Circular Economy Startups

Ocean Legacy Foundation recovers marine plastic debris from coastlines and waterways, collects it at Ocean Plastic Depots across Canada, and recycles it into Legacy Plastic pellets and products such as plastic lumber and park benches. It runs its EPIC program (Education, Policy, Infrastructure, Cleanup) and a plastic testing laboratory, focused on ending ocean plastic pollution and building a plastic circular economy.</parameter> <parameter name="founders">[]

1 investor

OCEANIUM develops functional seaweed-derived ingredients — including natural extracts for gut health and skincare, and a biodegradable water-based ink — for use in food, health, and materials applications. It supplies these bioactive ingredients to nutraceutical, cosmetics, and manufacturing companies.

1 investor

OceanSafe develops biodegradable, recyclable textile materials based on polymer science for a circular textile industry. Its OceanSafe Certified solution helps apparel and product brands create circular finished textile products.

1 investor

Olenox Corp. designs, develops, and fabricates modular structures, including container modifications and wood and steel volumetric modular builds. It positions its factory-based modular construction process as a faster, lower-waste, and lower-cost alternative for builders.

1 investor

Olio is a mobile app that lets neighbours and local shops give away or sell surplus food and household items, connecting people nearby to reduce waste and access free items. It also runs a volunteer program where "Food Waste Heroes" collect surplus food from local businesses to redistribute in their community.

1 investor

Oly provides inventory management software for second-hand fashion retailers and resellers to list and sell items across multiple online channels. The platform helps vintage and thrift shop owners automate their online sales operations.

1 investor

1% for the Planet is a global network that connects businesses and environmental organizations, certifying member companies' commitment to donate a percentage of sales to environmental causes. It provides a certification model and logo aimed at businesses seeking to demonstrate credible environmental giving to consumers.

1 investor

Onima is a biotechnology laboratory that upcycles food industry waste, starting with brewer's yeast from beer production, into complete, nutrient-rich foods. It offers brewers a large-scale solution to repurpose their yeast by-product back into the human food chain.

1 investor

Orange Fiber produces sustainable textile fibers, yarn, and fabric made from citrus juice by-products ("pastazzo") for fashion brands and designers, extracting cellulose from citrus pulp at its Sicilian sites and processing it into fiber via a partnership with the Lenzing Group. The company holds a registered cellulose extraction license and trademark for its Made-in-Italy circular fabrics.

1 investor

Orbit Exchange is an online marketplace where users list and buy physical materials and goods, with items priced per unit, per pallet, or by measurements such as linear/board feet and square yards. Listings include availability dates and negotiable or free pricing options.

1 investor

Orchard sells premium pre-owned smartphones that pass two rounds of 30-point quality inspections, at discounts of up to 70% off new prices. It also promotes bring-your-own-device carrier plans and offers a trade-in program that pays customers for their old phones.

1 investor

Origin by Ocean harvests invasive algae blooms to create bio-based ingredients for cosmetics, food, and textile industries through a proprietary biorefining process. The company addresses ocean pollution and ecosystem degradation while producing sustainable, regenerative materials.

1 investor

Original Beans produces chocolate and cacao products, such as its Cusco 100% Cacao Mass, made from rare, regeneratively farmed cacao. It sells to restaurants, hotels, chocolatiers, retailers, and craft makers.

1 investor

Ostara produces high-efficiency fertilizers (CG P2X, Crystal Green Synchro, and Crystal Green Pearl) that deliver nitrogen, phosphorus, and magnesium in granular form, along with phosphorus management technology aimed at reducing nutrient runoff. Its products serve agricultural growers and support water protection, with manufacturing based in the United States and distribution across North America.

1 investor

OTAGO provides consulting, technical assistance, strategic advisory, and impact investment services across climate, circular economy, and impact investment themes in emerging markets. Its projects span Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.

1 investor

Otrium is an online marketplace offering discounted fashion and apparel from premium brands, with inventory sourced through overstock and clearance channels. The platform serves consumers seeking designer fashion at reduced prices across multiple European markets.

1 investor

Ourobio develops engineered microorganisms that convert industrial byproducts into biomaterials using synthetic biology. The company targets industries seeking sustainable alternatives to petroleum-derived chemicals and materials.

1 investor

Out&Back Outdoor is an online retailer selling new and pre-owned outdoor gear from brands such as Arc'teryx, Patagonia, and Osprey, with used items inspected and condition-graded by hand. It targets outdoor enthusiasts looking for discounted trail equipment.

1 investor

Outlander Materials develops microbial nanocellulose through controlled fermentation, engineered for industrial-scale production and cost-efficient sustainable material applications. The company serves industries seeking high-performance bio-based alternatives to synthetic materials without compromising on performance or cost.

1 investor

Outlast operates a technology platform for buying and selling recycled materials, connecting suppliers with vetted buyers and handling documentation, quality control, logistics, and payments. It serves companies trading in scrap and recyclable materials, offering integrated domestic and export logistics and flexible payment terms.

1 investor

Outlook Group is a single-source printing and packaging provider offering labels, flexible packaging, folding cartons, and integrated packaging solutions with a focus on sustainable options. It serves brands through services including offset, digital, flexographic and variable data printing, laminating, converting, and custom packaging design.

1 investor

Ovipost farms insects and worms to produce protein by converting organic waste, positioning insect farming as a sustainable protein source and upcycling solution.

1 investor

OWNI is an online marketplace for buying and selling second-hand clothing from sustainable brands, with a "collect and try on" option at its Exeter studio. It serves shoppers in the UK looking for affordable pre-owned fashion.

1 investor

OzoneBio is a Canadian green technology company that produces bio-adipic acid and bio-based Nylon 6,6 from lignocellulosic waste such as wood residues, nutshells, bark, and lignin-rich biomass using a pyrolysis and green chemistry process. Its materials target automotive, robotics and engineering, and fashion/textile industries as lower-carbon alternatives to fossil-based nylon.

1 investor