Top 100 Recycling startups in USA
Jan 28, 2026
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17
1
Funding: $4.9B
Redwood Materials is a leading battery and electronics recycling company. Founded by Tesla co-founder JB Straubel, the company's primary business is electric vehicle battery recycling. But in addition to car batteries, it recycles phones, laptops, tablets, power tools and any other lithium-ion-containing devices - to recover critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and copper. The company also uses old batteries to create own energy storage systems that supply electricity to data centers and the national power grid. The company also offers the creation of corporate and municipal energy storages. Thanks to using the most affordable domestic batteries, combining used and new batteries and simplifying installation and system design, it offers the most cost-effective energy storage systems on the market.
Redwood Materials is a leading battery and electronics recycling company. Founded by Tesla co-founder JB Straubel, the company's primary business is electric vehicle battery recycling. But in addition to car batteries, it recycles phones, laptops, tablets, power tools and any other lithium-ion-containing devices - to recover critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and copper. The company also uses old batteries to create own energy storage systems that supply electricity to data centers and the national power grid. The company also offers the creation of corporate and municipal energy storages. Thanks to using the most affordable domestic batteries, combining used and new batteries and simplifying installation and system design, it offers the most cost-effective energy storage systems on the market.
2
Funding: $133M
Avnos is commercializing technology to capture CO2 without consuming water, producing water for every ton.
Avnos is commercializing technology to capture CO2 without consuming water, producing water for every ton.
3
Funding: $111.4M
Sortera uses AI to recover valuable aluminum from scrap piles and produce affordable, high-quality metal alloys. Sortera's computer-vision-based sensor-based sorter can both upgrade raw material streams (shredded old automotive parts and appliances) and remove unwanted contaminants. The upgraded streams can then be used to manufacture new products. This technology is revolutionary because it enables domestic (US) production of new raw materials from existing automotive industry streams. Sortera's main facility in Markle, Indiana, currently processes approximately 100 million pounds of shredded metal annually to produce blends of aluminum with other elements that make them stronger and more durable.
Sortera uses AI to recover valuable aluminum from scrap piles and produce affordable, high-quality metal alloys. Sortera's computer-vision-based sensor-based sorter can both upgrade raw material streams (shredded old automotive parts and appliances) and remove unwanted contaminants. The upgraded streams can then be used to manufacture new products. This technology is revolutionary because it enables domestic (US) production of new raw materials from existing automotive industry streams. Sortera's main facility in Markle, Indiana, currently processes approximately 100 million pounds of shredded metal annually to produce blends of aluminum with other elements that make them stronger and more durable.
4
Funding: $1.6M
Fibarcode creates barcode labels for clothing woven right into fabric. They are read by a special device thank to using special photonic fibers. These labels are virtually impossible to counterfeit and cannot be cut. They can make clothing and other textiles more recyclable and help identify where, how and from what materials the product was made. After all, regular tags or tagless labels often don't last the life of the garment - they can simply wear off. And tags on counterfeit products may not contain accurate information about the fabric's composition. Photonic labels themselves can be effectively recycled along with the fabric. Moreover, for clothing manufacturers it is profitable to install such labels to help sellers prove the originality of the product.
Fibarcode creates barcode labels for clothing woven right into fabric. They are read by a special device thank to using special photonic fibers. These labels are virtually impossible to counterfeit and cannot be cut. They can make clothing and other textiles more recyclable and help identify where, how and from what materials the product was made. After all, regular tags or tagless labels often don't last the life of the garment - they can simply wear off. And tags on counterfeit products may not contain accurate information about the fabric's composition. Photonic labels themselves can be effectively recycled along with the fabric. Moreover, for clothing manufacturers it is profitable to install such labels to help sellers prove the originality of the product.
5
Funding: $31M
SuperCircle develops a technology platform and reverse logistics system for leading apparel brands and retailers. The startup is outsourcing clothing exchange program that allows customers to send used clothing directly from their closets and receive immediate payment. The AI-powered sorting system processes over 50 data points at the individual garment level, creates a digital twin of each textile and determins the most promising reuse or recycling path. The platform also enables management to track excess brand inventory by sourcing clothing directly from warehouses and stores and comply with Extended Producer Responsibility regulations. SuperCircle collaborates with over 75 partners, including J.Crew, GUESS and Reformation.
