Clean Start: Startup focuses on making diapers renewable

Environmental Impact of Diapers - Globally, 300,000 disposable diapers are sent to landfills or incinerated every minute [1] - Diapers are the third largest category in landfills behind food and paper [2] - Disposable diapers represent a $60 billion industry and are a major contributor to global plastic waste [2] - 60% to 80% of a diaper is made of fossil-based plastics, with super absorbent polymer (SAP) being a key ingredient [3] Zymo's Solution - Zymo is a California-based startup offering a bio-based and biodegradable version of super absorbent polymer (SAP) [3] - Zymo uses a fermentation process to convert sugar from corn into biodegradable materials, similar to beer-making [4] - Zymo's bio-based SAP aims to achieve cost parity with fossil-based manufacturing [4] - Zymo sells its absorbent materials to diaper companies rather than manufacturing diapers directly [5] Investment and Applications - Zymo has received $35 million in total venture capital funding from investors including Breakout Ventures, Toyota Ventures, GS Futures, KDT Ventures, Cavalo Ventures, and Lululemon [6] - Zymo's bio-based materials can be used in baby and adult diapers, hygiene products, and bio-based nylon [6] - Lululemon is collaborating with Zymo to use its materials in leggings, replacing petroleum-based components [6]