Graphene-infused circular plastics

Could these additives help plastics shift from a linear to a circular economy?

Spotted: The growing plastic crisis demands a shift in our consumption model from a linear to a circular economy. Currently, the global economy is only around seven per cent circular, down from nine per cent in 2018. Swedish startup Glenntex is convinced that its graphene innovation is part of the solution, helping to strengthen plastics to make them more recyclable and circular. 

Glenntex has developed graphene-infused masterbatch additives, which are concentrated mixtures that enhance the properties of plastic products when added into the production mix. They can also be added to washed-up ocean plastic to upcycle them. Graphene makes the plastics “smarter” by offering strength and lightweight durability, improving their performance while reducing the material’s environmental impact by giving it greater recyclability and a longer lifespan. The vision for the company is simple: combat the plastic crisis by reducing reliance on virgin plastic materials and improving circularity. 

What sets Glenntex apart is its deep-rooted collective commitment to sustainability, coupled with advanced scientific work. Co-Founder and CEO Anders Sonesson explained to Springwise that “Graphene is versatility. It allows us to revolutionise everyday materials, like plastics, used in our society (…) by integrating graphene into plastics, we found an opportunity to further global sustainability efforts.”

Set up as a spin-off from Chalmers University of Technology, Glenntex is based in Gothenburg and is building links with industry leaders like SIO Grafen. Its solutions are already in commercial use, and the startup is particularly excited to form more partnerships across various industries looking to reduce their carbon footprint and enhance their circularity. With plans to expand its technology globally, Glenntex is scaling fast to meet growing demand and to keep innovating.

Written By: Oscar Williams