October 14, 2025, New York, NY – Today, Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy (“the Closed Loop Center”), in collaboration with American Beverage, releases a new best practices guide for materials recovery facilities (MRFs) in the U.S., supporting MRFs in their work to optimize recovery rates, increase material quality and foster resilient operations. The guide, Materials Recovery Facilities: Effective Operation, Design and Management in Theory and in Practice, draws on insights from leading public and private MRF operators, recycling equipment vendors, recycling industry experts and others, establishing the industry standards needed to improve U.S. recycling infrastructure.

The guide is being released as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws gain momentum across the U.S.—with seven states already implementing them and more actively evaluating adoption. As these laws expand, there will be a growing need for transparency, performance-based metrics, and targeted education and funds to help MRFs adapt. This guide was created to aid MRF management personnel in identifying areas of improvement at their facilities and optimizing operations to maximize recovery of material streams and strengthen financial outcomes.

“The U.S. recycling industry is at a critical point, with policy changes shifting the status quo and creating opportunities for materials recovery facilities to operate at their highest capacity,” said Kate Daly, Managing Partner and CEO of the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners. “This guide’s insights help lay the foundation for stronger infrastructure, positioning U.S. recyclers to accelerate their critical work building resilient material supply chains.”

“Collaboration with MRF operators, commitment to high standards, innovation and transparency are essential for Producer Responsibility Organizations to achieve EPR targets,” said Jeffrey Fielkow, Chief Executive Officer, Circular Action Alliance. “Circular Action Alliance supports this playbook by Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy, as a practical guide for collaboration to maximize recovery and deliver program compliance and measurable results for a circular economy.”

MRFs play a critical role in managing residential recyclables, and with the right operational strategies, their recovery rates can improve dramatically. The guide outlines proven approaches to material flow design, equipment configurations, maintenance routines, municipal contract updates and staff training, among other areas. Developed through direct engagement with MRF operators—both public and private—as well as equipment manufacturers, the manual draws on site visits, real-world testing and case studies to highlight what works. This guide delivers actionable insights to help MRFs increase material capture, reduce residuals, and enhance both environmental and financial performance.

In addition to the guide itself, a set of complementary templates are available for download and can be utilized by MRFs to establish best practices in their facilities, with key guidance on areas including:

• Metrics and Performance Optimization
• Equipment Maintenance and Spare Parts Management
• Facility Management and Staff Organization
• Industry Relations

The Closed Loop Center commissioned Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) to support this work. “Materials recovery facilities are at the center of how communities recycle, and this guide equips them with clear, tactical practices to optimize performance in today’s evolving policy landscape,” said RRS Co-CEO Resa Dimino. “Through this collaboration with Closed Loop Partners and American Beverage, we’re underscoring practical ways operators can increase material capture, reduce residuals, and strengthen both environmental and financial outcomes as EPR programs expand.”

“One of America’s beverage companies’ highest priorities is creating a circular economy for our valuable, recyclable bottles and cans, and supporting the infrastructure that makes this possible,” said Kevin Keane, CEO of American Beverage. “Through this new guide, we aim to support key players along the recycling value chain to be well-positioned for success.”

This report is part of Closed Loop Partners’ broader work to support recycling and circular economy infrastructure in the U.S. across its platform. Closed Loop Partners’ innovation firm, the Center for the Circular Economy, has partnered with several leading recycling facilities across the country to test the recovery of packaging materials. Closed Loop Partners’ investment firm, Closed Loop Capital Management, has catalyzed millions of dollars to bolster regional recycling infrastructure, stabilize recycling businesses during volatile times, and support novel technologies and facility expansions. And Closed Loop Partners’ operating group, Closed Loop Builders, launched Circular Services, one of the largest private recycling and circular economy infrastructure companies in the U.S., serving many of the fastest-growing markets and largest companies in the country.

Following the release of this report, Closed Loop Partners will continue to collaborate with and invest in recycling programs, facilities and infrastructure across the country. Through this work, the firm aims to support recycling operators who are critical to keeping valuable materials in circulation and building a circular economy.

Download the full report here and learn more about Closed Loop Partners’ broader work to advance material recovery here.

About the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners

Closed Loop Partners is at the forefront of building the circular economy. The firm is comprised of three key businesses that create a platform for systems change. Closed Loop Capital Management is the firm’s investment group, managing venture capital, and catalytic capital & private credit investment strategies on behalf of global corporations, financial institutions and family offices. Closed Loop Builders is the firm’s operating group, incubating, building and scaling circular economy infrastructure and services.

The Center for the Circular Economy is the firm’s innovation center. The Center executes research and analytics, unites organizations to tackle complex material challenges and implements systemic change that advances the circular economy. The Center’s expertise spans circularity across the full lifecycle of materials, connecting upstream innovation to downstream recovery infrastructure and end markets.

Learn more about the Center for the Circular Economy at https://www.closedlooppartners.com/the-center/.

About the American Beverage Association

American Beverage is the national trade organization representing America’s leading non-alcoholic beverage companies. We represent a broad spectrum of beverage producers, distributors and franchise companies that make American products with American workers in America’s hometowns. Together, they provide more than 275,000 family-supporting careers and deliver $324 billion in economic impact nationwide. Visit AmericanBeverage.org for more information.

About Resource Recycling Systems

Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) is a sustainability consulting firm specializing in circular economy and materials management solutions for businesses, communities, and the broader future. With four decades of experience, RRS’s team of diverse experts delivers comprehensive services focused on reducing waste, enhancing recycling processes, and minimizing environmental impacts across supply chains. RRS serves North American and global markets, including MRFs, recyclers, brands, manufacturers, government, and institutions. Learn more at recycle.com.

Today, paper cups are still the most commonly used vessel for spontaneous coffee and beverage runs. Where possible, we must ensure the value embodied in paper cups—specifically the high-quality fiber—is recovered, rather than wasted in the landfill.

Since 2018, the NextGen Consortium, managed by the Closed Loop Partners Center for the Circular Economy, has worked to increase the circularity of foodservice packaging, with a focus on cups––from single-use fiber and plastic cups to reusable cups. The Consortium has worked with stakeholders across the paper cup recovery value chain—paper mills, materials recovery facilities (MRFs), brands, consumers and local communities, as well as industry groups including the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI)—to test cup recovery, and scale stronger infrastructure and end markets for paper cup recycling.

