CIRT Company Profile

Background

CIRT (Can I Recycle This, Inc.) is a women-owned enterprise dedicated to promoting a sustainable future by keeping recoverable materials out of landfills, the environment, and oceans, and integrating them into a circular system. Founded in 2018, CIRT operates at the intersection of producers and buyers, utilizing proprietary technology to communicate the fate of materials associated with the end-of-life of products and their packaging.

Key Strategic Focus

CIRT's strategic focus centers on providing actionable intelligence for materials recovery through its B2B SaaS platform. The company specializes in:

• Location-Specific Recycling Guidance: Offering real-time, location-specific product recovery information to businesses across the U.S.

• Packaging Optimization: Assisting brands in packaging redesign or replacement to enhance recyclability.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with evolving recycling regulations through seamless integration with existing systems.

Financials and Funding

Since its inception, CIRT has participated in multiple accelerator and incubator programs, securing funding to support its growth. Notable funding milestones include:

• February 2022: Received $100,000 in an accelerator/incubator round.

• December 2022: Secured a grant to further develop its platform.

• March 2023: Completed a later-stage venture capital round.

Technological Platform and Innovation

CIRT's technological platform is distinguished by:

• CIRT Check™: A proprietary tool that provides on-demand, location-specific, end-of-use packaging guidance, enabling brands to offer consumers accurate recycling information.

• SmartLabel® Integration: Seamless integration with existing systems, eliminating the need for additional on-pack real estate and costly retooling.

• AI-Driven Data Analysis: Leveraging artificial intelligence to analyze data associated with numerous products and packaging, informing brands on packaging redesign or replacement.

Leadership Team

• Katherine Shayne: Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Information Officer, and President. Holds a Master's and Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Georgia. Previously worked with the Jambeck Research Group and UGA New Materials Institute, focusing on global materials management and marine plastic litter.

• Jennifer Davidson: Co-Founder, Chief Experience Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Senior Vice President of Customer Experience.

• Mark Babcock: Chief Design Officer, Creative Director, and Partner.

• Dr. Jenna Jambeck: Co-Founder, Chief Science Officer, and Lead Scientist. Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor in Environmental Engineering at the University of Georgia, Head of the Circularity Informatics Lab, and National Geographic Fellow.

• Christian Foster: Chief People Officer, Director of Sales & Strategy, and Chief Partnership Officer.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The materials recovery and recycling industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing environmental awareness and regulatory pressures. Companies are seeking innovative solutions to enhance recyclability and comply with evolving regulations.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the recycling technology sector include:

• Recycle Track Systems (RTS): Provides waste management solutions with a focus on sustainability and data analytics.

• Rubicon: Offers cloud-based waste and recycling solutions, emphasizing cost savings and environmental impact reduction.

• AMP Robotics: Specializes in AI and robotics to improve recycling efficiency and material recovery.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

CIRT has established significant collaborations to strengthen its market position:

• Friends of the Greenway: Corporate member supporting the Oconee River Greenway Commission and Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services to engage diverse communities in environmental stewardship.

• 1% for the Planet: Pledged to give 1% of gross sales to environmental causes verified by 1% for the Planet.

• Protect Our Winters: Corporate member of a climate advocacy organization advancing non-partisan policies to protect the environment.

• Keep Athens Clarke County Beautiful: Ongoing partnership offering community support and education on environmental issues.

• Rivers Alive: Annual participation in the Athens Rivers Alive cleanup, part of a statewide campaign to clean and preserve Georgia’s rivers and streams.

Operational Insights

CIRT's competitive advantages include:

• Proprietary Technology: Unique tools like CIRT Check™ and SmartLabel® integration provide precise, location-based recycling guidance.

• Expert Leadership: A team with extensive experience in environmental engineering and materials management.

• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with environmental organizations enhance credibility and outreach.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

CIRT aims to:

• Expand Market Reach: Increase adoption of its platform among brands seeking sustainable packaging solutions.

• Enhance Technological Capabilities: Further develop AI-driven analytics to provide more comprehensive recycling guidance.

• Strengthen Partnerships: Build additional collaborations to promote recycling education and infrastructure development.

Contact Information

For more information, visit CIRT's official website.

Connect with CIRT on social media:

• Twitter: @cirt_tech

• LinkedIn: CIRT