The circular economy aims to redefine waste management by turning discarded materials into valuable resources. Companies in this industry focus on innovative recycling solutions, sustainable product design, and strategic partnerships to promote reusability and minimize environmental impact. This growing sector gathers a mix of startups and established firms, all united by the goal of fostering a sustainable approach to consumption. Emerging trends include advancements in material recovery technology and increased government support for circular initiatives, allowing companies to shift toward environmentally responsible practices while appealing to conscious consumers. The future seems promising as investment continues to flow into these initiatives.


This selection highlights a range of circular economy companies from various locations such as the USA, UK, and Taiwan. They vary in size from small teams of around 10 to larger organizations with over 16,000 employees, showcasing different expertise such as textile recycling, sustainable construction, and waste management. Many were founded in the last two decades, reflecting a relatively young but rapidly maturing industry. Their specializations often include innovative recycling methods, reusable packaging solutions, and partnerships that emphasize sustainability and efficiency in resource management. This diversity mirrors the growing importance of circular economy practices in today’s market.


Continue reading to learn about the top circular economy companies.


Top 19 Circular Economy Companies Companies


1. TerraCycle

  • Website: terracycle.com
  • Ownership type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Trenton, New Jersey, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 42%, United Kingdom (UK) 31%, Hungary 9%, Other 19%
  • Latest funding: $800,000, September 2024
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn: terracycle

TerraCycle, founded in 2001 and based in Trenton, New Jersey, is a private equity-backed recycling company that specializes in innovative waste management solutions. With a workforce of approximately 439 employees, TerraCycle operates in over 20 countries and engages millions of people in recycling initiatives. The company focuses on hard-to-recycle materials, offering various programs for consumers, businesses, and organizations. Notable offerings include the Zero Waste Box™, which allows users to recycle a wide range of items, and the Loop initiative, which promotes reusable packaging. TerraCycle has also developed partnerships with major brands to sponsor recycling programs, making it easier for consumers to recycle items that are often overlooked by traditional waste management systems. Recently, the company secured $800,000 in funding, indicating ongoing support for its mission to eliminate waste and promote sustainability.


2. Miniwiz Co. Ltd.


Miniwiz Co. Ltd., founded in 2005 and based in Taiwan, is a private company that specializes in sustainable construction. The firm focuses on upcycling waste materials into innovative building products and solutions, serving clients across various sectors including construction, fashion, and healthcare. Miniwiz has developed a range of products and consulting services that promote a circular economy, emphasizing the importance of reducing waste and reusing materials. Notable projects include the EcoARK, a museum constructed from recycled plastic bottles, and modular hospital wards designed to address urgent healthcare needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company has also partnered with global brands like Nike to create retail spaces that utilize upcycled materials, further demonstrating their commitment to sustainability. With over 17 years of experience, Miniwiz has made significant strides in promoting environmentally responsible practices within the construction industry.


3. Loop

  • Website: loopstore.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Trenton, New Jersey, United States (USA)
  • Latest funding: $6.7M, January 2019
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: shoploop

Loop, founded in 2018 and based in Trenton, New Jersey, is a sustainability platform dedicated to providing reusable packaging solutions for both consumers and businesses. The company operates by partnering with various brands and retailers to facilitate the sale and collection of reusable versions of conventional single-use products. Loop's services include a mobile app that allows users to manage their reusable packaging and a robust network for collecting and cleaning used containers. This initiative aims to make reuse convenient and accessible, thereby reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. Loop is currently available in the United States, Japan, and France, and has received funding amounting to approximately $6.7 million as of January 2019. The company is managed by TerraCycle, a social enterprise focused on eliminating waste, which further strengthens Loop's position in the sustainability sector.


