By Niki Borghei.
The headlines are hard to ignore: “Microplastics Found in the Womb.” “The Plastic Crisis Reaches a Breaking Point.” The images are even harder to forget—seagulls with plastic lodged in their stomachs, sea turtles strangled by discarded rings, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch stretching endlessly, a silent testament to a civilization’s addiction to plastic.
At the heart of this crisis lies a major challenge: the long lifespan and exorbitant cost of recycling plastic. But a groundbreaking Berkeley startup may hold the key to a solution. Enter FutureBio, led by founder Zilong Wang.
FutureBio is the first tenant in the pilot program at UC Berkeley’s new climate tech incubator: Bakar Climate Labs. Until the new incubator on the west side of campus opens in 2028, the pilot program is accepting startups leasing space at Bakar Bio Labs and the QB3 Garage incubator in Stanley Hall. But FutureBio isn’t waiting for the ink to dry on blueprints—they’re already moving forward, transforming the way we think about plastic and our planet’s future.
Almost all plastic ever produced still exists somewhere on Earth today. And it’s not because it’s being recycled—only 9% of plastic is. One reason is that plastic decomposes each time it is recycled traditionally, becoming more unrecyclable with each use. Moreover, recycling plastic is costly and energy-intensive. Why recycle, produce more emissions, and risk further microplastic contamination to create a flimsy plastic product when making new plastic is cheaper in the first place?
This raises an urgent question: Can we create plastic that is both durable and easily recyclable?
“We believe we have the ultimate solution,” says Zilong.
FutureBio is offering a win-win solution for the health of our planet, our bodies, and our businesses. The company is developing biorenewable plastics that perform just like petroleum-based plastics but are up to 95% recyclable. Beyond that, FutureBio has drastically lowered the cost, labor, and risk associated with recycling. Their process uses inexpensive liquid solutions at room temperature to decompose the plastic, requiring far less energy than traditional methods. This makes recycling cheaper than producing new plastic, creating a natural incentive for businesses to recycle.
Zilong spun off FutureBio’s technology from his postdoctoral work in Jay Keasling’s lab at UC Berkeley. He co-founded the company with CTO Seokjung Cheong, whom he worked with over four years when Seokjung was in the Keasling Lab as well.
“Experts agree that improving recycling is key to solving the plastic problem,” Zilong explains. “Many startups have attempted to create new recyclable plastics like we have. But what they have not been able to achieve is creating plastic that is biorenewable and cheaper to recycle. That’s the game-changer.”
While biodegradable plastics do exist, they still take years to break down, releasing high amounts of carbon emissions in the process. FutureBio’s bioplastic is different: it’s designed for durability, much like plastics used in car parts or pipes, not just disposable items like straws or plates. By using durable and recyclable bioplastics for everyday items, like containers and caps, FutureBio reduces the likelihood of microplastic breakdown. The result? Less contamination in our bodies and a significant reduction in the microplastics polluting our environment. But this is just the beginning. FutureBio is actively expanding its team to meet the growing demand for their groundbreaking technology. If you’re passionate about making a lasting impact on the environment and want to be part of a company that’s leading the charge in solving the plastic problem, now is the time to get involved.
FutureBio is hiring a Strain Engineering Scientist and a Senior Research Associate.
