TLDR:
- Closed Loop Partners has made over 80 investments in the past decade and continues to grow.
- They have diversified their financing activities, added research and operations arms, and focused on infrastructure.
Closed Loop Partners has provided funding to more than 80 companies and municipalities over its 10-year existence, during a turbulent period in the U.S. recycling sector. The organization published a report outlining its impact, showcasing its growth and diversification in financing activities. It launched in 2014 with the Closed Loop Fund, investing $100 million in the recycling industry. As of 2022, Closed Loop Partners has expanded to include a venture capital arm, private equity acquisitions, research, and an operations arm called Circular Services.
The organization’s investments have totaled over $500 million across various sectors such as sortation, collection, processing, manufacturing, and technology. Closed Loop estimates its infrastructure segment alone has diverted over 1 million tons of OCC, 772,000 tons of mixed paper, 402,000 tons of PET, and more. Overall, their investments have led to the diversion of 6 million tons of material that would have otherwise been disposed of.
While some of the firms Closed Loop Partners invested in have faced challenges, ultimately closing down, the organization continues to focus on driving innovation and efficiency in the recycling industry. Their impact over the past decade demonstrates a commitment to driving positive change and sustainability in materials management.