As the world transitions to electricity, the oil and gas sector is relying on plastics to enhance future profits. However, Jacob Nathan is determined to change that narrative.

Nathan began exploring methods to decompose plastics during his high school years. Now, as the founder and CEO of Epoch Biodesign, he has developed a technique that utilizes an array of enzymes to “convert this synthetic waste” into a form suitable for creating more plastic, he mentioned to TechCrunch.

“For us, a bale of textile is the same as a barrel of oil,” Nathan stated, indicating that discarded fabric, rather than crude oil, serves as the foundational material for Epoch’s operations. Unlike oil, the cost of this raw material is not influenced by the unpredictable decisions of global leaders.

Epoch’s strategy focuses on decomposing both pre-consumer and post-consumer plastic waste into monomers — the essential components used to create plastic. The company depends on enzymes, the cellular machinery at a molecular level, to achieve this. However, due to the unpredictable nature of biology, Epoch employs only the enzymes and avoids using the microorganisms that produce them. To obtain these compounds, Epoch collaborates with industrial suppliers that already produce enzymes in large quantities.

Through a series of enzyme treatments, Epoch is able to reclaim over 90% of the target monomers. “The only remnants from our process are dyes, which are collected and can be handled separately,” Nathan explained.

The method is initially focused on nylon 6,6, a durable synthetic material prevalent in products ranging from apparel to airbags, carpets, and climbing ropes. 

“It’s the initial synthetic fiber. It’s what was developed by the innovators at DuPont. Its effectiveness ensures its continued use across multiple applications,” Nathan stated.

The timing is ideal, Nathan noted. “Recently, the prices of precursors for nylon 6,6 and other materials have surged as much as 150% based on spot pricing,” Nathan remarked. By utilizing waste textiles instead of petroleum, Epoch can completely avoid such fluctuations. “When we separate the material production from the processes of extraction, refinement, and the unpredictability tied to fossil carbon, we can establish far greater consistency.”

This proposal has struck a chord with investors, including the apparel powerhouse Lululemon, which generates significant amounts of clothing derived from plastics. Lululemon recently took part in a $12 million funding round that also featured Exantia, Happiness Capital, Kompas VC, and Leitmotif.

The fundraising will support the establishment of a demonstration-scale facility close to Imperial College London; the company aims to follow this with a commercial-scale facility expected to commence operations in 2028, which should have the capability to generate 20,000 metric tons annually of monomer.

Once fully operational, Nathan mentioned that Epoch may expand its efforts to recycle additional plastics. “The technology can be adapted for various materials and types of plastics,” he said. “Nylon 6,6 will achieve maturity first, but we have some thrilling developments in the pipeline.”