant impact on food waste while delivering quality and healthfulness.

Bloom Biorenewables Ltd is a company focused on developing innovative technology to convert wood and agricultural waste into renewable materials that can replace petroleum-based products. Incorporated in 2019 and based in Marly, Switzerland, the company aims to provide sustainable alternatives for various industries, including chemicals, fragrances, plastics, and textiles. By employing a biomass deconstruction technology platform, Bloom Biorenewables offers a cost-effective method to extract bio-based molecules from plant materials. This approach not only helps customers reduce their reliance on fossil fuels but also contributes to efforts in mitigating climate change by lowering carbon footprints and supporting the transition to a circular economy.

LEAF Shellfish specializes in high pressure processing (HPP) technology to produce sustainable shellfish products in Southern New England. By utilizing both undervalued and resurgent local fisheries, the company enhances the culinary potential of shellfish that are sustainably caught, landed, and processed in the region. LEAF's innovative approach not only preserves the natural flavor of seafood but also extends its shelf life and storage capabilities, resulting in higher quality and yield compared to traditional high-heat methods. This commitment to sustainability and quality contributes positively to the local fishing industry and promotes the consumption of local seafood.

Takachar creates a network of waste management enterprises in Kenya that turn unmanaged agricultural residues into charcoal, a low-cost, non-toxic, and eco-friendly cooking fuel for low-income households. They have developed a series of low-cost (US$20), locally manufacturable technologies to enable waste-to-char conversion, which has been tested and refined in Kenya for the past 3 years. Since 2011, They have set up or directly helped 7 nascent and locally run waste-to-charcoal enterprises in Kenya, some of which have since even demonstrated operational profitability and paying customers. So far they have created about 100 jobs and sold 50 tons of eco-char. Moving forward, they are trying to prove the long-term financial viability of these enterprises, which, if successful, will be the basis of a franchise network.

Producer of red palm intended to grow African diaspora. The company's oil is made by mixing traditional fermentation techniques and low-cost mechanization which provides quality staple food while reducing environmental impact and hardship, enabling smallholder farmers to increase their yield while reducing their impact on the environment.

Arqlite SPC, founded in 2015 and based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with an additional office in Seattle, Washington, specializes in recycling plastics through a proprietary process that allows for the recycling of all types of plastics, including those typically deemed non-recyclable. This innovative approach addresses approximately 70% of the plastic waste stream, which includes materials that are laminated, aluminized, or degraded by environmental factors. The result of Arqlite's process is a lightweight artificial gravel that serves various applications in the construction industry, including use by precast concrete companies and landscapers. This product is not only eco-friendly but also offers significant cost advantages, being ten times better as an insulator and three times lighter than traditional materials.

Miopac specializes in developing mushroom-based packaging materials designed to replace environmentally harmful synthetic polymers. Their innovative products offer significant cost and ecological benefits compared to traditional materials like Styrofoam. After collaborating with experienced biotechnology professors, Miopac has conducted thorough mechanical testing and completed a financial analysis that demonstrates the competitiveness of their materials for commercial-scale production. The company aims to enhance the agricultural sector in their region while promoting sustainable practices. By focusing on eco-friendly alternatives, Miopac contributes to environmental sustainability and offers businesses a viable solution to reduce their ecological footprint.

Currently 10 metres of plastic wrapping must be manually removed from over 8 billion bales every year before use as livestock feed. Market research states that removing the plastic is ‘one of the most annoying jobs on the farm’. BioNet. have the solution, an edible biopolymer that saves the farmer time as the wrapping can be directly eaten from the bale. Furthermore, this reduces waste and the unique formulation allows for enhanced digestion leading to reduced methane emissions from livestock.

Stokes Firestarters specializes in manufacturing all-natural, non-chemical fire starters made from recycled pulp, wax, and sustainably harvested wood sawdust. The company emphasizes environmentally friendly practices by utilizing only natural materials, ensuring a safe and reliable way to ignite fires. Initially created as holiday gifts using household materials, Stokes Firestarters has grown significantly and is now available in over 300 retail locations across eight states, including prominent retailers such as Whole Foods, Market Basket, Stop and Shop, and Shaws. The fire starters are designed for use with wood and charcoal, providing effective ignition with just one match. Stokes Firestarters are produced in Natick, Massachusetts, in collaboration with Charles River Industries.

