Creative Destruction Lab (CDL)

Build Beyond is a pioneering space technology company specializing in orbital debris recycling. It designs and manufactures innovative, autonomous devices that capture, harvest, and transform metals from defunct satellites and other space assets into valuable manufacturing feedstock or propellant rods. Utilizing electromagnetic forces and fields, these devices can manipulate and reform metals without physical contact or heat, making them highly efficient and versatile.

Bioform Technologies specializes in developing sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. The company's core business involves creating a biotechnology platform that produces eco-friendly materials, enabling manufacturers to replace conventional plastics with bio-based, home-compostable alternatives. Bioform's innovative approach involves the use of unique extrusion printing devices, allowing customers to rapidly create a wide range of compostable products, including films, tubes, and threads, at an affordable cost.

ALT TEX is a biotechnology company focused on producing carbon-neutral fabric from post-industrial waste and landfill-destined food waste. By chemically regenerating food waste into a bioplastic, ALT TEX offers a sustainable alternative to conventional polyester, which is commonly used in the fashion industry. This innovative approach not only reduces reliance on synthetic textiles but also contributes to environmental sustainability by diverting waste from landfills. The company's bioplastic fibers can be utilized in the creation of various textiles, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly materials in fashion and textiles.

Magnomer is a Boston-based manufacturer that specializes in innovative magnetic inks designed to enhance the recyclability of plastic packaging within a circular economy framework. Founded in 2017, the company offers a unique product called Design2Recycle™, which serves as a design tool for consumer brands and manufacturers, allowing them to improve packaging recyclability without altering existing manufacturing processes. The company's printable magnetizable inks and coatings are specifically developed for use in multi-layer packaging, addressing the challenges associated with recycling these materials. By employing magnetic sorting technology, Magnomer enables recycling facilities to more efficiently separate and process multi-layer plastics, which are typically difficult to recycle using conventional methods.

Nth Cycle is a metal processing technology company that focuses on recovering critical minerals through innovative electro-extraction methods. It collaborates with battery recyclers and mining operations to extract production-grade minerals from e-waste and low-grade mine tailings, offering a cleaner and more customizable alternative to traditional hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes. By utilizing its advanced recycling technology, Nth Cycle aims to reduce reliance on primary mining, thereby creating a sustainable secondary source of rare earth metals in the United States. This approach supports the manufacturing and recycling industries while contributing to advancements in clean energy.

EcoPackers Inc. is a Toronto-based company established in 2018 that specializes in the production and sale of biodegradable packaging materials. The company focuses on creating eco-resins derived from plants, offering a 100% biodegradable alternative to traditional plastic inputs. These eco-resins enable plastic manufacturers globally to develop innovative, non-toxic, and compostable single-use packaging solutions. Through its commitment to sustainability, EcoPackers aims to reduce the environmental impact of plastic packaging.

Ceres Solutions is an environmentally focused company that specializes in up-cycling agricultural byproducts into gourmet mushrooms and livestock feed. The company produces various types of oyster mushrooms while continuously testing new species to expand its offerings. Utilizing waste from breweries and agriculture as a growing medium, Ceres Solutions operates on a sustainable, circular model. This approach not only supports local breweries and food processors but also enables chefs and ranchers to access sustainable food options, promoting a more eco-conscious food system.

CisLunar Industries focuses on developing technology for in-space manufacturing and recycling, specifically targeting the issue of space debris. By transforming debris into usable resources, the company aims to facilitate effective debris removal and recycling while also producing metal propellants. This innovative approach not only addresses the growing problem of space debris but also supports the construction of permanent outposts in space. By utilizing locally sourced materials, CisLunar Industries promotes sustainable exploration of the solar system, enhancing the feasibility of long-term human presence and operations beyond Earth.

Waste Robotics specializes in creating intelligent recycling robots designed to enhance the efficiency of waste processing in recycling facilities. By utilizing advanced technologies such as computer vision, deep learning algorithms, and artificial intelligence, the company's robots are capable of recognizing and extracting various types of waste materials, including organic matter, construction debris, and recyclables. This innovative approach aims to address the rising costs and scarcity of human labor in North American recycling centers, providing clients with adaptable robotic solutions that can streamline operations. Waste Robotics is committed to transforming the waste recycling industry by making facilities more efficient, safer, and capable of handling diverse waste streams.

Greyparrot is a leader in AI waste analytics, focusing on enhancing recycling efforts and minimizing waste sent to landfills and incinerators. The company offers a waste intelligence platform that provides real-time insights into over 89 waste categories, analyzing data related to financial value, brand, and greenhouse gas emissions across various locations in recycling facilities. In 2024, Greyparrot processed data from over 40 billion waste objects, significantly improving operational efficiency and enabling facilities to save substantial amounts of money while diverting millions of tonnes of waste. The insights generated by Greyparrot assist recycling professionals, plant builders, packaging producers, and fast-moving consumer goods brands in enhancing recycling efficiency, adhering to regulations, and refining recyclable packaging design. Recognized for its innovative contributions, Greyparrot has received accolades including inclusion in the Global Cleantech 100 and recognition as a Tech Pioneer by the World Economic Forum.

Everest Labs, founded in 2018 and based in Fremont, California, specializes in developing advanced robotics solutions for the waste management and scrap metal industries. The company's flagship product, Celer, employs artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision to enhance the sorting and quality control processes at material recovery facilities. By integrating these technologies, Everest Labs aims to increase the quality of recyclables while minimizing reliance on human labor, thereby supporting revenue growth for waste management companies. The company is focused on fostering sustainability in the industry by encouraging the use of recycled materials in manufacturing and packaging. Ultimately, Everest Labs aspires to establish itself as a leading provider of AI and robotics solutions in complex environments like waste management.

Genecis is an early-stage organic waste processing startup that uses biotechnology to convert waste into biodegradable plastics and other high-value materials. It converts organic waste into PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate), a biodegradable, compostable, and non-toxic polymer that can be tuned to replace a wide variety of traditional plastics. PHA can be used for single-use plastics, clothing and textiles, automotive interiors, medical tools and products, and food contact applications.

Intuitive AI is a more robust construct. One waste item at a time, their contributions are literally saving the earth. The primary purpose of the technology is to help automate a very tedious and incorrect procedure that assists buildings in reducing the volume of waste released into landfills and the sea.

Greenlid specializes in creating fully compostable organic waste containers designed to replace single-use plastics. Their products are made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper that has reached the end of its lifecycle and can no longer be repurposed for other uses. The Greenlid system comprises two main components: a fully compostable container and a reusable, dishwasher-safe lid that effectively conceals organic waste. By offering these sustainable alternatives, Greenlid facilitates the composting and recycling of household waste, contributing to a reduction in plastic waste and promoting environmentally responsible disposal practices.