SuperCircle develops a technology platform and reverse logistics system for leading apparel brands and retailers. The startup is outsourcing clothing exchange program that allows customers to send used clothing directly from their closets and receive immediate payment. The AI-powered sorting system processes over 50 data points at the individual garment level, creates a digital twin of each textile and determins the most promising reuse or recycling path. The platform also enables management to track excess brand inventory by sourcing clothing directly from warehouses and stores and comply with Extended Producer Responsibility regulations. SuperCircle collaborates with over 75 partners, including J.Crew, GUESS and Reformation.
6
Funding: $690.2M
Vulcan Elements, a rare-earth magnets manufacturing startup backed by Donald Trump Jr. and having government contracts. The company says it has optimized the magnet manufacturing and recycling process and increased its efficiency, autonomy and cost competitiveness. It intends to build the Western rare earth supply chain and domestic production of magnets used in consumer electronics and weapons. Vulcan already runs small-scale commercial manufacturing and R&D facility and is building $1 billion ‘Polaris facility’ in North Carolina.
Vulcan Elements, a rare-earth magnets manufacturing startup backed by Donald Trump Jr. and having government contracts. The company says it has optimized the magnet manufacturing and recycling process and increased its efficiency, autonomy and cost competitiveness. It intends to build the Western rare earth supply chain and domestic production of magnets used in consumer electronics and weapons. Vulcan already runs small-scale commercial manufacturing and R&D facility and is building $1 billion ‘Polaris facility’ in North Carolina.
7
Funding: $15M
Osmoses engages in decarbonizing gas separations to eliminate one gigaton of carbon emissions per year.
Osmoses engages in decarbonizing gas separations to eliminate one gigaton of carbon emissions per year.
8
Funding: $15M
Eion removes atmospheric CO2, permanently and verifiably, with enhanced rock weathering on soil
Eion removes atmospheric CO2, permanently and verifiably, with enhanced rock weathering on soil
9
Funding: $5.5M
Mitico offers accessible carbon capture technology and services to mitigate the impact of industrial emissions on people and the climate:
Mitico offers accessible carbon capture technology and services to mitigate the impact of industrial emissions on people and the climate:
10
Funding: $1.8B
Ascend Elements is implementing sustainable, closed-loop recycling to the lithium-ion battery industry. Its Hydro-to-Cathode Direct Cathode Precursor Synthesis (pCAM) process converts mixed material from spent batteries and manufacturing scrap into active battery cathode material, increasing the value of critical elements like lithium, cobalt and nickel while reducing costs and carbon emissions. The company claims its sustainable battery materials can outperform traditional materials made from newly mined and refined metals, that they have a cycle life exceeding 50% and an 88% increase in capacity compared to traditional cells. In addition to shredding batteries and producing "black mass" or marketable metals, the company uses advanced particle engineering techniques. Ascend Elements also provides comprehensive logistics, materials tracking and customer support services.
Ascend Elements is implementing sustainable, closed-loop recycling to the lithium-ion battery industry. Its Hydro-to-Cathode Direct Cathode Precursor Synthesis (pCAM) process converts mixed material from spent batteries and manufacturing scrap into active battery cathode material, increasing the value of critical elements like lithium, cobalt and nickel while reducing costs and carbon emissions. The company claims its sustainable battery materials can outperform traditional materials made from newly mined and refined metals, that they have a cycle life exceeding 50% and an 88% increase in capacity compared to traditional cells. In addition to shredding batteries and producing "black mass" or marketable metals, the company uses advanced particle engineering techniques. Ascend Elements also provides comprehensive logistics, materials tracking and customer support services.
11
Funding: $1.4B
Eastman is a global specialty chemicals company that produces a range of advanced materials and chemicals.
Eastman is a global specialty chemicals company that produces a range of advanced materials and chemicals.
12
Funding: $944.5M
KoBold Metals is a developer of machine prospector technology intended to facilitate a search for cobalt ore locations digitally.
KoBold Metals is a developer of machine prospector technology intended to facilitate a search for cobalt ore locations digitally.
13
Funding: $929.4M
Twelve is a new kind of chemical company built for the climate era. We make essential products from air, not oil.