Scaling paper cup recovery is hinged on creating solutions that work for different locations. Each city and facility is distinct in their needs, opportunities and challenges, and solutions must be tailored to each context. End markets must exist to strengthen the business case for materials recovery for paper mills and MRFs.

With paper cups now included in Recycled Materials Association’s materials specifications list, momentum is accelerating for cup acceptance at different facilities across the U.S.

Circular Services, the largest private recycling company in the U.S., owns and operates the Austin, Texas, MRF which has been among the facilities that have moved the needle on cup acceptance in the U.S.

To learn more about why the Austin MRF made the decision to accept cups, and the work needed to further scale acceptance in more locations across the U.S., we went straight to the source.

Joaquin Mariel, Chief Commercial Officer at Circular Services, interviewed by Daniel Liswood, Senior Project Director of the NextGen Consortium at Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy:

Dan Liswood: To get us started, can you share more about Circular Services, and why paper cups are a material of interest to your company?

Joaquin Mariel: Circular Services is one of the largest privately held recycling and circular economy services providers in the United States. We are a commodities company––we don’t own landfills or manage waste. Our focus is on recovering materials like paper, plastic, glass and metal because we believe these are not waste, but valuable commodities that should be kept in circulation, not buried. Recovering and selling these materials is not only possible, it’s profitable.

The fiber in paper cups and other polycoated paper items is a valuable commodity. We’re always looking to expand the list of materials we can recover, and any opportunity to divert more from landfill is worth exploring.

DL: After many years of work to advance increased cup recovery across the U.S., we are very excited about the cup acceptance milestone in the City of Austin! Can you share more about what exactly is now accepted at Circular Services’ Austin MRF?

JM: Our MRF in Austin, TX is now accepting polycoated paper items—typically used as food and beverage containers. This includes paper cups (hot and cold), food and beverage cartons, paper plates and paper to-go containers. These items should be recycled like other containers: empty of food or liquid and with lids on.

Further, our partnership with the City of Austin is an additional motivator to expand the accepted materials list. Austin has focused on aggressive zero-waste objectives for several years, so we are mission-aligned. This helped streamline contract updates and community engagement efforts once we were ready to process polycoated paper.

DL: Before we dive into what made this possible, can you share more about why cups and cartons could not be accepted before?

JM: For a material to be accepted at our MRFs, we must have the capability to effectively sort it, either into its own stream or an existing commodity stream, and there must be reliable end-markets that purchase, process and reuse the material. If the material is a new commodity, there also has to be sufficient volume to justify the addition of a dedicated sortation system. In Austin, we did not have dedicated sortation to separate cups and cartons at our MRF and there hadn’t been consistent end markets for polycoated paper.

We’re fortunate that there is increasing focus on end market development––and thanks to generous grant support from the Foodservice Packaging Institute, the Carton Council of North America, and the NextGen Consortium, we’ve now installed the equipment needed to sort and bale these items for sale.

DL: How have broader conditions changed to support cup acceptance at your facility? What needs to be true for cup acceptance to continue growing?

JM: Several conditions have supported cup acceptance at our facility. Grants for sorting technology have enabled us to adapt our processes, and the development of more reliable end markets provides confidence that recovered cups have a sustainable outlet. Collaboration across the value chain has also been critical, ensuring all perspectives are considered in building a system that works.

For cup acceptance to continue growing, we’ll need to see continued investment in sorting capabilities, strong and stable end markets, and ongoing collaboration among stakeholders to align solutions across the system.

DL: Does accepting cups at the Austin facility change your perspective on cup recycling in other markets?

JM: Accepting cups at our Austin facility doesn’t necessarily change our perspective, but it does serve as a valuable proof point. It shows what conditions need to align—sufficient volume, the right infrastructure and strong end markets—for cup recycling to be successful.

Recycling is inherently regional, since material composition and market access vary widely. What we’re learning in Austin will help us identify where similar conditions exist in other markets—or highlight where gaps still need to be addressed. Any opportunity to divert more material from landfill is a win, and we’re always working to make more of those opportunities possible.

September 30, 2025, New York, NY –– Closed Loop Partners today announces a $10 million loan to TemperPack Technologies (“TemperPack”), a leader in sustainable, innovative packaging technology. The financing was deployed by Closed Loop Partners’ Catalytic Capital & Private Credit group and will support TemperPack’s continued growth in the sustainable packaging sector.

This financing marks Closed Loop Catalytic Capital & Private Credit’s third loan to TemperPack since 2018, reinforcing the group’s long-term commitment to supporting private companies that reduce waste and advance circular manufacturing. Deploying capital to innovative private companies such as TemperPack is an important component of Closed Loop Catalytic Capital & Private Credit’s strategy. The group is focused on providing flexible capital to support private companies, organizations and municipalities that have developed or are developing circular economy-focused projects or products, and are seeking more capital to drive net positive environmental and social outcomes.

Based in Richmond, Virginia, TemperPack develops innovative plant-based packaging and manufacturing technologies that help reduce waste and hard-to-recycle materials in supply chains. Its latest offering, WaveKraft, allows customers to simplify their operations and optimize packaging performance with an on-site, on-demand packaging manufacturing platform.

Photo Credit: TemperPack

Over the past several years, TemperPack has demonstrated strong growth and financial stability. This, coupled with near-term plans to further innovate and explore different business models that require outside capital, positioned them well for a follow-on loan. As more packaging companies transition their focus to fiber-based packaging, Closed Loop Catalytic Capital & Private Credit believes TemperPack will benefit from the shift. This financing complements Closed Loop Catalytic Capital & Private Credit’s loans to other entities up and down the circular economy value chain, including materials recovery facilities (“MRFs”) and municipal residential recycling programs, to advance material circularity.

Proceeds of this financing will be used to support TemperPack’s research and development, manufacturing and distribution of more sustainable and easier-to-recycle fiber-based products that help reduce the reliance on harder-to-recycle plastics such as Expanded Polystyrene Foam (EPS). While the use of EPS as a packaging material has declined, it continues to be used in industries such as food and beverage and healthcare. With limited infrastructure that can properly recycle EPS in the U.S., the material typically ends up in landfills or incinerated. Solutions like TemperPack’s helps address this challenge.

“TemperPack is a prime example of the kind of company we seek to support—established, forward-thinking and focused on reducing environmental impact through scalable innovation,” said Jennifer Louie, Managing Director of Closed Loop Catalytic Capital & Private Credit at Closed Loop Partners. “Our continued investment in TemperPack aligns with our mission to build a circular economy, reduce waste and promote sustainable manufacturing, not just through recycling, but by reducing the need for hard-to-recycle materials in supply chains.”

