Epoch Biodesign Raises $12M for Nylon Recycling

London-based innovator Epoch Biodesign has successfully closed a $12 million funding round, propelling its advanced enzymatic technology for nylon recycling toward commercial scale. The strategic investment, led by global apparel leader lululemon, saw significant participation from Extantia, Happiness Capital, KOMPAS VC, and Leitmotif. This latest infusion of capital brings Epoch Biodesign's total funding to over $50 million, underscoring strong market confidence in its disruptive approach to tackling plastic waste.

The company's proprietary process utilizes AI-designed enzymes to meticulously break down nylon 6,6 waste into its fundamental chemical constituents, adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine. These recovered monomers are then purified to produce new polymers of virgin quality, effectively closing the loop on nylon production without reliance on petrochemical feedstocks. Epoch Biodesign reports an impressive recovery rate exceeding 90 percent, a critical factor for the economic viability of true circularity in the materials sector.

What sets Epoch Biodesign apart is its capacity to process complex waste streams, including blended textiles and coated fibers, which often elude conventional recycling methods. Unlike approaches that rely on whole microorganisms, Epoch Biodesign deploys highly specific, isolated enzymes. This targeted enzymatic action allows for the precise deconstruction of polymer bonds, offering a more controlled and efficient recycling pathway.

The newly acquired funds will be instrumental in constructing a demonstration-scale facility near Imperial College London. This facility is designed to rigorously test and validate commercial-scale output, paving the way for a full-scale production plant slated for completion by 2028. The projected capacity for this future plant is approximately 20,000 metric tonnes of monomers annually, a significant step towards meeting industrial demand.

This funding round follows a pivotal strategic partnership established in February 2026 with Invista, a major nylon producer and subsidiary of Koch Industries. This collaboration aims to develop post-consumer recycled nylon at a commercial level. The combined backing from industry giants like lululemon and Invista, alongside dedicated cleantech investors, highlights a clear market shift towards sustainable material solutions and away from virgin petrochemical inputs.

Nylon 6,6, a ubiquitous synthetic polymer found in everything from textiles and automotive components to industrial applications, has historically presented significant recycling challenges due to its inherent chemical stability. Epoch Biodesign's enzymatic innovation represents a significant breakthrough, offering a tangible solution for achieving genuine circularity in the vast nylon market, estimated to be worth tens of billions of dollars globally. This positions the company as a frontrunner in the rapidly advancing field of enzymatic plastic recycling.