4. Closed Loop Partners

  • Website: closedlooppartners.com
  • Ownership type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Latest funding: February 2025
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: closed-loop-fund

Closed Loop Partners is an investment firm based in New York, focused on building the circular economy. Founded in 2014, the company operates through three main segments: investment management, an innovation center, and a recycling operation. They provide venture capital and private equity services, targeting sectors such as plastics and packaging, fashion, food and agriculture, and technology. Their innovation center collaborates with various stakeholders to tackle material challenges and promote systemic change. Notably, Closed Loop Partners runs the largest privately held recycling company in North America, enhancing their ability to deliver circular economy services and infrastructure. Their efforts have resulted in significant environmental impacts, including millions of tons of materials kept in circulation and substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Closed Loop Partners actively engages with corporations and municipalities to implement sustainable practices and reduce waste, positioning themselves as a key player in the transition to a circular economy.


5. Paprec

  • Website: paprec.com
  • Ownership type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Employee distribution: France 97%, Other 3%
  • Latest funding: Other (Debt), $217.5M, July 2024
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: paprec

Paprec, founded in 1994 and based in Paris, is a prominent player in the waste management and recycling industry. The company offers comprehensive solutions for waste collection, sorting, and valorization, catering to both businesses and local communities. With a workforce of over 16,000 employees, Paprec is dedicated to promoting environmental responsibility through effective recycling practices. Their operations focus on transforming waste into reusable materials, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future. Recently, Paprec secured significant funding, amounting to approximately €217 million, which underscores their growth trajectory and commitment to innovation in waste management. The company actively engages in various initiatives aimed at enhancing recycling processes and educating stakeholders about sustainable waste practices.


6. Worn Again Technologies

  • Website: wornagain.co.uk
  • Ownership type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Nottingham, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Employee distribution: United Kingdom (UK) 89%, Switzerland 11%
  • Latest funding: $30.6M, October 2022
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: worn-again

Worn Again Technologies, founded in 2012 and based in Nottingham, UK, is a textile recycling company that specializes in chemical recycling processes. The firm aims to transform the textile industry by converting used textiles, particularly those containing polyester and cotton, into quality materials suitable for reuse. Their innovative approach not only addresses the pressing issue of textile waste but also contributes to a more sustainable supply chain for the fashion and textile industries. Worn Again has garnered significant attention and support, receiving funding of over £30 million in 2022 to develop their technology and expand operations. They are actively involved in partnerships and initiatives that promote a circular economy, including the establishment of a demo plant in Switzerland, which is set to prevent the incineration of 1,000 tons of textiles annually. This facility will serve as a platform for demonstrating their recycling technology at an industrial scale, further solidifying their role in advancing sustainable practices within the textile sector.


7. Pentatonic

  • Website: pentatonic.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Employee distribution: United Kingdom (UK) 82%, Germany 18%
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: wearepentatonic

Pentatonic, founded in 2017 and based in London, is a sustainability consulting and technology platform provider that specializes in material lifecycle management. The company offers a range of services aimed at helping brands optimize the lifecycle of their products. These services include recovery, repair, rental, resale, recycling, and remanufacturing. Pentatonic's platform connects customer engagement with intelligent material management, allowing brands to unlock ongoing revenue from their products. Their clientele primarily consists of large brands looking to improve their sustainability practices and adapt to evolving market demands. The multidisciplinary team at Pentatonic includes experts in supply chain management, material science, product design, and circular economy consulting, all working together to drive sustainable growth for their clients. The company has not reported any funding, indicating a self-sustaining operational model.


8. Ragn-Sells Group

  • Website: ragnsells.com
  • Ownership type: Family Owned
  • Headquarters: Sollentuna, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Employee distribution: Sweden 86%, Norway 7%, Belgium 7%
  • Founded year: 1966
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: ragnsells-group

Ragn-Sells Group, founded in 1966, is a family-owned waste management and recycling company based in Sollentuna, Stockholm, Sweden. The company operates in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Estonia, providing comprehensive services in waste collection, treatment, and recycling. Ragn-Sells Group focuses on sustainability and the principles of the circular economy, aiming to transform waste into valuable resources. They handle approximately 5.6 million tonnes of material annually, ensuring that waste is not merely discarded but repurposed for new production processes. Their operations include trading in various material groups such as paper, plastics, metals, and waste fuel. Ragn-Sells Group also emphasizes innovation, working on projects that develop new value chains and improve recycling technologies. Their commitment to environmental stewardship and resource efficiency positions them as a significant player in the circular economy.