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Closed Loop Partners as TemperPack enters its next phase of growth,” said Peter Wells, CEO of TemperPack. “Closed Loop Partners’ experience in material circularity, and extensive network of partners, has made them a key partner for our company’s growth. With this loan, we look to further scale our capacity and impact, helping reduce waste across major industries––including life sciences, food & beverage, electronics and home goods––while catalyzing the development of new circular products.”

The financing from Closed Loop Catalytic Capital & Private Credit signals its readiness to deploy larger amounts of capital and partner with sophisticated co-investors, including major financial institutions. With this transaction, Closed Loop Catalytic Capital & Private Credit becomes TemperPack’s second-largest lender, demonstrating the group’s ability to help impact-driven companies scale from early-stage innovators to more mature businesses with shovel-ready capital expenditure projects that advance the circular economy.

Following this financing, Closed Loop Partners will continue to support TemperPack as it expands its processing capacity, improves existing facilities and pursues new product development. Closed Loop Catalytic Capital & Private Credit continues to catalyze capital into circular economy infrastructure and solutions that keep a range of valuable materials in circulation.

If you are interested in applying for funding from Closed Loop Catalytic Capital & Private Credit, please visit here.

About Closed Loop Partners

Closed Loop Partners is at the forefront of building the circular economy. The firm is comprised of three key businesses that create a platform for systems change: an investment group managing venture capital, private equity and catalytic capital & private credit investment strategies, Closed Loop Capital Management; an innovation center, the Center for the Circular Economy; and an operating group, Closed Loop Builders.

The firm’s catalytic capital & private credit investment strategy invests across four key strategies that complement and operate alongside each other to bridge existing financing gaps and scale circular economy infrastructure across North America: infrastructure, beverage, circular plastics and local recycling. Across these strategies, Closed Loop Catalytic Capital & Private Credit provides flexible and risk-tolerant capital to support private companies, organizations and municipalities to launch or develop projects, ultimately aiming to attract further investment and meet the criteria of driving net positive environmental and social outcomes. Closed Loop Partners is based in New York City and is a registered B Corp. To learn about Closed Loop Catalytic Capital & Private Credit, visit https://www.closedlooppartners.com/here.

About TemperPack

TemperPack solves the toughest packaging problems, with science and sustainability. Since 2015, we’ve worked to displace legacy plastics with innovative, sustainable alternatives. With expertise in materials science, packaging design, and process engineering, we develop and scale solutions that match the performance of

traditional materials, without unnecessary plastic waste. Our products have protected over 200 million shipments worldwide for industry leaders including HelloFresh, Wild Alaskan Company, Cytiva, and New England Biolabs. For more information, visit www.temperpack.com.

Disclosure

This publication is for informational purposes only, and nothing contained herein constitutes an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any interest in any investment vehicle managed by Closed Loop Capital Management or any company in which Closed Loop Capital Management or its affiliates have invested. An offer or solicitation will be made only through a final private placement memorandum, subscription agreement and other related documents with respect to a particular investment opportunity and will be subject to the terms and conditions contained in such documents, including the qualifications necessary to become an investor. Closed Loop Capital Management does not utilize its website to provide investment or other advice, and nothing contained herein constitutes a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. Information provided reflects Closed Loop Capital Management’s views as of a particular time and are subject to change without notice. You should obtain relevant and specific professional advice before making any investment decision. Certain information on this Website may contain forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties and speak only as of the date on which they are made. The words “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “optimistic”, “intend”, “aim”, “will” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Closed Loop Capital Management undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Past performance is not indicative of future results; no representation is being made that any investment or transaction will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those achieved in the past, or that significant losses will be avoided.

September 29, 2025, New York, NY — The Composting Consortium, managed by Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy, today announced the selection of municipal and compost producer-led projects across the U.S. that will receive grant funding to advance composting infrastructure and the recovery of food-contact compostable packaging. This milestone was made possible through the Consortium’s leadership and funding partnership with Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), North America’s leading authority on compostability, with technical support from the US Composting Council (USCC), which is dedicated to the development, expansion and promotion of the compost manufacturing industry. Together, the organizations are working to scale circular outcomes for certified compostable packaging and food scraps across the country, amidst growing industry and consumer demand to reduce food and packaging waste sent to disposal.

A diverse set of eight projects was selected for the funding opportunity—from municipal efforts expanding composting access and education, to infrastructure upgrades at compost facilities that increase regional processing capacity. The grants arrive at a pivotal moment, driving continued momentum for food waste diversion.

“The deployment of these grant dollars is a critical part of Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy’s broader work to develop local circular systems,” said Kate Daly, Managing Partner and Head of Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy. “Our partnership with BPI and USCC on this inaugural grant program showcases the power of industry leadership and collaboration to deliver outsized impact, accelerate infrastructure upgrades, and advance food waste and compostable packaging diversion goals.”

“This grant program is more than just funding. It’s about building a foundation for a circular bioeconomy that works in practice and eventually at scale,” said Rhodes Yepsen, Executive Director of BPI. “Each project helps fulfill the value proposition of compostable packaging, transforming food scraps and food-contact compostables from everyday waste into a valuable soil amendment, creating good green jobs, and fostering resilient, thriving communities.”

“USCC is excited to have provided technical support to a grant program that delivers real, on-the-ground impact and infrastructure building for the small businesses and local governments powering circular organics systems across the U.S.,” said Linda Norris-Waldt, Executive Director of USCC. “The innovation and ingenuity we saw in the applications and selected projects make one thing clear: the composting industry is ready to grow—and targeted funding can unlock transformative change.”

From California to Maryland, the selected projects demonstrate scalable models for compostable packaging recovery and community engagement:

Expanding Access to Organic Collections Across the U.S.

These projects focus on increasing equitable access to composting infrastructure and services, particularly focused on areas or populations that have historically lacked them.

• Washtenaw County, MI – Piloting 2–3 drop-off sites to serve households without access to curbside food waste collection, with the potential to divert up to 45,000 pounds of food waste and compostable packaging.
• City of Takoma Park, MD – Installing organics collection infrastructure in low-income multifamily housing, paired with outreach and data collection to inform citywide expansion.
• Rubber City Reuse (Northeast Ohio) – Launching 15 organics drop-off sites across four counties, serving up to 1.2 million residents.

Increasing Circular Outcomes of Compostable Packaging

These projects are increasing the ability of compost facilities to accept and process certified compostable packaging, a critical step in keeping materials out of landfill and transitioning to a more circular economy.