Twelve is a new kind of chemical company built for the climate era. We make essential products from air, not oil.
14
Funding: $855.8M
Solugen makes chemicals from custom enzymes and renewable feedstock. It uses dextrose, a simple sugar, and in the future it aims to convert carbon into useful products like building materials and formaldehyde-free resins.
Solugen makes chemicals from custom enzymes and renewable feedstock. It uses dextrose, a simple sugar, and in the future it aims to convert carbon into useful products like building materials and formaldehyde-free resins.
15
Funding: $844.2M
PureCycle transforms polypropylene plastic waste into like-new plastic. The revolutionary technology that PureCycle uses is a form of dissolution. It consists of six main process stages that help close the loop on plastic waste while making recycled plastics more accessible at scale to companies seeking to use a sustainable, recycled resin. PureCycle’s ultra-pure recycled resin with its clarity and low odor can be offered as a substitute for virgin polypropylene. PureCycle’s process uses less energy to recycle existing waste than the energy needed to create first-use plastic, making PureCycled plastic an environmentally mindful and sustainable product.
PureCycle transforms polypropylene plastic waste into like-new plastic. The revolutionary technology that PureCycle uses is a form of dissolution. It consists of six main process stages that help close the loop on plastic waste while making recycled plastics more accessible at scale to companies seeking to use a sustainable, recycled resin. PureCycle’s ultra-pure recycled resin with its clarity and low odor can be offered as a substitute for virgin polypropylene. PureCycle’s process uses less energy to recycle existing waste than the energy needed to create first-use plastic, making PureCycled plastic an environmentally mindful and sustainable product.
16
Funding: $719.1M
Apeel Sciences develops plant-derived shelf life extension technology which promises to keep food fresh for longer periods on store shelves and prevents waste
Apeel Sciences develops plant-derived shelf life extension technology which promises to keep food fresh for longer periods on store shelves and prevents waste
17
Funding: $680.6M
Workiva develops cloud-based AI platform for data-driven financial, risk and sustainability management. It integrates sustainability data from various sources to stay ahead of regulatory requirements and minimize risks. It also enables effective sustainability management by integrating financial and non-financial data into single core control environment. This enables compliance with the highest levels of regulatory oversight and external audit. The system enables corporations to align your sustainability strategies with mandatory and voluntary standards, identify critical risks and opportunities, and report on Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. It also enables to track changes in legislation, including the International Sustainability Standards Board and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.
Workiva develops cloud-based AI platform for data-driven financial, risk and sustainability management. It integrates sustainability data from various sources to stay ahead of regulatory requirements and minimize risks. It also enables effective sustainability management by integrating financial and non-financial data into single core control environment. This enables compliance with the highest levels of regulatory oversight and external audit. The system enables corporations to align your sustainability strategies with mandatory and voluntary standards, identify critical risks and opportunities, and report on Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. It also enables to track changes in legislation, including the International Sustainability Standards Board and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.
18
Funding: $650M
EnergyX is developing direct lithium extraction technology that enables recovery of lithium metal directly from brine in a form suitable for use as anodes for electric vehicle batteries. EnergyX has developed best-in-class sorbents (for extracting lithium molecules from water, capable of withstanding high temperatures, exhibiting fast kinetics and a long cycle life), SX reagents (for purifying and concentrating brines, capable of delivering Li content up to 60,000 ppm) and lithium-selective membranes (for preferential separation of Li molecules from impurities). The company has also patented electrolyte technology that safely leverages the full benefits of low-cost lithium-metal anode batteries compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. EnergyX covers all aspects of the battery supply chain: from lithium extraction from brine, purification and manufacturing to the development of solid-state batteries with high safety and energy density.
EnergyX is developing direct lithium extraction technology that enables recovery of lithium metal directly from brine in a form suitable for use as anodes for electric vehicle batteries. EnergyX has developed best-in-class sorbents (for extracting lithium molecules from water, capable of withstanding high temperatures, exhibiting fast kinetics and a long cycle life), SX reagents (for purifying and concentrating brines, capable of delivering Li content up to 60,000 ppm) and lithium-selective membranes (for preferential separation of Li molecules from impurities). The company has also patented electrolyte technology that safely leverages the full benefits of low-cost lithium-metal anode batteries compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. EnergyX covers all aspects of the battery supply chain: from lithium extraction from brine, purification and manufacturing to the development of solid-state batteries with high safety and energy density.
