Biorecycling startup Epoch Biodesign announced that it has raised $12 million in a new funding round, aimed at accelerating the commercialization of its recycled nylon technology.
Investors participating in the round include athletic apparel company lululemon – which has targets in place to launch alternative nylon solutions and to source 100% renewable or recycled content nylon for its products – as well as KOMPAS VC, Happiness Capital, Extantia, Leitmotif and others. The funding round brings the Epoch Biodesign’s total capital raised to more than $50 million.
Founded in 2019, London-based Epoch uses AI, biochemistry, materials science, and process engineering to develop enzymes capable of breaking down materials such as PET, nylon, and polyester at low temperatures. The process requires less energy and avoids the toxic chemicals used in conventional recycling methods. The resulting outputs can be used to manufacture new products, replacing virgin materials. According to the company, its goal is to make recycled plastic more economical than virgin plastic.
According to Epoch, its enzymatic process enables the recycling of end-of-life nylon 6,6—from garments and industrial waste to automotive materials—into virgin-quality monomers, with up to 80% lower CO₂ emissions compared to conventional production. The process operates at ambient temperatures, avoids harmful byproducts, and is capable of handling mixed and blended feedstocks, including textiles and plastics that are typically difficult to recycle and often end up in landfill or incineration.
Epoch said that it currently has more than 40 partnerships across the performance apparel, luxury fashion, automotive, and industrial textiles industries.
Jacob Nathan, Founder and CEO of Epoch Biodesign, said:
“We’re delighted to announce the closing of this strategic funding round, which includes investment from both existing investors and new partners. From the apparel industry, we’re pleased to receive backing from lululemon, an athletic wear brand known for innovation and quality. We also welcome Leitmotif, a deep tech investor with strong ties to the automotive industry, a key sector for Epoch. Nylon 6,6 is a critical material for both apparel and automotive applications, yet a scalable circular solution has remained elusive.”