• Compost Colorado (Denver, CO) – Doubles processing capacity at the only front-range compost producer in Colorado that accepts compostable packaging.
• Veteran Compost (Alexandria, VA) – Installs new infrastructure to double processing capacity to 2 million pounds per year.
• Bennett Compost (Philadelphia, PA) – Updates site to begin accepting certified food-contact compostable packaging for the first time at their Lawncrest facility, serving as a model for other smaller-scale facilities in the region.
• Skagit Soils (Mount Vernon, WA) – Adds new equipment to prepare for increased volumes of food waste and compostable packaging in response to upcoming state legislation.

Strengthening Composting Programs Through Improved Education and Community Engagement

This grant project emphasizes education, storytelling and community engagement to maximize certified compostable packaging diversion and create high-quality finished compost that can be used to enhance local soils.

• City of Modesto, CA – Updates and enhances the City’s educational, outreach and marketing materials to bring clarity and consistency to the community—highlighting certified compostable packaging as a key part of successful composting programs.

Following the deployment of these grants, the Composting Consortium will continue to test, validate and scale solutions across the compostable packaging value chain, from field testing and labeling to infrastructure development and end-market engagement. Together with BPI and USCC, the Consortium is accelerating the transition to a circular economy for organics, where compostable materials are recovered at scale and returned to the soil as valuable resources.

About the Composting Consortium

The Composting Consortium is an initiative of Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy. The Consortium brings together leading voices across the composting and compostable packaging ecosystem––from the world’s leading brands to best-in-class composters running the operations on the ground. Through in-market tests, deep research and industry-wide collaboration, we are laying the groundwork for a more robust, resilient composting system that can keep organics and compostable packaging in circulation. To learn more, please visit: https://www.closedlooppartners.com/composting-consortium/

About Biodegradable Products Institute

The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) is North America’s leading authority on compostable products and packaging, certifying over 50,000 products from collection bags to food containers. For more than two decades, BPI has given consumers confidence in compostability claims with the backing of science-based standards, while enabling authentically sustainable choices for brands and packagers. BPI champions a systems-wide transition to the circular bioeconomy through rigorous testing, policy advocacy, and industry collaboration, building the infrastructure for “A World Without Organic Waste”—where food scraps and certified compostable packaging become resources. BPI is a non-profit 501(c)(6). To learn more, visit www.bpiworld.org and follow us on LinkedIn.

 About the US Composting Council

The US Composting Council is dedicated to the development, expansion and promotion of the compost manufacturing industry. The USCC meets this mission by encouraging, supporting and performing compost-related research, promoting best management practices, establishing standards, educating professionals and the public about the benefits of compost and compost utilization, enhancing compost product quality, and developing training materials for compost manufacturers and markets for compost products. USCC members include compost manufacturers, marketers, equipment manufacturers, product suppliers, academic institutions, public agencies, nonprofit groups and consulting/engineering firms. The USCC is a non-profit 501(c)(6) organization and is affiliated with the Compost Research & Education Foundation (CREF), a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation that promotes public and private compost research and education activities.

The Break Up With Single-Use Bags campaign deploys messages in stores and in communities across four southern California counties to remind people to bring their own reusable bag rather than relying on paper or plastic single-use bags.

Photo Credit: Nick Pizzolato

Since its launch, our team has visited hundreds of stores across Southern California, meeting with our retail partners and store teams, and seeing how the campaign is coming to life.

From big retailers to neighborhood shops, we’ve heard the response: customers, retailers and communities welcome a little help in making changes that reduce waste and save money. Read about what we’ve learned so far!

Who is participating in the campaign?

Over the last few months, we worked with retailers big and small to bring this bag reduction and reuse campaign into over 1,300 stores across the Inland Empire, Orange County and San Diego County. Teams were out in the field for weeks, dropping off free signage and talking with store staff. We also connected more than 300 stakeholders, from city governments to community nonprofits, to strengthen a local effort that will reach millions of people.

What does the campaign look like on the ground?

The campaign isn’t limited to just stores. Messaging appears at home, in the community, in the parking lot, and at checkout. In stores, it’s about giving people simple reminders and the confidence to choose what works best for them, bringing a bag or skipping one altogether. Those little nudges add up, turning good intentions into everyday habits. We’ve found that to be true in Beyond the Bag’s past in-market tests in Denver and Tucson, which resulted in up to 9.5 million fewer bags used across those two test markets.

Photo Credit: Nick Pizzolato

What are we hearing so far?

Customers and employees appreciate the support, as California prepares to phase out plastic bags effective January 1, 2026. Many pointed out that the “reusable” bags currently provided by stores don’t always end up being reused. At the same time, customers don’t want to return to the single-use bags of the past and are apprehensive about relying on paper bags, which they consider less durable.

“They’re going away completely? I really don’t like paper bags so I’ll probably start just bringing my own, then.” – Customer in Santee, CA (San Diego County)

Photo Credit: Nick Pizzolato

But shoppers have built routines around their bag use, and breaking those habits takes support. What we are hearing customers ask for are practical options and simple reminders that make it easier to build new habits that move beyond flawed single-use bags. Retailers value the campaign as a way to mitigate challenges with the state’s transition to paper bags while helping customers make choices that work better for them.

“I recently stopped taking plastic bags because I found myself never reusing them, but it can be hard to remember your bag all the time. Signs like these are helpful, I’d love to see them everywhere.” – Customer in Irvine, CA (Orange County)

Why a break-up?

We knew from the start that if we were going to ask customers to change a habit, the message needed to stand out, and ideally, make them smile. The break-up theme grew out of consumer testing in Southern California and landed on the right balance of lighthearted, relatable, memorable and actionable.

It also gives customers choice, whether that means bringing a trusted reusable or skipping a bag altogether, while helping them move beyond the flawed and costly single-use options of the past. The campaign aims to support new habits in a way that feels less like a lecture and more like a wink.

What’s next?

The good news is that there is no definitive end to the campaign––it’s not meant to be a short-term fix. Rather, it is meant to be a tool toward a long-term shift, because we know that sustained change and impact happens over time.

Retailers can join anytime and roll out signage and messaging at their own pace, using free open-source assets, social media content, and step-by-step implementation guides. Smaller stores can even receive pre-printed signage at no cost.

By participating alongside nearly 1,300 other stores, retailers benefit from the higher impact of joint action, and reduce the risks of starting a new program alone. By proactively supporting their customers through this shift, retailers can also mitigate the operational and cost impacts of the state’s transition to paper bags.