19
Funding: $621.5M
Grove creates and curates high-performing, planet-first home, and personal care products.
Grove creates and curates high-performing, planet-first home, and personal care products.
20
Funding: $501.7M
Rubicon provides affordable waste and recycling solutions for businesses seeking a smarter, sustainable alternative. Using technologies such as visual recognition and machine learning, the company conducts an initial screening of a client’s waste streams to identify types of waste and quantities, develops a waste separation system, and then tailors a waste collection schedule.
Rubicon provides affordable waste and recycling solutions for businesses seeking a smarter, sustainable alternative. Using technologies such as visual recognition and machine learning, the company conducts an initial screening of a client’s waste streams to identify types of waste and quantities, develops a waste separation system, and then tailors a waste collection schedule.
21
Funding: $442.4M
Gradiant is a solutions provider and developer of cleantech water projects for advanced water and wastewater treatment.
Gradiant is a solutions provider and developer of cleantech water projects for advanced water and wastewater treatment.
22
Funding: $430M
Vanguard Renewables is a national leader in the development of organics-to-renewable energy projects.
Vanguard Renewables is a national leader in the development of organics-to-renewable energy projects.
23
Funding: $380.9M
ProducePay is an AgTech company developing a financing platform that allows farmers to have access to liquidity for pricing transparency.
ProducePay is an AgTech company developing a financing platform that allows farmers to have access to liquidity for pricing transparency.
24
Funding: $377.4M
Cirba Solutions provides battery recycling services. It handles all types of chemistries and battery formats, and collaborates with partners to collect end-of-life batteries and scrap and maintains closed-loop US-domestic supply chain. The company has developed proprietary technology that ensures safe and efficient recovery of critical minerals from end-of-life alkaline batteries. It also utilizes cryogenic pre-treatment process for highly reactive lithium batteries. This process reduces their reactivity, allowing further physical separation. The batteries are then conveyed to an automated crusher operating in a liquid solution to prevent fugitive emissions and reduce the reactivity of the recycled batteries. The resulting materials include solid metal particles, which are fully recovered and used as feedstock for a variety of new products.
Cirba Solutions provides battery recycling services. It handles all types of chemistries and battery formats, and collaborates with partners to collect end-of-life batteries and scrap and maintains closed-loop US-domestic supply chain. The company has developed proprietary technology that ensures safe and efficient recovery of critical minerals from end-of-life alkaline batteries. It also utilizes cryogenic pre-treatment process for highly reactive lithium batteries. This process reduces their reactivity, allowing further physical separation. The batteries are then conveyed to an automated crusher operating in a liquid solution to prevent fugitive emissions and reduce the reactivity of the recycled batteries. The resulting materials include solid metal particles, which are fully recovered and used as feedstock for a variety of new products.
25
Funding: $368.6M
Lilac Solutions offers an ion exchange technology to address the challenges faced by lithium producers.
Lilac Solutions offers an ion exchange technology to address the challenges faced by lithium producers.
26
Funding: $340.3M
Genomatica manufactures sustainable chemicals from renewable feedstocks.
Genomatica manufactures sustainable chemicals from renewable feedstocks.
27
Funding: $306M
Oklo is building an always on, container-sized, truly carbon-free and emission-free nuclear generator. Oklo's reactors can convert used nuclear fuel into clean energy.
Oklo is building an always on, container-sized, truly carbon-free and emission-free nuclear generator. Oklo's reactors can convert used nuclear fuel into clean energy.
28
Funding: $302.5M
American Battery Technology Company implements a closed-loop battery recycling system that separates and recovers critical materials from end-of-life batteries, purifying these metals to the same or even higher quality than traditional primary mining materials. Instead of using brute-force methods, such as placing batteries in high-temperature furnaces and shredding systems, ABTC developed an automatic deconstruction process combined with a targeted, melt-free hydrometallurgical method that allows battery packs to be deconstructed into modules, modules into cells, cells into cell components and then sorts these cell components. This results in reduced waste, higher material recovery rates and quality. The company also operates sustainable lithium production facility in Tonopah Flats.