9. Ambercycle

  • Website: ambercycle.com
  • Ownership type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 87%, United Kingdom (UK) 4%, Spain 4%, Other 4%
  • Latest funding: $10.0M, August 2024
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: ambercycleinc

Ambercycle, founded in 2015 and based in Los Angeles, California, is a textile recycling company dedicated to creating sustainable materials through innovative recycling technology. The firm specializes in converting post-consumer and post-industrial textiles into cycora®, a high-quality regenerated polyester. This product serves fashion brands and manufacturers that are committed to reducing their environmental footprint. Ambercycle's operations are rooted in circular economy principles, emphasizing the importance of recycling and reusing materials to minimize waste. The company has formed strategic partnerships with industry leaders, including agreements with major brands like Inditex and GANNI, to promote the adoption of its recycled materials. With a recent funding amount of $10 million, Ambercycle is poised to scale its operations and further its mission of decarbonizing supply chains across various industries.


10. Recover

  • Website: recoverfiber.com
  • Ownership type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Madrid, Madrid, Spain
  • Employee distribution: Spain 49%, Bangladesh 40%, United States (USA) 6%, Other 6%
  • Latest funding: $100.0M, June 2022
  • Founded year: 1947
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn: recover-recycled-cotton-fiber

Recover Textile Systems, based in Madrid, Spain, is a textile manufacturer with a rich history dating back to 1947. The company specializes in sustainable materials, particularly in the recycling of textile waste into high-quality recycled cotton fibers. Recover's innovative processes allow them to convert both post-industrial and post-consumer textile waste into valuable fibers, which are then used by fashion brands and manufacturers seeking eco-friendly solutions. With a workforce of approximately 334 employees, Recover operates production facilities in Spain, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, and is actively expanding its global footprint. The company has received significant funding, amounting to $100 million in June 2022, which underscores its potential for growth and impact in the circular economy. Recover's mission is to promote circular fashion for all, and they collaborate with various industry partners to educate and implement sustainable practices within the textile supply chain.


11. Interzero

  • Website: interzero.de
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Employee distribution: Germany 94%, Slovenia 3%, Other 4%
  • Founded year: 1991
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: interseroh-dienstleistungs-gmbh

Interzero Holding GmbH & Co. KG, based in Cologne, Germany, is a prominent recycling service provider that specializes in environmental services. Founded in 1991, the company has grown to employ around 2,000 people and serves over 50,000 clients across Europe. Interzero offers a wide array of solutions in material management, recycling, and waste logistics, aimed at helping businesses enhance their sustainability efforts and comply with environmental regulations. Their services include product design, process optimization, and the establishment of return and logistics systems. Interzero is particularly noted for its expertise in plastic recycling, boasting the largest sorting capacity in Europe. The company has made significant strides in resource conservation, reportedly saving over 11 million tons of primary resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 1.2 million tons in 2023 alone. Interzero's commitment to a zero-waste philosophy and its innovative approaches to recycling and waste management position it as a key player in the circular economy.


12. Waste2Wear

  • Website: waste2wear.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Haarlem, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Employee distribution: China 39%, Netherlands 17%, Belgium 9%, Other 35%
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: waste2wear

Waste2Wear, founded in 2016 and based in Haarlem, North Holland, is a private company dedicated to sustainable fashion. With a small team of around 22 employees, the company focuses on creating textile products from recycled materials, including bags, sportswear, and fashion items. Waste2Wear caters to both brands and consumers who prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions. The company has developed innovative recycling processes and emphasizes verified traceability in its supply chain, allowing customers to understand the environmental impact of their purchases. Their products are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, significantly reducing water, carbon, and energy usage compared to traditional materials. Waste2Wear's commitment to sustainability has garnered attention, and they have been recognized with various awards for their contributions to the industry.