The work doesn’t stop here. We’re collecting and analyzing on-the-ground data to understand the full impact of these interventions. The more we learn, the more effective we can be, not just in California, but anywhere retailers and communities want to reduce single-use waste.

One of the most important design decisions for reuse is selecting the right material. It’s also one of the most complex. 

While it would be easier to dictate one material for all reuse systems, the reality is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Different materials bring different advantages—and different challenges. Each has its merits for diverse situations and locations––from durability to recyclability, customer experience and cost. The variables are many, and the tradeoffs must be considered to yield the best results.  

In our work to bring reuse to market, we evaluate each material based on how well it fits into a given system: How often will it be returned? How will it be washed and stored? What will the customer do with it after use? Can it be recovered at end-of-life? 

Operational logistics, return rates and customer behavior all play a role in deciding which material is most appropriate. For example, where return rates are lower, lightweight materials with a lower environmental breakeven point are more effective. Where return rates are high, more durable materials will likely have a more positive long-term impact—even if they cost more upfront. 

To illustrate the complex interplay between materials and reuse systems, we explore the tradeoffs of the three most common materials for reusable packaging today: 1) plastic, 2) metal, and 3) glass and ceramic.  

PLASTIC: LIGHTER WEIGHT, LOWER CARBON IMPACT

Plastics for reusable foodservice applications can range from lower-stiffness materials like HDPE or PP, to more rigid resins like PET. 

The Pros 

One of plastic’s key advantages is its light weight. In fact, advances in manufacturing now allow reusable packaging to be lighter without compromising performance. For example, some expanded PP designs feature a lightweight foamed core sandwiched between two solid skin layers, adding insulating air pockets while reducing material use and maintaining durability. Plastics can also withstand being tossed carelessly into a return bin, while stainless steel may dent and glass or ceramic may break. Having a lighter weight per packaging unit translates into a lower purchase cost and smaller manufacturing carbon footprint compared to metal, glass and ceramic.  

In addition to the lower carbon footprint of producing lighter weight materials, the transportation footprint and cost of lighter materials is also comparatively lower. Today, plastic still offers the fastest path to environmental breakeven point for reuse, which is especially important for systems with low or unpredictable return rates. 

Plastic packaging can also be molded into different shapes and colors, increasing brand differentiation and consumer appeal. Plastics are generally perceived as less premium than other durable materials––but that is not necessarily a drawback, in the case of reuse. The lower perceived value may discourage consumers from keeping the packaging forever, supporting higher return rates for returnable packaging models. However, clear communication will be required to ensure customers don’t mistake reusable packaging for single use. When plastic reusable packaging needs to be decommissioned, there is a clear pathway to ensure that these materials don’t end up in landfill. These plastics are accepted in curbside recycling in most cities, and there are strong end markets to keep recycled PET, HDPE and PP in circulation in the U.S. 

The Cons 

Plastic comes with messaging challenges. It can be confusing to “eliminate single-use plastics” and then replace it with another plastic item. Plastic also doesn’t tolerate heat and exposure to acidic foods as well as other materials. It may also stain or retain odors from certain foods, requiring earlier decommissioning. 

Human health is also a concern with plastics. Raw material extraction, processing and manufacturing can create health concerns for workers and communities. Some consumers are starting to think more about the potential health impacts of using plastics, especially for food and beverage. While a scratch in stainless steel is typically only an aesthetic issue, a scratch in a rigid plastic product can be both an aesthetic and food hygiene issue. One concern is the consumption of microplastics, which have been found in tap water, beer, sea salt and tea. Another concern is chemical leaching from additives used to enhance plastic performance. Food-grade plastics used in packaging and foodservice applications undergo rigorous FDA testing and are approved by regulators as safe for their intended use.  

In our study of consumer perceptions of different reusable hot cups, consumers expressed low interest in trying reusable clear plastic cups for hot coffee or tea, and many reported they would throw clear cups in the trash or recycling instead of returning them. Recycled plastic, however, received high interest for trial and return, and consumers showed relatively low concerns related to leaching. 

In summary, plastic can play a critical role in the transition from early-stage activations to a scaled reuse economy. For programs with high reuse rates, plastic is still an option for functional and financial reasons, but metal, glass and ceramic have also become viable options. 

METAL: GREATER DURABILITY, LONGER LIFE 

Metal reusable packaging is often made of stainless steel or aluminum. 

The Pros 

Metal packaging’s key advantages include durability and the ability to provide what many consumers describe as an “improved” or “premium” experience. Metals—especially stainless steel—are incredibly durable. When used for packaging, it retains its quality through many washing cycles, making it ideal for reuse models with high return rates, such as closed-loop settings (for example, school cafeterias) and bring-your-own (BYO) programs.  

Metal is also technically highly recyclable and offers a strong end-of-life pathway—if it’s captured. Aluminum is widely accepted in U.S. recycling systems and has a strong secondary market, with minimum degradation from repeated recycling (in contrast to plastic). However, metal packaging often requires linings to be compatible with many food, beverage and personal care formulas, creating recycling and washing challenges.  

Stainless steel is also 100% recyclable, though not commonly accepted curbside. However, because it is a high-value material, reuse operators can potentially find recovery alternatives for decommissioned packaging via business-to-business recycling.  

The Cons 

The benefits of metal come with trade-offs, particularly higher financial and environmental costs.  

Metals are generally more expensive than plastic, making them less affordable for some businesses and consumers. The process of mining and converting raw materials into metal is also very carbon intensive.  

For certain applications, like hot or frozen items, metal packaging can be polarizing. In one study, we found that one third of consumers prefer metal cups due to insulation and perceived quality, while another third avoid them, often citing taste concerns or discomfort with how hot the cup feels. But context matters. Coffee drinkers may need double-walled steel formats that insulate well, while sport fans might prefer an aluminum cold cup to keep them cool at a summer game.  

GLASS AND CERAMIC: ELEVATED EXPERIENCE, HIGH SATISFACTION

This includes packaging made of borosilicate glass, a type of glass known for its high resistance to thermal shock and chemical corrosion.  

The Pros 

Glass and ceramic offer an elevated consumer experience in many product categories, with consumers defining them as “aesthetically pleasing”. Both materials are well-liked for dine-in environments, in both home and retail settings. These materials are also highly stable and compatible with food and personal care products. They do not retain odors or flavors, and can be effectively sanitized across many use cycles. 