American Battery Technology Company implements a closed-loop battery recycling system that separates and recovers critical materials from end-of-life batteries, purifying these metals to the same or even higher quality than traditional primary mining materials. Instead of using brute-force methods, such as placing batteries in high-temperature furnaces and shredding systems, ABTC developed an automatic deconstruction process combined with a targeted, melt-free hydrometallurgical method that allows battery packs to be deconstructed into modules, modules into cells, cells into cell components and then sorts these cell components. This results in reduced waste, higher material recovery rates and quality. The company also operates sustainable lithium production facility in Tonopah Flats.
29
Funding: $281.2M
Fulcrum Bioenergy converts household garbage into low-carbon transportation fuels, including jet fuel, diesel, and ethanol.
Fulcrum Bioenergy converts household garbage into low-carbon transportation fuels, including jet fuel, diesel, and ethanol.
30
Funding: $280M
Advanced Disposal brings fresh ideas and solutions to the business of a clean environment.
Advanced Disposal brings fresh ideas and solutions to the business of a clean environment.
31
Funding: $266.1M
AMP Robotics creates robotic systems that sort recyclable material at a fraction of the cost of current technology.
AMP Robotics creates robotic systems that sort recyclable material at a fraction of the cost of current technology.
32
Funding: $260M
Aqua Metals is the only company that has produced a commercially proven sustainable, closed-loop metal recycling process that is capable of producing the world’s purest metals.
Aqua Metals is the only company that has produced a commercially proven sustainable, closed-loop metal recycling process that is capable of producing the world’s purest metals.
33
Funding: $250M
Aspiration offers retail banking and investing services that enable customers to spend and save their money in ways that protect the planet.
Aspiration offers retail banking and investing services that enable customers to spend and save their money in ways that protect the planet.
34
Funding: $244M
Brimstone Energy is producing mass-market, zero-carbon Portland cement, a key building material.
Brimstone Energy is producing mass-market, zero-carbon Portland cement, a key building material.
35
Funding: $239M
Watershed serves as an enterprise climate platform utilized by companies to assess, report, and address their carbon emissions.
Watershed serves as an enterprise climate platform utilized by companies to assess, report, and address their carbon emissions.
36
Funding: $231.6M
Newlight Technologies uses decarbonization technology dedicated to converting greenhouse gas into biomaterials.
Newlight Technologies uses decarbonization technology dedicated to converting greenhouse gas into biomaterials.
37
Funding: $224M
Natural Fiber Welding develops a technology that can use plants and natural fibers to make textiles and other durable items.
Natural Fiber Welding develops a technology that can use plants and natural fibers to make textiles and other durable items.
38
Funding: $215M
Origin Materials created bio-based plastic bottles containing 80% renewable materials like cardboard and sawdust. Half of its capital investment to date has come from major food corporates like Nestle and Danone.
Origin Materials created bio-based plastic bottles containing 80% renewable materials like cardboard and sawdust. Half of its capital investment to date has come from major food corporates like Nestle and Danone.
39
Funding: $204.3M
Heirloom Carbon develops technology called carbon mineralization, to help minerals absorb CO2 from the ambient air in days, rather than years. By combining the best of engineering and nature, we can offer the most cost-effective and scalable Direct Air Capture solution in the world.
Heirloom Carbon develops technology called carbon mineralization, to help minerals absorb CO2 from the ambient air in days, rather than years. By combining the best of engineering and nature, we can offer the most cost-effective and scalable Direct Air Capture solution in the world.
40
Funding: $204.3M
Heirloom is a provider of direct air capture technology to enhance the natural process of CO2 absorption from the atmosphere.
Heirloom is a provider of direct air capture technology to enhance the natural process of CO2 absorption from the atmosphere.
41
Funding: $202M
Sublime Systems develops technologies to decarbonize cement production. The company claims that, unlike traditional cement manufacturing, which wastes up to 50% of raw materials and 40% of energy, its process eliminates the use of a kiln (the most energy-intensive part of OPC production) and replaces it with a targeted electrochemical process, reducing energy consumption by 30-40%. Their technology also prevents emissions of CO2, CO, NOx, SOx, mercury and particulate matter. The company converts low-value rocks and toxic industrial solid waste into clean cement and pure minerals. It up-cycles the entire stone, leaving no waste, unlike approximately 50% of the limestone raw material lost as pollution during OPC production. Sublime Cement is said to be more durable than modern OPC-cement in virtually all applications.
