Enzymes for plastic recycling

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Cyclezyme (:) Update / Briefing Transcript
2025-09-11 17:00
Cyclezyme Investor Presentation Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Cyclezyme - **Industry**: Plastic Recycling - **Technology**: Development of enzymes for breaking down PET plastic without pre-treatment, enabling efficient recycling of plastics that are currently deemed non-recyclable [1][3][4] Key Points and Arguments Industry Context - The world is facing a plastic crisis, with plastic production increasing over 200 times since the 1950s and expected to triple by 2060 [1] - Approximately 200 million tons of plastic waste enter aquatic ecosystems annually, equating to about 2,000 garbage trucks per day [1] - Only 9% of plastic from packaging is currently recycled, with incineration contributing to 8% of CO2 emissions in Sweden [2] Regulatory Environment - European regulations are tightening, mandating 25% recycled plastic in new packaging starting this year, increasing to 30% by 2030 [2] - There are discussions about banning non-recyclable plastics and a focus on circular textile strategies by 2030 [2] Cyclezyme's Technology - Cyclezyme has developed enzymes that can break down PET plastic into high-quality building blocks without pre-treatment [3][4] - The process is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, requiring only water [5] - The technology targets difficult-to-recycle plastics, such as colored PET and multilayer plastics, which are often sent to incineration or landfills [5][6] Market Potential - The global PET market is approximately 25 million tons annually, while textiles made from polyester account for 125 million tons, with very low recycling rates [15][16] - Cyclezyme's technology has broad applications across various sectors, including packaging, textiles, and composite materials [8][15] - The company aims to capture a significant share of the recycling market, with potential licensing revenues estimated at 3 billion SEK if they achieve just 1% of the global PET and polyester market [16] Business Model - Cyclezyme plans to collaborate with recycling partners, starting with pilot studies to test enzyme performance on real waste streams [10][11] - The company will sell enzymes and license technology based on the volume of recycled plastic, with projected licensing fees around 2 SEK per kilogram of recycled plastic [13][14] - The market for recycled monomers (terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol) is valued at approximately 10 SEK per kilogram, providing additional revenue streams [14] Competitive Landscape - Cyclezyme differentiates itself from competitors like Carbios by not requiring pre-treatment of plastics, resulting in lower capital expenditure (capex) and a more scalable technology [17][18] - The company has established an advanced development lab in Lund for rapid scaling from lab to pilot production [18] Future Outlook - Cyclezyme aims to be a leader in PET and polyester recycling by 2030, helping companies meet stringent EU regulations [22] - The company is also exploring enzyme applications for other plastics and microplastics, addressing environmental concerns [19][20] Additional Important Content - The company emphasizes the importance of a strong corporate culture that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship [21] - Cyclezyme is actively seeking partnerships and collaborations to expand its market presence and technology adoption [23][24] - The company is focused on minimizing plastic pollution and reducing reliance on fossil resources, aligning with global sustainability goals [23][26] This summary encapsulates the key insights from Cyclezyme's investor presentation, highlighting the company's innovative approach to plastic recycling, market potential, and strategic direction.