Synthetica

Synthetica is a French startup focused on the chemical recycling of synthetic textiles, specifically nylon, to address pollution in the fashion industry. The company was co-founded by CEO Marco Bertone and researcher Louis Monsigny, who met through the Entrepreneur First accelerator. Bertone has a background in leading growth for a fashion marketplace, while Monsigny holds a PhD and two post-doctorates in Molecular Catalysis and Plastic Depolymerization.

The company has developed a unique and precise chemical depolymerization technique that acts as a "chemical sniper," exclusively targeting nylon while leaving other fibers like polyester untouched. This process allows for the recovery and regeneration of high-quality nylon from textile waste, even from blended fabrics, which are traditionally difficult and costly to recycle using mechanical methods. Synthetica's technology offers a more sustainable alternative to conventional production, promising to reduce waste and emissions by up to 80%. The recycled nylon is said to have properties identical to new material.

Synthetica's business model involves producing recycled nylon for clients in the fashion and automotive industries. It has already established partnerships with major brands, including Etam and Peugeot. In July 2024, the company announced a €4.2 million seed funding round led by EQT Ventures, with participation from the family offices of Peugeot and ETAM, among others. This capital is intended to expand the technical team and scale production to a pre-industrial stage by mid-2026. The company's long-term vision is to recycle all synthetic fibers, including polyester and elastane, to help the textile industry achieve net-zero emissions.

Keywords: nylon recycling, chemical recycling, textile waste, sustainable fashion, circular economy, depolymerization, cleantech, green chemistry, synthetic fibers, textile innovation, material science, B2B, industrial chemistry, waste reduction, fashion technology, automotive textiles, sustainable materials, EQT Ventures, Entrepreneur First