If recycled glass is used, the environmental benefits are notable. Using 10% more cullet––also known as recycled glass––in glass manufacturing can save 2–3% of energy and reduce CO2 emissions by 4–10%. Reuse of glass at scale has also been used for beverage globally. In the U.S., reuse is limited but does exist in programs like Oregon’s BottleDrop Refill and local dairy operations like Straus Creamery and Oberweis Dairy in the Midwest.  

The Cons 

While extremely sturdy and durable overall, one drop on a hard surface, or a collision with another product can result in chips or cracks that render the product unusable. This limits the scalability of returnable programs that depend on broad consumer participation in open systems.  

From a financial and environmental standpoint, glass and ceramic are also costly to manufacture relative to plastic. Both are made from widely available raw materials but have energy-intensive manufacturing processes and high transport emissions due to their weight. Forming raw materials into glass requires melting them at high temperatures, which accounts for 70% to 80% of the energy consumption of the entire manufacturing process and is typically accomplished by burning natural gas. The good news is that according to NREL, glass manufacturing emissions can be reduced by over 80% through recycled content, electrification and renewable energy. .  

One major issue with ceramic is that it cannot typically be recycled—when collected, it is often downcycled into materials like brick or concrete. Glass, on the other hand, is highly recyclable, with established pathways to recover reusable glass at the end of its life, if the right systems are in place. The highest value recycled glass is collected through drop-off programs where it can be sorted by color before it breaks, as mixed color cullet is of little to no value to processors. However, U.S. recyclers face big challenges collecting and sorting curbside glass today. Small-format plastics contaminate glass streams at materials recovery facilities (MRFs)and most glass is sent to landfill. This is a key challenge that the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners is looking to solve through its Consortium to Recover Small-Format Packaging.  

Material Fit Depends on System Design  

This partial analysis illustrates the complexity involved in selecting materials for reuse systems—and the need to go beyond a static lifecycle analysis. Aligning material selection with system design is critical. Because of the complexity and relative novelty of reuse systems in many product categories, innovation and experimentation are more important than ever. As reuse systems evolve, the Center for the Circular Economy’s pragmatic, data-driven and collaborative approach will continue to reduce risk in reuse, and accelerate the scale-up of the materials and systems that work.  

CALL FOR INNOVATION

Are you developing materials or technologies that could reshape reuse systems?

We’re always looking to collaborate with innovators designing and building solutions for real-world systems—solutions that deliver on performance, cost and environmental impact. Contact us at [email protected]

SUMMARY TABLE

August 20, 2025, New York, NY – Today, Closed Loop Partners announces their acquisition of Agri-Cycle, a premier provider of organics collection for commercial & industrial sectors across the U.S. The acquisition was completed by Closed Loop Private Equity.

Since its inception in 2013, Agri-Cycle has expanded significantly, now operating as a leading provider of organics management services in the U.S. The company collects organic waste from over 2,400 locations across 14 U.S. states, and provides clients with education, collection, processing and disposal services, as well as data analytics and reporting to maximize cost savings and landfill diversion. They serve over 850 commercial and industrial customers, including Hannaford and other leading national players, addressing the ~$110 billion market for food waste management within the food industry.

Agri-Cycle’s acquisition takes place as strong regulatory tailwinds, including landfill disposal bans and organics diversion mandates in states including Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts, accelerate demand for organics collection. Today, up to 40% of all food in the U.S. goes to landfill, equivalent to an estimated $340 billion in value and responsible for 58% of landfill methane emissions released to the atmosphere. With only 27 years of median landfill capacity remaining in the U.S.––and less in population centers––the need for scaled circular food waste management services is critical.

Following the acquisition, Agri-Cycle’s management team will partner with Closed Loop Partners to expand the company’s reach and services. With the firm’s deep experience in running circular economy businesses across a range of materials, and extensive ecosystem of the world’s largest corporations, institutional investors and notable family offices, Agri-Cycle has strategic support at a pivotal moment of expansion.

This is Closed Loop Private Equity’s most recent platform acquisition, employing a buy-and-build strategy to partner with companies and scale platforms and enabling technologies across plastics & packaging, circular technology, food & agriculture, the built environment, energy efficiency, textiles and healthcare, aiming to develop, accelerate and modernize circular supply chains and recycling & reuse infrastructure.

“Closed Loop Partners is proud to back Agri-Cycle, and partner with their management team to accelerate their path to scale and drive meaningful impact for organics circularity in the U.S. Through this acquisition, we can together capture the significant market opportunity for food and organic waste diversion in the U.S.,” said Jackson Pei, Co-head of Closed Loop Private Equity at Closed Loop Partners.

“The deep sector expertise and long tenured industry relationships of the Agri-Cycle team have laid a strong foundation for a platform positioned to scale both organically and through M&A,” said Daniel Phan, Co-head of Closed Loop Private Equity. “We look forward to supporting Agri-Cycle’s growth into a large national player for organics management, executing on a robust platform of acquisition targets and creating an ecosystem of best-in-class operating businesses in the industry,” added Derek Trott, Vice President of Closed Loop Private Equity.

Closed Loop Private Equity’s acquisition of Agri-Cycle marks a key milestone for Closed Loop Partners’ work to advance organics circularity––a key focus area for the firm alongside plastics & packaging, textiles and electronics. The firm’s broader work in organics spans solutions at every point of the value chain, including platforms to support regenerative food production, innovations to extend food shelf life, technologies to mitigate post-consumer organic waste, compostable packaging field tests, and composting and anaerobic digestion infrastructure.

“Our partnership with Closed Loop Partners marks the next phase of growth for Agri-Cycle Energy, as we work with their team and ecosystem toward our shared goal of driving a circular economy for organics,” said Dan Bell, CEO of Agri-Cycle. “Agri-Cycle has provided services to keep thousands of tons of food in circulation over the last decade. As the organics waste challenge grows more urgent, we look to continue meeting market demand, and work alongside Closed Loop Partners to accelerate impact at scale.”

To learn more about Closed Loop Partners, please visit here.

To learn more about Agri-Cycle, please visit here.

To learn more about Closed Loop Private Equity, please visit Closed Loop Partners’ website.

