Resynergi Company Profile

Background

Resynergi, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Rohnert Park, California, is dedicated to addressing the global challenge of plastic waste through innovative recycling technologies. The company's mission is to revolutionize the renewable energy industry by developing sustainable solutions that promote a circular economy. Resynergi envisions a future where plastic waste is transformed into valuable resources, thereby reducing environmental pollution and fostering sustainability. Operating within the environmental sector, Resynergi has developed proprietary technologies that convert unrecycled plastic waste into usable fuels and other products with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. Their systems are designed to be easy to deploy, scalable, and cost-efficient, positioning the company as a significant player in the waste recovery and management technology industry.

Key Strategic Focus

Resynergi's strategic focus centers on the development and commercialization of its Continuous Microwave Assisted Pyrolysis (CMAP) technology. This technology is engineered to convert plastic waste into reusable materials at a rate 20 times faster than traditional pyrolysis methods. The company's core objectives include:

Technological Innovation: Advancing the CMAP technology to enhance efficiency and scalability.

Market Expansion: Deploying modular recycling systems to material recovery facilities (MRFs) and petrochemical companies to facilitate decentralized plastic recycling.

Sustainability: Reducing reliance on fossil fuels by converting plastic waste into clean, reusable liquid hydrocarbons, thereby promoting a circular economy.

Resynergi targets markets that are seeking efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for plastic waste management, including municipalities, recycling organizations, and petrochemical industries.

Financials and Funding

As of January 2024, Resynergi secured $6.4 million in a Series B funding round co-led by Transitions First (T1ST) and Lummus Technology. This investment aims to scale the production of CMAP technology and expand the executive team. Prior to this, in November 2023, Lummus Technology made a significant investment in Resynergi to accelerate the commercialization of the CMAP technology. The total funding raised by Resynergi is estimated at $25 million. The capital is intended for scaling production capabilities, enhancing technological development, and expanding market reach.

Pipeline Development

Resynergi has been operating a pilot plant in Santa Rosa, California, since March 2021. The company is now focusing on scaling its operations by building additional modular units, akin to adding Lego bricks, to increase processing capacity. The Resynergi Module is engineered to convert 5 tons per day of discarded plastic into pyrolysis oil, which can be processed by refiners and petrochemical companies to produce circular polymers. The modular design allows for rapid deployment and scalability, with the potential to process approximately 20 to 50 tons per day.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Resynergi's proprietary CMAP technology distinguishes itself through several key features:

Modular Design: Allows for rapid deployment and scalability, making advanced recycling more affordable and versatile.

Compact Footprint: The system-on-a-skid design eliminates the typical square footage requirements for a recycling plant, enabling installation in diverse locations.

Faster Conversion: Utilizing microwave energy, plastic molecules are broken down 100 times faster than traditional pyrolysis reactors.

High-Quality Output: Produces pyrolysis oil that meets standards set by refinery partners for chemical recycling.

Environmental Efficiency: Generates clean products with up to 68% CO₂e reduction compared to conventional polymer production.

The CMAP technology can process high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) waste plastics, which represent approximately 60% of the plastic types produced. Additionally, the technology can integrate data collection, machine learning, and artificial intelligence capabilities to monitor operations and optimize performance.

Leadership Team

Resynergi's leadership team comprises experienced professionals dedicated to advancing the company's mission:

Brian Bauer: Co-Founder, President & CEO. A seasoned technology executive with a background in the semiconductor industry, holding a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University and an MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management.

Jens Umehag: CFO and COO. With over 25 years in the energy and environmental sectors, including roles as CFO for BP Ventures and Halma, Jens has led international expansion and innovation strategies.

Sasha Kosek: CTO and Head Chemist. Leads the engineering team, focusing on the chemical makeup of feedstocks and products, catalysis, process engineering, and new technology integration.

Kenny Davis: CCO and CMO. A seasoned marketer and deal-maker with experience launching billion-dollar businesses and negotiating deals with Fortune 500 companies.

Mario Carrillo: Director of Operations. Brings extensive experience managing operations across traditional oil & gas and renewable energy sectors, noted for driving efficiency and optimizing resource consumption.

Roger Ruan, Ph.D.: Chief Technology Advisor. Director of the Center for Biorefining and a Professor at the University of Minnesota, with ongoing research in thermochemical and biological conversion for solid and liquid waste utilization.

The Board of Directors includes industry leaders such as Leon de Bruyn, President and CEO of Lummus Technology, and Marianne Abib-Pech, Managing Partner at Transitions First.

Leadership Changes

In January 2024, Leon de Bruyn, President and CEO of Lummus Technology, joined Resynergi's Board of Directors following Lummus's investment in the company. This strategic addition aims to leverage de Bruyn's expertise to accelerate the commercialization of Resynergi's CMAP technology.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global plastic recycling market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing environmental concerns and regulatory pressures. The market was valued at approximately $50 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $95 billion by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7%. Technological advancements, such as chemical recycling and advanced sorting technologies, are influencing competitive dynamics and creating opportunities for innovation.

Competitor Analysis

Resynergi operates in a competitive landscape with several key players:

Veolia: A global leader in waste management, offering comprehensive recycling solutions.

Waste Management: Provides waste collection, transfer, disposal services, and recycling and resource recovery.

Suez: Specializes in water and waste management, including recycling services.

EMO France: Provides wastewater and sludge treatment equipment.

Ozone Solutions: Offers ozone sensors for agricultural, food processing, and waste treatment facilities.

Komar Industries: Manufactures waste-handling equipment.

EMCO GROUP: Manufactures wastewater treatment systems.

Resynergi differentiates itself through its proprietary CMAP technology, offering faster conversion rates, modular design, and environmental efficiency.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Resynergi has established significant partnerships to enhance its market position:

Lummus Technology: In November 2023, Lummus invested in Resynergi to scale the production of CMAP technology. This partnership combines Lummus's global licensing expertise with Resynergi's innovative recycling solutions.

University of Minnesota: In June 2017, Resynergi partnered with the University of Minnesota to combine microwave-based technology with its modular system to convert unrecycled plastic waste into biodiesel.

CannaCraft: In September 2019, Resynergi partnered with CannaCraft to pilot a program converting plastic cannabis packaging into fuel to power vehicles for CannaCraft’s distribution arm.

Airfield Supply Company: In December 2020, Airfield Supply Company joined the pilot program to convert plastic cannabis packaging into fuel.

These collaborations aim to accelerate the commercialization and deployment of Resynergi's recycling technology.

Operational Insights

Resynergi's strategic considerations include:

Decentralized Recycling Solutions: The modular design of CMAP technology allows for deployment in diverse locations, reducing transportation costs and enabling localized recycling efforts.

Environmental Impact: The technology's ability to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 68% compared to conventional polymer production positions Resynergi as a leader in sustainable recycling solutions.