News Summary
Replenysh, a Costa Mesa-based startup, has raised $8 million in Series A funding to transform the recycling industry with a digital platform that promotes a circular economy. Currently, only 10% of plastics are recycled in the U.S., highlighting the need for improved recycling systems. Their unique approach targets businesses, offering tools to track recyclables and incentivizing adoption through a free trash bin and app. Following a successful launch in 2016 and partnerships with major brands, the new funding will advance Replenysh’s mission to enhance recycling processes and sustainability efforts.
Costa Mesa – Replenysh, a startup based in Costa Mesa, successfully raised $8 million in a Series A funding round aimed at transforming the recycling industry with its digital platform. The company’s mission is to establish a circular economy, a concept where recyclables are routed to proper recycling facilities instead of ending up in landfills. Currently, only 10% of plastics are recycled in the U.S., underscoring a significant challenge in the existing recycling system.
The funding round was led by M13, a venture capital firm in Santa Monica, with additional contributions from Incite, Kindred Ventures, and Floodgate Fund. To date, Replenysh has raised approximately $10 million, which includes $2 million from seed funding received in 2020. The new funds will enhance the platform’s intelligence features and automate onboarding processes for various recyclables.
To incentivize businesses to adopt their services, Replenysh offers a free trash bin and a mobile app designed to track the value and destination of recyclables. Unlike traditional recycling organizations, Replenysh caters specifically to businesses on the demand side, creating an innovative business model that stands apart. The company takes a percentage of the material value that transitions from operators to mills and charges businesses for access to their software.
Replenysh’s network spans 10 U.S. states and serves over 200 bars and restaurants, including notable clients such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Walmart. Since its inception in 2016, the company has successfully recovered more than 164 million pounds of waste. Recently, the company appointed a new Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Langtry, who comes from WM Technology. Langtry will be responsible for overseeing the company’s strategy and market expansion efforts.
Replenysh is targeting multifamily housing sectors and retail businesses to help them achieve circular supply chains. The company is collaborating with municipalities to provide its technology at no cost, generating revenue through the sale of recycled materials. Recent partnerships in cities including Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and Jackson, Mississippi, aim to restore recycling options for residents in those communities.
The startup’s innovative software provides analytics and logistics for recycling, simplifying the connection between brands and recycling centers over materials that have been recycled. This technology is designed to enhance customer experiences while also working towards modifying consumer behavior regarding recycling practices.
In conclusion, the new funding will allow Replenysh to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in recycling management and waste reduction, aligning its operations with the growing trend towards sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Orange County Business Journal
- TechCrunch
- Waste360
- AlCircle
- Dark Horse Press
- Wikipedia: Recycling
- Google Search: circular economy
- Google Scholar: Recycling management
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Recycling
- Google News: sustainability and recycling
