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CARBIOS: LEADING THE WAY IN PLASTIC
CIRCULARITY

Emmanuel Ladent, CEO of Carbios, reflected on the
STEM THE FLOW OF PLASTIC journey of this French biotech company founded in
FOR A CLEANER FUTURE 2011, which has developed the world’s first industrial-

Given the severity of plastic pollution, limiting it before scale biorecycling process. Inspired by nature, Carbios
it reaches our oceans seems the most effective way specialises in designing and developing enzyme-
of tackling this urgent environmental issue. Some of based processes to break down plastics. Despite the
the most promising innovators in the field presented challenging road from research to industrial process,
initiatives like alternative materials, waste-collection Carbios is currently constructing a biorecycling plant
systems and digital apps during the panel discussion in Longlaville, a success story hailed by the French
and in the exhibition area. Solutions like these promise president, Emmanuel Macron.
to have a significant, wide-reaching impact on the
marine environment and local communities. “Depolymerisation of plastics using enzymes is really
the future of recycling. And we are the only company
“We need to strike a balance between a material’s
performance, its price, which can be kept reasonable in the world to master this technology. Thanks to
by reusing existing raw materials, and its recyclability. several years of R&D to optimise our enzymes, we
We need to persevere. Bringing about a paradigm shift can now depolymerise 95% of waste in 24 hours. The
in the industry takes time, often an entire decade”, enzyme-based technology developed by Carbios
explained Billy McCall, CEO and co-founder of Kintra will offer new competitive environmental solutions
Fibers. The company hopes to seamlessly transition for a circular approach to managing the lifecycle of
the textile industry with its new synthetic fibre that is plastics and textiles.
100% bio-based, biodegradable and produced on We really had to prove our technology before going
the same equipment as standard polyester. industrial. L’Oréal investing in Carbios was the first big
step; then other brands and investors followed suit.
Given that rivers are the main source of ocean plastic It’s a long journey for investors, but this technology
pollution, SEADS, a start-up created in Jakarta in has a long future. In 2024 we’ll sell the first licences
2018 and since relocated to Europe, has developed
innovative waste-collection systems known as ‘blue for our technology to industrial firms, who can then
barriers’ that can be installed in rivers to effectively build and run their own plants.”
intercept macro- and micro-waste before it reaches
the ocean. “This solution fits into the local, circular
economy and could generate plastic credits”, said
Fabio Dalmonte, Founder and Managing Director of
SEADS, who hopes to expand into Asia.

“We want to build a system where there is
coordination between government, local communities
and recycling centres. Our mobile app ensures this
coordination between all these parties”, explained
Tayba Hatimy, Co-founder and Executive Director of
Baus Taka Enterprise, who has developed a smart
digital system for sustainable, high-quality waste
management solutions. The app was launched in
Mombasa County in 2021 and the company is now
ready to expand to other areas of Kenya following a
highly successful digital campaign: “We are having
an exponential impact on local communities and
the fight against plastic waste. We work closely with
women and girls, who accumulate points to become
eco-champions.”