Giving a boost to high-quality recycling of plastics from household waste

The biggest challenge in recycling plastic from household waste is sorting the different plastic materials. For this, Umincorp employs both existing and self-developed processes, of which the self-developed Magnetic Density Separation (MDS) is the most important step.

MDS involves separating plastics in the waste stream using a magnetic liquid. The MDS technology enables Umincorp to recover significantly more plastics than traditional sorting and recycling techniques. This increase is of great importance to the sector in meeting European recycling targets. Additionally, the process results in recovered plastics with higher purity. And the purer the recycled plastics, the better they can be used as raw material for new high-quality plastic products.

Jaap talks about the various streams: “We sort waste streams into pure raw materials for producers of plastic products such as packaging. These producers therefore use less fossil raw materials. In our factory in Amsterdam, we take in mixed plastic packaging waste, including PET trays that have so far been difficult to recycle. The material is separated, shredded, extensively cleaned, and sorted by type and, if desired, by colour. Due to our high recovery rate into circular-ready material and our low energy consumption per ton of product, we form the missing link in the transition to economic and sustainable circularity.”

Umincorp aligns well with the focus areas of Invest-NL because it has developed an innovative technology for a major societal challenge: high-quality processing of household plastic waste. This means Umincorp is focusing on the transition to a circular economy. Umincorp is also in a scaling phase; the technology has been proven but is being applied on an industrial scale for the first time.

Marlou: “That is risky and also requires significant capital. This combination of factors, plus the fact that Umincorp was founded by experienced entrepreneurs and there were professional co-investors involved, resulted in a good match with Invest-NL.”

Jaap has worked with multiple people within Invest-NL over the past 2.5 years. Jaap: “My overall impression of Invest-NL is positive. It’s a great mix of expertise. Former entrepreneurs, scientists, bankers supported by smart, ambitious, and eager-to-learn young people. What surprised me most about working with Invest-NL is that they are more hands-on and flexible than many commercial funds.”

After each investment, Invest-NL continues to work intensively with its portfolio companies. For example, Invest-NL contributed to the diversification of the newly to be established Supervisory Board (RvC) of Umincorp by proposing a female candidate with relevant market and technological knowledge as a member. Additionally, Invest-NL will remain involved as an observer of the RvC and contribute to the company's sustainability ambitions.

Reda: “Invest-NL will closely monitor Umincorp’s ambitions and will support Umincorp in optimizing ESG and impact policies.”