UBQ Materials

UBQ Materials is an Israeli cleantech company created to convert unsorted household waste into a thermoplastic composite. The company's primary product, UBQ, is a thermoplastic, sold in the form of pellets, that can be used to substitute for wood, concrete, or oil-based plastics in the manufacturing of durable products. In 2018, UBQ Materials Ltd. became a Certified B Corporation.

Funding
UBQ Materials was founded in 2012 by Yehuda Pearl (co-founder of Sabra), Jack (Tato) Bigio, and Eran Lev. The Company developed patents for the conversion of unsorted municipal waste, including all organics, into a thermoplastic material. The patented UBQ product and manufacturing process was developed between 2012 and 2017. Albert Douer, a leading construction and packaging manufacturer, joined the company in 2013 as a senior strategic investor and later as chairman of the board. In 2018, UBQ began commercial production. UBQ has offices located in Tel Aviv, Israel, and a manufacturing plant in Kibbutz Tze'elim in the Negev area of southern Israel.

Financing
As of 2019, UBQ has raised $42.5 million from private investors, Battery Ventures and EASME.

Technology
Waste is received, either as residual solid waste diverted from landfills or as RDF, already dried and shredded. The waste runs through stages of automatic refinement, removing particles of metals and minerals that are sent to recycling facilities. At this stage it is cleared as feedstock for the reactor; physical processes set off a chemical reaction in the waste, breaking down the organic elements to their basic particulate components; lignin, sugar, cellulose, and fibers. These components are reconstituted into a homogenous matrix with the melted plastics to create UBQ.

The resulting material is sold as standardized pellets to be used in conventional manufacturing machinery to create products with a reduced environmental footprint.

Application
UBQ material is used in injection, compression molding, extrusion and 3D printing, and is compatible with PP, PE, PLA, and PVC. The concentration of UBQ within the final material compound is dependent on the physical property requirements of the product application. It may be compounded with additives to modify coloration, impact strength, and UV resistance.

In November 2019, UBQ Materials entered into a collaboration with fast-food chain McDonald's franchisee Arcos Dorados to develop serving trays made with UBQ.

In January 2020, German automotive manufacturer Mercedes-Benz announced it will test UBQ products in its vehicles, for production of the passenger cabin and outer plastic parts.

UBQ is utilized as a sustainability additive in retail products, furniture, and within the material supply chain.

Environmental impact
Each ton of UBQ material diverts 1.3 tons of landfill-destined waste and prevents up to 11.7 tons of CO2 equivalent. Environmental impact calculations are derived from ISO 14040/44 compliant life cycle assessment of the UBQ material produced in Tse’elim, Israel. The conversion process uses a closed-loop, energy-efficient process that does not require water. The process does not generate effluents, harmful fumes, or residues.

UBQ is a bio-preferred USDA certified material, recyclable, and composed entirely of recycled materials.

2023 Hamas-Israel war
As a startup company who located in Kibbutz Tze'elim in the Gaza envelope, approximately 30 kilometers from the Gaza Strip border, the company employs 115 individuals, 31 of whom reside in the Gaza envelope.

On October 7, 2023, in when militants infiltrated southern Israel, leading to the death of more than 1,200 people. This attack profoundly impacted the UBQ community, as two of its employees were among the victims. Hadar Berdichevsky, aged 30, previously served as the assistant controller for UBQ. Uri Russo, 44, held the position of maintenance and engineering manager within the company. Both employees were attacked in Kfar Aza massacre.

The repercussions of this event extended beyond the immediate loss of life. Numerous UBQ staff members had relatives or close friends who were either wounded, missing, or taken as hostages. This tragedy led to the temporary closure of the UBQ plant, which remained non-operational until October 30, 2023.