Sublime Systems develops technologies to decarbonize cement production. The company claims that, unlike traditional cement manufacturing, which wastes up to 50% of raw materials and 40% of energy, its process eliminates the use of a kiln (the most energy-intensive part of OPC production) and replaces it with a targeted electrochemical process, reducing energy consumption by 30-40%. Their technology also prevents emissions of CO2, CO, NOx, SOx, mercury and particulate matter. The company converts low-value rocks and toxic industrial solid waste into clean cement and pure minerals. It up-cycles the entire stone, leaving no waste, unlike approximately 50% of the limestone raw material lost as pollution during OPC production. Sublime Cement is said to be more durable than modern OPC-cement in virtually all applications.
42
Funding: $196M
Agilyx created a solutions platform that can take a wide variety of waste plastics and polymers, and chemically recycle those plastics into high value synthetic oils, chemicals and in some cases back to basic monomers that can be used to re-manufacture products.
Agilyx created a solutions platform that can take a wide variety of waste plastics and polymers, and chemically recycle those plastics into high value synthetic oils, chemicals and in some cases back to basic monomers that can be used to re-manufacture products.
43
Funding: $187.2M
Persefoni AI is an IT company that provides a climate management and accounting platform for real-time management and disclosure.
Persefoni AI is an IT company that provides a climate management and accounting platform for real-time management and disclosure.
44
Funding: $176.6M
Circ recycles discarded clothing to produce the basis of petroleum- and plant-based fabrics. The startup has figured out how to chemically separate blended fabrics into their original components without destroying either fiber. It recycles cotton, poly-cotton, polyester, nylon using water as a solvent. This makes the tech a clean and economical alternative in the recycling industry. Circ’s dissolving pulp and petroleum monomers can be sold at the same cost as virgin materials to manufacturers who make fibres. The company operates industrial-sized textile-to-textile recycling plants in US and France. Allbirds, Zara, and H&M are incorporating Circ-recycled textiles into their product lines, despite a small price premium.
Circ recycles discarded clothing to produce the basis of petroleum- and plant-based fabrics. The startup has figured out how to chemically separate blended fabrics into their original components without destroying either fiber. It recycles cotton, poly-cotton, polyester, nylon using water as a solvent. This makes the tech a clean and economical alternative in the recycling industry. Circ’s dissolving pulp and petroleum monomers can be sold at the same cost as virgin materials to manufacturers who make fibres. The company operates industrial-sized textile-to-textile recycling plants in US and France. Allbirds, Zara, and H&M are incorporating Circ-recycled textiles into their product lines, despite a small price premium.
45
Funding: $174.1M
RoadRunner Recycling provides tech-powered solutions for commercial waste recycling which helps businesses lower recurring costs.
RoadRunner Recycling provides tech-powered solutions for commercial waste recycling which helps businesses lower recurring costs.
46
Funding: $171M
Renmatix focuses on the production of cellulosic sugars from plant-based feedstocks for the improvement of bio-primarily based materials.
Renmatix focuses on the production of cellulosic sugars from plant-based feedstocks for the improvement of bio-primarily based materials.
47
Funding: $152.5M
Trove develops an online trading software to improve the process of buying back and reselling used items.
Trove develops an online trading software to improve the process of buying back and reselling used items.
48
Funding: $151.7M
Recycle Track Systems helps companies track and optimize their pickups, from on-demand removal to integrated waste management. RTS’ Pello waste sensor technology provides insights into container contents, fill levels, contamination, bin location and temperature.
Recycle Track Systems helps companies track and optimize their pickups, from on-demand removal to integrated waste management. RTS’ Pello waste sensor technology provides insights into container contents, fill levels, contamination, bin location and temperature.
49
Funding: $150M
Nexus Circular is a leader in pyrolysis-based advanced plastics recycling.
Nexus Circular is a leader in pyrolysis-based advanced plastics recycling.
50
Funding: $132.1M
Ecovative Design is a biomaterials company that makes biodegradable packaging from mushrooms
Ecovative Design is a biomaterials company that makes biodegradable packaging from mushrooms
