MadeRight

MadeRight is a biotechnology firm established in 2022, focused on developing sustainable materials to address the global plastic waste crisis. The company was co-founded by CEO Rotem Cahanovitc, a mycology expert, and CTO Yotam David, a molecular geneticist. Cahanovitc's inspiration for the venture stemmed from his experience volunteering in Ethiopia, where he observed the harmful practice of burning plastic waste, prompting him to explore nature's own recycling systems. This led to the company's core mission: harnessing fungi as natural recyclers to create environmentally friendly materials.

The company operates on a circular economy model, utilizing a proprietary solid-state fermentation process. This technique cultivates mycelium (the root structure of fungi) on organic industrial waste, such as wood chips, converting it into a valuable biomass. From this biomass, MadeRight extracts materials to produce pellets that can be integrated into existing plastic and packaging manufacturing machinery without requiring significant changes to the supply chain. When blended with bioplastics, these pellets are designed to enhance the performance and sustainability of the final product, offering a balance between durability and eco-friendliness. The firm's primary market is the expansive global food packaging industry, with potential applications in the cosmetics sector as well.

MadeRight's business model centers on providing a high-value additive that replaces polluting components in traditional packaging, thereby improving the recyclability of the end product. This approach targets a key issue in recycling where additives used to extend shelf life often contaminate the recycling stream. In August 2023, the company secured $2 million in a seed funding round led by the Fresh Start foodtech incubator, with participation from Arkin Holdings and ARC Impact. This capital is being used to expand its development team, refine the production process, and support the goal of launching a commercially viable prototype. The company is an alumnus of the MassChallenge 22 cohort and has received the Unilever Sustainable Challenge Award.

Keywords: mycelium packaging, fungi biomaterials, sustainable packaging, circular economy, industrial organic waste valorization, plastic alternative, biotechnology, fermentation technology, bioplastics, eco-friendly materials, Rotem Cahanovitc, Yotam David, Fresh Start incubator, cleantech, material science, biodegradable materials, food packaging solutions, sustainable additives, green technology, agritech