Modvion AB, founded in 2015 and based in Gothenburg, Sweden, specializes in the design and development of modular wind power towers constructed from renewable composite materials. The company's innovative modular technology simplifies construction logistics by facilitating transportation and installation of towers over 120 meters tall. This approach not only reduces costs associated with traditional steel tower construction but also enhances efficiency in harnessing wind energy. By leveraging engineered wood products, Modvion aims to improve the economic viability of wind power investments for power plant construction businesses, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable energy landscape.

RethinkResource operates a smart-sourcing platform designed for producing companies to promote circular economy practices. The company focuses on transforming industrial side-streams into sustainable products, providing services such as innovation management, product development, and circular engineering. By facilitating responsible management of material streams, RethinkResource aims to empower producers and brand owners to enhance resource stewardship and innovation within their industries. Through its platform, RethinkResource seeks to drive the development of sustainable practices across various sectors.

Arqlite SPC, founded in 2015 and based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with an additional office in Seattle, Washington, specializes in recycling plastics through a proprietary process that allows for the recycling of all types of plastics, including those typically deemed non-recyclable. This innovative approach addresses approximately 70% of the plastic waste stream, which includes materials that are laminated, aluminized, or degraded by environmental factors. The result of Arqlite's process is a lightweight artificial gravel that serves various applications in the construction industry, including use by precast concrete companies and landscapers. This product is not only eco-friendly but also offers significant cost advantages, being ten times better as an insulator and three times lighter than traditional materials.

Dry foods, such as nuts and cereals, have been associated with recalls costing up to $ 30 Mio per incident, caused by bacteria contamination. Processors are now required to prove they reduce harmful bacteria during their process which involves tedious procedures. They offer a process monitoring service which reduces the risk of recalls, ensures regulatory compliance, gives real-time overview of bacteria reduction and unlock the saving potential of minimum $ 100 K/line/year.

Iron Goat, based in Fairfax, Virginia, specializes in the automated production of pelleted and cubed products derived from hay and other grassy crops. The company employs mobile robots that operate without fuel to facilitate the manufacturing process, resulting in reduced costs for livestock feed and grass pellet fuel compared to traditional haying methods. By utilizing innovative in-field techniques, Iron Goat aims to provide farmers with more affordable and efficient feed solutions.

CleanFiber, LLC develops cellulose insulation materials for attics, walls, and floors of residential and commercial new construction and retrofit applications. CleanFiber, LLC was formerly known as UltraCell Insulation, LLC and changed its name to CleanFiber, LLC in September 2018. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is based in Blasdell, New York with additional office in Buffalo, New York.

Bio Adhesive Alliance is a research and development organization focused on converting biomass and livestock waste management challenges in the agricultural sector into viable solutions for the construction industry. The team comprises scientists and industry experts who collaborate closely with academic institutions to address various aspects of the supply chain, including the collection, conversion, modification, characterization, and performance evaluation of biomass. The company specializes in producing bio-adhesives and bio-asphalt from sources such as swine manure, utilizing a liquefaction process that involves applying pressure and temperature, followed by filtration and post-processing. This innovative approach not only addresses waste management issues but also contributes to sustainable construction practices.

E-POL has developed a process allowing waste glycerin from biodiesel production to be turned into a variety of products.

TireTech de-vulcanizes tires, creating clean raw materials in demand by manufacturers.

Arbsource is developing wastewater treatment systems for the food & beverage industry, cutting painfully expensive water and power bills with biotechnology.

Down to Earth Waste Solutions turns food waste into fertilizer. They offer organic waste collection services for small to medium businesses, as well as value-add organic soil production solutions for composting/processing operations.

PK Clean's vision is to end landfilled waste. It's fifth generation system allows its customers to utilize their plastic waste and lower their energy costs. By providing a low-cost, compact and automated solution, PK Clean's goal is to make its processors as widely available as possible.

Starching introduces starch plastic products to the market with structural properties superior to the competition. The first product we manufacture will be loose fill packaging foam. Through simple processes and with inexpensive and fully renewable raw materials we are able to manufacture starch plastic products which offer resistance to moisture while maintaining the critical property of 100% biodegradability.