Monday, July 8, 2024 The annual NextCycle Michigan Summer Showcase highlighted 17 teams (listed below) from Michigan and beyond, pitching innovative projects focused on reuse, recycling, composting, and recycled-content. Held last month at Eastern Michigan University, an expert judging panel and an audience of entrepreneurs, small businesses, brands, investors, community representatives, and recycling industry professionals gathered to hear the teams’ collaborative ideas – part of Michigan’s journey towards a stronger circular economy. NextCycle Michigan, an initiative by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), aims to advance businesses and projects that build capacity and markets for material recovery, reuse, and recycling in Michigan.
EGLE Director Phil Roos delivered the keynote address, emphasizing Michigan’s efforts to minimize waste and increase innovative, scalable solutions. “It’s imperative that we move toward a sustainable future, not only to ensure that our children and grandchildren enjoy the wonders of the Great Lakes State – as we have – but to continue leading in a rapidly changing economic landscape,” Roos said. “EGLE is proud to lead the NextCycle initiative, which is leveraging public and private investment in Michigan’s recycling system to put materials that were headed to the landfill back into the supply chain.
” Selected teams received access to research, mentorship, one-on-one coaching, a multiday .