13. Biohm

  • Website: biohm.co.uk
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Employee distribution: United Kingdom (UK) 100%
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: biohm

Biohm is a biotechnology company based in London, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in harnessing mycelium technology and organic waste to create sustainable alternatives to traditional materials. Their innovative solutions cater to various sectors, including construction, automotive, fashion, and healthcare. Biohm's mycelium technology allows for the development of high-performance products that are cold compostable and remanufacturable, promoting a circular approach to material use. Additionally, their Orb technology transforms food and agricultural waste into functional products, further supporting their mission to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and harmful materials. Biohm is also involved in bioremediation efforts, utilizing mycelium to break down plastics and other toxins, thereby contributing to environmental restoration. The company operates with a focus on aligning its practices with the Sustainable Development Goals, aiming for a regenerative impact on both ecosystems and communities.


14. Saahas Zero Waste

  • Website: saahaszerowaste.com
  • Ownership type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  • Employee distribution: India 100%
  • Latest funding: $864,000, May 2019
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn: saahas-zero-waste

Saahas Zero Waste, founded in 2013 and based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is a waste management company dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions for waste collection, recycling, and consulting services. With a workforce of around 175 employees, the company operates across major cities in India, including Chennai, Hyderabad, and Goa. Saahas Zero Waste serves a variety of clients, including corporates, governments, and residential communities, all seeking sustainable waste management practices. The company emphasizes reducing waste generation and promoting recycling, aligning its operations with the principles of the circular economy. They have managed over 42,000 metric tons of waste and have significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions through their initiatives. Saahas Zero Waste also engages in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) services, helping manufacturers comply with regulations regarding post-consumer waste. Their innovative approach includes the development of recycled products and technology solutions to enhance waste management processes.


15. Ragn-Sells

  • Website: ragnsells.se
  • Ownership type: Family Owned
  • Headquarters: Sollentuna, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Employee distribution: Sweden 95%, Norway 5%
  • Founded year: 1968
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: ragnsells

Ragn-Sells, founded in 1968 and based in Sollentuna, Stockholm, is a family-owned company that operates in the waste management and recycling sector. With a workforce of over 1,000 employees, Ragn-Sells provides comprehensive waste disposal and recycling services to households, businesses, and public entities across Sweden and Norway. The company emphasizes sustainable waste management solutions, aiming to reduce the reliance on virgin resources by promoting the use of recycled materials. Their annual sustainability reports highlight their progress in transitioning towards a circular economy, showcasing their commitment to environmental stewardship. Notably, Ragn-Sells has developed innovative technologies, such as the Ash2Salt facility, which recycles fly ash from waste incineration into valuable salts, demonstrating their proactive approach to resource recovery and waste minimization.


16. Viridor

  • Website: viridor.co.uk
  • Ownership type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Ardley, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Employee distribution: United Kingdom (UK) 98%, Other 2%
  • Latest funding: $5.5B, January 2020
  • Founded year: 1957
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: viridor

Viridor Limited, founded in 1957 and based in Ardley, England, is a prominent waste management and recycling company in the UK. With a workforce of over 1,100 employees, Viridor specializes in transforming waste into valuable resources and energy. The company operates advanced facilities across the UK, focusing on recycling services and energy recovery solutions. Their operations are designed to support sustainability and the circular economy, aligning with the UK Government's goal of creating a climate-positive circular economy by 2050. Viridor has made significant investments in infrastructure, including over £1.2 billion in energy recovery facilities that convert non-recyclable waste into energy. In 2020, the company was acquired by KKR, which has further strengthened its commitment to sustainable infrastructure growth. Viridor is also a founding member of the UK Plastics Pact, which aims to create a circular economy for plastics, and has launched initiatives to decarbonize its operations and enhance its recycling capabilities, particularly in plastics.


