Circular Economy Grants are funded by EGLE as part of NextCycle Michigan, a program advancing innovative business and community solutions in building the state’s circular economy, which minimizes waste and increases recycling. Four of these projects are happening in Grand Rapids.
Recycled plastic manufacturer Design Declassified is receiving $250,000 for operations that transform locally sourced plastic waste into durable, solid-surface material for countertops, tables, wall panels and more to sell to furniture manufacturers and architectural firms.
Furniture manufacturer OkaTerra is receiving $218,000 to carry out testing for an initiative that commercializes the use of waste wool from Michigan farmers to create products like sound-absorbing screens for the furniture market.
Perfect Circle Recycling is receiving $155,000 to buy three 10,000-gallon refrigeration tanks which allows for the recovery of surplus milk from suppliers and repurposing it as animal feed to local farms.
And fashion accessory manufacturer Public Thread is receiving almost $211,000 to develop a process for material collection and sorting, as well as collaborate with local designers to upcycle postconsumer apparel and textiles.
Goodwill Industries of West Michigan in Muskegon and Revolin Sports in Holland are also receiving funding for their own separate projects.
