Key Takeaways
- A plastic-recycling business, Plastinuva, is scaling up its operations based on technology developed in a campus lab at The University of Toledo.
- The company, founded by Dr. Sridhar Viamajala, is receiving support from the UToledo Business Incubator and Akron’s Bounce Innovation Hub.
- Plastinuva has developed a novel technology to recycle polypropylene, a type of plastic that is widely used but has been difficult to recycle.
- The company is one of a dozen polymer and materials science startups selected to participate in the Synthe6 Materials Accelerator.
- With the support of the incubator and accelerator, Plastinuva is advancing its commercial potential and refining its process to scale up production of polypropylene powder.
Introduction to Plastinuva
A plastic-recycling business based on technology developed in a campus lab at The University of Toledo is scaling up its operations. Since Dr. Sridhar Viamajala co-developed a novel technology to recycle polypropylene in 2021, he has been advancing its commercial potential with the support of the UToledo Business Incubator. Dr. Viamajala’s startup company, Plastinuva, is receiving support from the incubator and Akron’s Bounce Innovation Hub, which has been instrumental in helping him navigate the business side of things. As a professor with academic interests in bioprocessing for bioproducts and biofuel production, Viamajala has been learning to balance his technical expertise with the demands of running a business.
The Challenge of Recycling Polypropylene
Polypropylene is a form of plastic that is widely used, particularly in the food and healthcare industries. However, the vast majority of polypropylene, more than 99%, ends up in landfills, reflecting a long-standing recycling problem for this type of plastic. Plastinuva’s technology breaks ground in introducing a new recycling process for polypropylene, specifically a patent-pending method of separating it out of a mixed waste stream. The separated polypropylene is then processed into a like-new powder that is of interest to manufacturing end-users that specialize in producing new products using recycled plastics. By bridging the gap in the middle of the supply chain, Plastinuva is able to buy waste plastic that would otherwise head to the landfill and sell it to companies that are looking to create new products using recycled plastic.
Scaling Up Operations
With the support of the UToledo Business Incubator and the Synthe6 Materials Accelerator, Plastinuva is refining its process and scaling up its production of polypropylene powder. The company has received additional funding and support through the National Science Foundation and the Ohio Department of Development, which has enabled it to develop a supply partnership with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Plastinuva has also begun renting an on-campus lab through the Business Incubator, allowing the company to refine its process and increase its production capacity. The company is on track to begin processing 100-pound batches of polypropylene powder this spring, which will position it well to sell to small vendors and establish relationships with larger vendors that can evaluate its powder for use in their products.
Support from the Incubator and Accelerator
The UToledo Business Incubator and the Synthe6 Materials Accelerator have been instrumental in supporting Plastinuva’s growth and development. The incubator has provided resources and development opportunities, including access to mentors and industry experts. The Synthe6 Materials Accelerator has brought additional support, including funding, weekly workshops, and access to assigned mentors and polymer industry experts. The accelerator program is supported by the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub, which reflects regional industry strengths. The support from the incubator and accelerator has been invaluable in helping Viamajala navigate the business side of things and advance Plastinuva’s commercial potential.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
Plastinuva’s progress demonstrates the long-term economic impact that incubator-supported startups can have on the region. By providing the resources, mentorship, and environment entrepreneurs need to thrive, the UToledo Business Incubator is cultivating the future of northwest Ohio’s innovation economy. With the support of the incubator and accelerator, Plastinuva is well-positioned to continue its upward momentum and make a significant impact in the recycling industry. As the company continues to refine its process and scale up its production, it is likely to play an increasingly important role in addressing the recycling problem for polypropylene and other types of plastic.