17. ALIA SERVIZI AMBIENTALI SpA


ALIA SERVIZI AMBIENTALI SpA, founded in 2017 and based in Florence, Tuscany, is a private waste management company that specializes in integrated waste management and recycling services. With a workforce of approximately 356 employees, the company serves residential households, businesses, and local governments across Tuscany. ALIA is dedicated to sustainability and the circular economy, focusing on maximizing waste valorization through enhanced recycling efforts. Their strategic plan emphasizes the importance of increasing the quality and quantity of waste separation, alongside establishing stable recycling supply chains. The company’s operations are aligned with international sustainability frameworks, including the UN Agenda 2030, showcasing their commitment to ecological transition and social responsibility. ALIA's sustainability reports adhere to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, ensuring transparency and accountability in their environmental and social practices.


18. Rheaply

  • Website: rheaply.com
  • Ownership type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Latest funding: $20.0M, June 2022
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: rheaply-inc.

Rheaply, founded in 2015 and based in Chicago, Illinois, is a resource management company that specializes in sustainability consulting and inventory management. The firm assists businesses and organizations in efficiently managing their resources, reducing waste, and implementing sustainable practices. Rheaply operates a digital platform that connects users with resources for reuse, effectively promoting a circular economy. Their offerings include services such as internal reuse, decommissions, and sustainable disposition, which help organizations optimize their resource utilization. In June 2022, Rheaply secured $20 million in funding, underscoring its growth and commitment to advancing sustainability initiatives across various sectors.


19. Muuse

  • Website: muuse.io
  • Ownership type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Singapore
  • Employee distribution: Singapore 39%, Canada 39%, Hong Kong S.A.R 22%
  • Latest funding: Other (Grant), $20,000, June 2023
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: muuse-io

Muuse is a sustainability service provider based in Singapore, founded in 2021. The company specializes in reducing single-use waste by offering a platform for borrowing and returning reusable containers. Their primary focus is on the food and beverage sector, but they also cater to municipalities and environmentally conscious consumers. Muuse provides a range of services, including sustainability consulting and data analytics, to help businesses track their waste reduction efforts. The company has expanded its operations to multiple markets, including Canada and Hong Kong, and has successfully diverted hundreds of thousands of single-use items from landfills. Recently, Muuse received a grant of $20,000 in funding, which underscores their ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovation in the reuse sector.



Circular Economy Companies Insights: Key Companies


CompanyHeadquarterSizeFoundedOwnership
TerraCycleTrenton, New Jersey, United States (USA)201-5002001Private Equity
Miniwiz Co. Ltd.Taiwan51-2002005Private
LoopTrenton, New Jersey, United States (USA)51-2002018Private
Closed Loop PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502014Venture Capital
PaprecParis, Île-De-France, France10001+1994Private Equity
Worn Again TechnologiesNottingham, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-502012Venture Capital
PentatonicLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-502017Private
Ragn-Sells GroupSollentuna, Stockholm, Sweden1001-50001966Family Owned
AmbercycleLos Angeles, California, United States (USA)11-502015Venture Capital
RecoverMadrid, Madrid, Spain201-5001947Private Equity
InterzeroCologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1001-50001991Private
Waste2WearHaarlem, North Holland, Netherlands1-102016Private
BiohmLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-502016Private
Saahas Zero WasteBengaluru, Karnataka, India201-5002013Venture Capital
Ragn-SellsSollentuna, Stockholm, Sweden1001-50001968Family Owned
ViridorArdley, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-50001957Private Equity
ALIA SERVIZI AMBIENTALI SpAFlorence, Tuscany, Italy1001-50002017Private
RheaplyChicago, Illinois, United States (USA)51-2002015Private Equity
MuuseSingapore1-102021Venture Capital


Want to Find More Circular Economy Companies Companies?

If you want to find more companies that provide innovative recycling solutions and sustainable product designs you can do so with Inven. This list was built with Inven and there are hundreds of companies like these globally.

With Inven you'll also get to know the company's:

  • Detailed Ownership: Who owns the company? Is it a public or private company? What is the ownership structure?
  • Contact data: Who are the founders and CEO's? What are their emails and phone numbers?
  • Financials: How do these companies perform financially? What are their revenues and profit margins?

...and a lot more!