Client Spotlight: Protein Evolution

About The Company

Protein Evolution, Inc. (PEI) is ushering in a new era of sustainable plastics. In November 2022, they launched out of stealth with over $20 million in funding, unveiling groundbreaking technology that transforms textile and mixed-plastic waste into an infinitely reusable resource, helping the chemicals industry transition to a lower-carbon, circular economy.

Leveraging breakthrough technology in natural science and artificial intelligence, the company designs enzymes to break down end-of-life textile and plastic waste into the building blocks that make up new textile and plastic products. PEI’s proprietary and patent pending process is the first of its kind that is built to scale, creating a cost-effective solution with immediate applications for the petrochemical industry, global consumer goods companies, textile manufacturers and others that are looking to significantly reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

The company was founded in 2021 by Yale University alumni Connor Lynn and Scott Stankey, in partnership with Dr. Jonathan Rothberg, a world-renowned scientist, entrepreneur and National Medal of Technology and Innovation recipient. Based in New Haven, Conn., Protein Evolution has a partnership with ESPCI Paris and is well on its way to making this world a better place without plastic waste.

In December 2022, Protein Evolution announced a R&D collaboration with iconic fashion brand Stella McCartney, working together to trailblaze the future of sustainable fashion. Beginning in 2023, Protein Evolution will process leftover polyester and nylon fabric from Stella McCartney’s collections and transform them into good-as-new fibers. From there, Stella McCartney will work with Protein Evolution to see how these new fibers could be used to produce new clothing, footwear, or other infinitely recyclable products.

Wolf Greenfield & Protein Evolution

Wolf Greenfield has had the distinct pleasure and privilege of working with Protein Evolution since its inception in protecting its innovative technology through strong intellectual property rights.