About Agri-Cycle

Agri-Cycle is the premier food-waste-collection service in the Northeast, and we are growing rapidly across the US.  We recycle organic waste via anaerobic digestion and composting, turning it into renewable energy and healthy soil.  Our partners include supermarkets, restaurants, universities, distribution centers, food processing plants, corporate cafeterias, school districts, municipalities, and hospitals. Agri-Cycle works in conjunction with sister companies, Stonyvale Farm (a fifth-generation family business) and Exeter Agri-Energy, as well as a growing network of anaerobic digestors that convert food waste into electricity, fuel, fertilizer, and other beneficial products. Our unique model is a fusion of Maine’s independent farming tradition and energy innovation. Waste collection is a critical component:  Agri-Cycle brings food full circle.

About Closed Loop Partners

Closed Loop Partners is at the forefront of building the circular economy. The company is comprised of three key business segments: its investment group, Closed Loop Capital Management; its innovation center, the Center for the Circular Economy; and its operating group, Closed Loop Builders. Closed Loop Capital Management manages venture capital, private equity and catalytic capital & private credit investment strategies.

Closed Loop Private Equity seeks to make control investments in cash flowing businesses and enabling technologies to scale platforms that are fundamental to the circular economy. Closed Loop Private Equity is focused on areas including plastics & packaging, circular technology, food & agriculture, the built environment, energy efficiency, textiles and healthcare. With a buy-and-build strategy, the team brings active capital solutions, operating experience, circularity expertise and the strategic network of the Closed Loop Partners ecosystem to capture opportunities for growth and accelerate the circular economy. Closed Loop Partners is based in New York City and is a registered B Corp.

Disclosure

This publication is for informational purposes only, and nothing contained herein constitutes an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any interest in any investment vehicle managed by Closed Loop Capital Management or any company in which Closed Loop Capital Management or its affiliates have invested. An offer or solicitation will be made only through a final private placement memorandum, subscription agreement and other related documents with respect to a particular investment opportunity and will be subject to the terms and conditions contained in such documents, including the qualifications necessary to become an investor. Closed Loop Capital Management does not utilize its website to provide investment or other advice, and nothing contained herein constitutes a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. Information provided reflects Closed Loop Capital Management’s views as of a particular time and are subject to change without notice. You should obtain relevant and specific professional advice before making any investment decision. Certain information on this Website may contain forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties and speak only as of the date on which they are made. The words “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “optimistic”, “intend”, “aim”, “will” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Closed Loop Capital Management undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Past performance is not indicative of future results; no representation is being made that any investment or transaction will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those achieved in the past, or that significant losses will be avoided.

At Closed Loop Partners, we invest in companies that are not only solving urgent environmental challenges but also building resilience into the systems we rely on every day. Our investment in LAIIER—a Denver-based startup pioneering printed sensor technology for leak detection—is a reflection of this mission. LAIIER is tackling a critical and costly issue: liquid leaks in commercial and industrial buildings and infrastructure. By detecting water and other liquid leaks, they are enabling a future where our built environment is smarter, more sustainable, and more resilient to climate-related risks.

The Problem: Hidden Leaks, Escalating Risks

Leaks in buildings and infrastructure like wind turbines are a silent threat. They cause billions in damage annually, disrupt operations and contribute to the waste of finite water resources. In data centers, commercial real estate and industrial facilities, even minor leaks can lead to catastrophic failures. Traditional detection methods are slow and reactive, with average response times exceeding 80 hours. This delay not only drives up insurance claims and repair costs but also increases vulnerability to infrastructure stress, reducing the life of critical assets. The more rapidly these assets must be sunset, the more we need to rely on new materials to replace them––an increasing risk as global supply chains increase in volatility and material availability is less consistent.

LAIIER’s technology offers a proactive defense—detecting leaks before they become disasters and enabling buildings to respond faster and smarter.

The Solution: Smart Sensors for a Resilient, Less Wasteful Future

LAIIER’s innovation lies in its Severn WLD™ system—a printed, adhesive sensor that can detect as little as two drops of liquid. These ultra-thin, flexible sensors can be installed in hard-to-reach areas and integrated directly into building materials, including roofing systems. This is especially critical for data centers and other high-value infrastructure, where downtime from water damage can cost millions.

The sensors are paired with LAIIER Cloud™, a real-time monitoring platform that provides analytics, remote configuration and alerts. This combination enables rapid response to leaks, reducing the risk of structural damage, mold and system failures. It also supports long-term resilience planning by generating data that can inform predictive maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.

LAIIER’s impact extends beyond resilience. Their technology is a powerful enabler of the circular economy. By catching leaks early, LAIIER prevents damage to walls, floors and ceilings––materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. This approach reduces both water and material waste, all while helping customers lower their insurance premiums and utility costs––creating a compelling value proposition that’s both environmental and economic.

The Applications: Where Smart Sensors Are Most Needed Today

One of the most exciting applications of LAIIER’s technology is in integrated roofing systems. Through a strategic partnership with Carlisle Construction Materials––who also participated in this funding round––LAIIER is embedding sensors into roofing membranes. This creates “smart roofs” that can detect and localize leaks in real time, providing a critical layer of protection for buildings vulnerable to heavy rainfall.

Data centers also benefit significantly from partnerships with LAIIER. As we build more, faster to meet our growing demand for AI, increasingly hyperscalers are relying on water-based cooling technologies. This means leaks can come from the inside just as easily as from outside sources––and when water intrusion compromises sensitive equipment, it can lead to cascading failures.

Why Now?

Rising insurance costs, stricter building codes and increasing costs from damaged equipment and downtime are driving demand for proactive leak detection. LAIIER’s technology addresses all of these challenges––helping customers reduce risk, save resources and build smarter, more adaptive infrastructure.

We invested in LAIIER because we believe in their mission, their team and their technology. Co-Founders Matt Johnson and Bibi Nelson bring over a decade of experience in printed electronics and have built a culture of thoughtful, impact-driven innovation. With a differentiated product, a growing customer base and strong strategic partners in insurance, roofing and elsewhere, LAIIER is poised to become a category-defining company in smart infrastructure. We’re proud to support them as they help build a more resilient, circular and sustainable future.

Learn more about LAIIER here.

Disclosure

This publication is for informational purposes only, and nothing contained herein constitutes an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any interest in any investment vehicle managed by Closed Loop Capital Management or any company in which Closed Loop Capital Management or its affiliates have invested. An offer or solicitation will be made only through a final private placement memorandum, subscription agreement and other related documents with respect to a particular investment opportunity and will be subject to the terms and conditions contained in such documents, including the qualifications necessary to become an investor. Closed Loop Capital Management does not utilize its website to provide investment or other advice, and nothing contained herein constitutes a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. Information provided reflects Closed Loop Capital Management’s views as of a particular time and are subject to change without notice. You should obtain relevant and specific professional advice before making any investment decision. Certain information on this Website may contain forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties and speak only as of the date on which they are made. The words “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “optimistic”, “intend”, “aim”, “will” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Closed Loop Capital Management undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Past performance is not indicative of future results; no representation is being made that any investment or transaction will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those achieved in the past, or that significant losses will be avoided.

