Enzyme-based Plastic Recycling – “Epoch Fuels Breakthrough Recycling” -04-10-2025
News summary
Epoch Biodesign, a company developing enzyme-based plastic recycling, has appointed Jerry Grunewald — formerly Chief Technology Officer at INVISTA — as Senior Advisor. The move follows Epoch’s Series A financing that brought total funding to over $40 million and supports the company’s plan to build its first commercial plant and expand its enzyme library.
Enzyme-based Plastic Recycling
Why this appointment matters
Grunewald brings nearly four decades of polymer and industrial-scale nylon experience. He led the build and commissioning of INVISTA’s Shanghai facility — a world-scale Nylon 6,6 plant — and has deep expertise across R&D, operations and technology at global sites. His presence signals industry validation and de-risks scaling for Epoch at a critical commercialisation stage.
How the technology works
Epoch combines synthetic biology and AI to produce enzymes that break down mixed textile and plastic waste into monomers — the chemical building blocks that can be re-polymerised to virgin-quality materials. Unlike high-temperature chemical recycling, Epoch’s enzymes operate close to room temperature, minimising degradation, eliminating energy-intensive steps, and avoiding many toxic byproducts.
Enzyme-based Plastic Recycling
“The Epoch approach works at lower temperatures which minimises degradation and byproducts,” said Jerry Grunewald. “This creates the potential to recover material purity rather than downcycle it.”
That material purity is crucial: preserving polymer properties opens the door to high-value reuse — from technical textiles and automotive parts to airbag fibres — rather than lower-grade products destined for landfills.
Grunewald’s role in scaling Epoch
As Senior Advisor, Grunewald will guide engineering, process scale-up and industry partnerships. His experience building large integrated nylon facilities and leading global technical teams will help Epoch navigate pilot-to-commercial transitions and optimise plant design, commissioning and supply-chain integration.
Enzyme-based Plastic Recycling
CEO Jacob Nathan emphasised that the appointment strengthens Epoch’s ability to accelerate the rollout of commercial enzyme recycling and validates the technology to partners in apparel, automotive and luxury sectors.
Market context and timeline
Epoch’s Series A financing — raising total investment beyond $40 million — is earmarked for the first commercial plant and enzyme development. The company has partnerships across multiple end-markets and aims to process tens of thousands of tonnes of waste by 2028.
Traditional mechanical and many chemical recycling processes struggle with blended and Nylon 6,6-containing textiles. As global plastic production is projected to increase substantially over coming decades, scalable biological recycling offers a path to circularity and material value recovery at industrial scale.
Publisher & contact
Epoch Biodesign — advancing enzyme-driven recycling to return plastics to high-performance applications.
Enzyme-based Plastic Recycling
Press contact: media@epochbiodesign.com
About Epoch Design
Epoch Design is a UK-based brand agency that believes in building brands that build bonds. Their philosophy is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: most people ignore brands because most brands ignore people. Epoch sets itself apart by putting people first—crafting brand experiences that resonate emotionally and authentically.
Enzyme-based Plastic Recycling
Epoch’s work is structured around three core pillars:
- Brand Strategy
Epoch helps brands define what they stand for—and what they stand against. This includes positioning, purpose, personality, tone of voice, and innovation. Their strategic approach ensures that every brand they work with has a clear identity and a meaningful connection with its audience. - Brand Identity
They transform strategy into visual and verbal assets that define how a brand looks and sounds. From packaging design to identity principles, Epoch creates cohesive brand worlds that are both distinctive and memorable. - Brand Communications
Epoch develops campaign ideas that span the entire consumer journey—online and offline, above and below the line. Their communication strategies ensure that brands are present wherever their audiences are, delivering consistent and impactful messaging.
Enzyme-based Plastic Recycling
Epoch’s portfolio includes work for well-known names like Tetley, The Jolly Hog, and Kwak, showcasing their ability to revitalize legacy brands and elevate emerging ones. Whether repositioning a traditional tea brand or reframing a craft beer’s identity, Epoch’s creative solutions are grounded in strategic insight and human-centric design.
Their approach is collaborative and immersive. They work closely with clients to understand their culture, audience, and goals, ensuring that every project is tailored to deliver real-world impact. Epoch doesn’t just design for aesthetics—they design for connection, engagement, and growth.
With a team of passionate creatives and strategists, Epoch continues to push the boundaries of branding by integrating storytelling, design, and communication into unified brand experiences. Their mission is clear: to create brands that people don’t just notice—but truly care about.
For more information, visit Epoch Design.
Enzyme-based Plastic Recycling
