en.Wedoany.com Reported - Epoch Biodesign (Epoch) has acquired a nylon polymerization plant in Spain for €4 million, becoming the first enzymatic recycling company with commercial-scale production capacity. The plant was previously operated by Domo Chemicals, which shut it down after its Spanish operations went bankrupt.
With an annual production capacity of 52,000 tons, the plant enables Epoch to scale up the supply of both traditional nylon 6,6 and recycled nylon 6,6. Epoch stated that as the EU tightens recycled content requirements by 2030, the company can offer brands a pathway to closed-loop recycled nylon.
The deal brings 60 jobs to Epoch. The plant has a history of more than 50 years supplying materials to customers in the apparel, automotive, and industrial sectors, and Epoch said it will continue to build on the legacy of the Blanes facility.
Epoch uses AI-designed enzymes to break down plastic waste into original chemical components, or monomers, which are then repolymerized into virgin-quality polymers. The company said the process produces recycled nylon 6,6 that is indistinguishable from fossil fuel-derived materials and can be recycled multiple times without loss of quality.
The company also noted that currently less than 1% of nylon 6,6 is recycled after its end of life, leaving a significant supply gap for industry and regulators. Major brands and manufacturers are setting 2030 recycled content targets, driving demand for reliable sources of recycled nylon 6,6.
Earlier this year, Epoch secured $12 million in new investment from institutions including lululemon, KOMPAS VC, and Extantia to accelerate the commercialization of recycled nylon 6,6 technology.
Jacob Nathan, Founder and CEO of Epoch, said the acquisition is a key step toward achieving what has long been unattainable in the market—scaling a stable supply of truly circular materials. The company is proud to continue the rich legacy of the Blanes plant and secure 60 jobs, while ushering in a new era for the European materials industry.
Luciano Caruso, Chief Commercial Officer of Epoch Biodesign, added that owning commercial-scale polymerization capability means the company can offer customers a real timeline for ensuring a closed-loop supply of recycled nylon 6,6. With the acquisition, the company can deepen collaboration with brands and manufacturers to validate Epoch polymers within their supply chains and products, enabling seamless integration of recycled content in the coming years.