August 12, 2025, New York, NY – Closed Loop Partners, a firm at the forefront of building the circular economy, today announces a notable contribution to the transition to the circular economy in its 2024 impact report. As of year-end 2024, the firm has kept nearly 16 billion pounds of materials in circulation and avoided over 25 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, driven by over 90 investments in the circular economy across five continents, 10 countries and 29 U.S. states. As a result of over a decade of work, the firm’s portfolio companies have kept over $5 billion worth of valuable materials and products in circulation to date,¹

The firm’s report is released amidst a confluence of shifts in the global economy, increasingly volatile international supply chains, growing support for domestic manufacturing, and only 27 years of median landfill capacity remaining in the U.S.––and less in population centers. Key market drivers have brought the circular economy to the centerpiece for future growth, as capital deployment toward solutions that increase material security and supply chain resilience accelerate. By 2030, it is estimated that the circular economy has the potential to unlock $4.5 trillion in economic value.

Recapping over a decade of transformative progress, Closed Loop Partners’ report spotlights several important regions in the U.S. where the firm has already reached marked density and scale of circular solutions––through investments, in-market activations and infrastructure builds. This includes an electronics recovery corridor in the Northeast, an expansive recycling and manufacturing ecosystem in the Midwest, unprecedented citywide reuse initiatives in cities across the Western U.S., novel circular materials hubs across the Southwest and the largest private recycling and organics processor in the U.S. Closed Loop Partners and its ecosystem of partners have made strides toward a circular economy powered by local communities and supply chains––and positioned for global reach and connection.

“Over 10 years ago, the circular economy was an emerging concept. Today, it is a proven global economic accelerator, replacing the hidden costs of landfilling resources, and unlocking new opportunities for economic growth by recovering materials that are increasing in demand,” said Ron Gonen, Founder & CEO of Closed Loop Partners. “We’ve built a platform focused on resource efficiency through market dynamics, delivering long-term value for our investors, businesses, communities and the planet.”

Closed Loop Partners was founded over a decade ago with backing from a number of Fortune 500 corporations, top financial institutions and family offices, and partnerships with leading industry experts and cutting-edge innovators. Given the scale of change required to achieve circularity, the firm’s approach has been grounded in collaboration and on-the-ground work, and accelerated by multiple solutions working alongside each other. The firm has achieved success by developing local circular systems that can be scaled nationally and replicated across the globe.

Today, Closed Loop Partners operates three distinct businesses––Closed Loop Capital Management, an investment group managing private equity, venture capital, and catalytic capital & private credit strategies; the Center for the Circular Economy, an innovation center that works with the world’s most influential organizations to solve pressing material challenges; and Closed Loop Builders, an operating group that incubates, builds and scales circular economy infrastructure, including the largest privately held recycling and organics processing company in the U.S.

Across its platform, Closed Loop Partners has contributed to a structural shift in how industries approach production, consumption and waste. In just a decade, the firm, together with its partners, has achieved several milestones, including:

• 90+ investments in solutions ranging from synthetic biology and regional recycling to advanced material recovery technologies through venture capital, private equity, and catalytic capital & private credit strategies;
• Pioneering reuse initiatives through the Center for the Circular Economy, including the first citywide reuse initiative in the U.S.; and
• 27 facilities and 3 billion pounds of material processed through Circular Services.

As Closed Loop Partners reaches a key point of $5 billion worth of valuable materials and products kept in circulation by portfolio companies since the firm’s inception, the company reaffirms its commitment to building resilient, circular systems that drive sustainable growth. In the coming decade, the firm looks to continue growth across its platform, expanding its investments in the circular economy, partnerships with corporates and leading institutions, and development of circular economy infrastructure across the U.S.

“As we enter the next decade, the intersection of economic opportunity and environmental resilience has never been more critical,” said Ron Gonen, Founder & CEO of Closed Loop Partners. “We are doubling down on our mission to accelerate the transition to a circular economy—one that is profitable, sustainable and built to last.”

¹ This represents the market value of materials or products at the point in the value chain where they would have been lost to the linear economy, had a circular business not intervened. It does not include the numerous other ways that the circular economy adds value to the global economy, including jobs, wages, tax revenue and enabling associated businesses. Please see our full report for more information on this quantification.

About Closed Loop Partners

Closed Loop Partners is at the forefront of building the circular economy. The firm is comprised of three key businesses that create a platform for systems change: an investment group, Closed Loop Capital Management; an innovation center, the Center for the Circular Economy; and an operating group, Closed Loop Builders. Founded in 2014, the firm’s mission is to drive value and sustainable profitability by scaling businesses that advance the transition to a circular economy, generating net-positive environmental and social outcomes.

Closed Loop Capital Management manages venture capital, private equity and catalytic capital & private credit investment strategies on behalf of global corporations, financial institutions, and family offices. The Center for the Circular Economy unites competitors and partners to tackle complex material challenges and implement systemic change to advance circularity. Closed Loop Builders incubates, builds and scales circular economy infrastructure and solutions across the U.S.

Closed Loop Partners is based in New York City and is a registered B Corp. For more information, please visit www.closedlooppartners.com.

Disclosure

This publication is for informational purposes only, and nothing contained herein constitutes an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any interest in any investment vehicle managed by Closed Loop Capital Management or any company in which Closed Loop Capital Management or its affiliates have invested. An offer or solicitation will be made only through a final private placement memorandum, subscription agreement and other related documents with respect to a particular investment opportunity and will be subject to the terms and conditions contained in such documents, including the qualifications necessary to become an investor. Closed Loop Capital Management does not utilize its website to provide investment or other advice, and nothing contained herein constitutes a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. Information provided reflects Closed Loop Capital Management’s views as of a particular time and are subject to change without notice. You should obtain relevant and specific professional advice before making any investment decision. Certain information on this Website may contain forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties and speak only as of the date on which they are made. The words “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “optimistic”, “intend”, “aim”, “will” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Closed Loop Capital Management undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Past performance is not indicative of future results; no representation is being made that any investment or transaction will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those achieved in the past, or that significant losses will be avoided.