Samantha Anderson turns plastics into resources with DePoly
To celebrate 15 years of commitment to sustainable innovation, CleantechAlps is launching the initiative “15 Years – 15 Faces”, showcasing the people who shape the Swiss cleantech ecosystem. Among them, Samantha Anderson, a chemist turned entrepreneur, embodies both boldness and environmental commitment. With DePoly, she aims to deeply transform the recycling industry by restoring value to what was once considered waste: complex plastics.
When DePoly reached the top of the TOP100 Swiss Startup Award in 2024, it was a moment of celebration for an entire region. For the first time, a start-up from Valais topped the ranking. Behind this success stands a team, a vision, and a scientist-turned-entrepreneur — almost by accident — driven by her passion for chemistry and her will to contribute to a cleaner world.
How did it start? “We mainly had to optimize, scale… and adapt to the pandemic.” The lab quickly became my living room, and chemical reactions had to wait. “It was a bit complicated developing a chemical recycling process without access to a lab.”
As a Canadian chemist, Samantha Anderson always envisioned pursuing a Ph.D. — initially planning to do so in Canada before ultimately deciding to continue her journey in Switzerland. “I never could’ve predicted this.” That “this” is DePoly: a technology capable of breaking down complex plastics and converting them into reusable raw materials — a truly advanced approach to circularity. A simple idea at its core, but bold in execution.
Building a solution… and a team
DePoly didn’t top the TOP100 by chance. “We’ve made real progress in product development, customer relations, team building and fundraising.” But Samantha Anderson is clear: the team is the true engine of this success. “They’re the reason we moved from lab scale to a pilot plant. They built relationships with new clients, new partners, explored new markets. None of this would have been possible without them.”
In Valais, DePoly found a welcoming ecosystem. “From the very beginning, we were able to work with key players. It really helped us lay the groundwork. Early support programs through CimArk and CleantechAlps gave us a solid foothold in those very first stages.” That support, at a time when everything still needed to be built, provided the team with a crucial springboard to turn their vision into a tangible project.
Samantha Anderson sees DePoly as a future leader in chemical recycling, but her vision goes beyond her company. “I hope cleantech solutions that truly address global challenges will reach the market quickly. We need action now, not 20 years from now.”
She knows cleantech isn’t an easy sector. “Often, it takes a long time to reach profitability. But if this is your passion, if you believe in your solution, then those challenges can become incredibly rewarding.” Her advice? “Surround yourself with the right people. Be ready to push beyond your limits. And never forget that the community is always there to help.”
Additional information : DePoly — Plastics Made Pure
Samantha Anderson’s favorite quote
«If it was easy, someone would have done it already. »
A simple but powerful mantra that Samantha repeats to herself when things get particularly difficult.
An innovative solution serving the circular economy
DePoly is a Valais-based startup born from an academic project rooted in chemistry. It develops a chemical recycling process that breaks down complex PET plastics into reusable raw materials — even when mixed with other materials.
CleantechAlps supported DePoly from its earliest days, helping the startup integrate into the regional innovation ecosystem. Now in a phase of rapid growth and recognition, the company embodies Switzerland’s potential in delivering circular, sustainable solutions — especially in the chemical sector. CleantechAlps continues to promote this technology among key players committed to transitioning toward a low-carbon and more sustainable economy.
The 15-year anniversary concept
For the past 15 years, CleantechAlps has been committed to advancing its vision and connecting talents, stakeholders and solutions that drive the transition toward a more sustainable future in Western Switzerland. To mark this anniversary, we wish to highlight the individuals who bring our ecosystem to life every day — through their projects, their dedication and their vision.
“15 Years – 15 Faces” features fifteen personalities, fifteen journeys, fifteen voices that embody cleantech. From technology to policy, from research to industry, from local to international — these women and men are building, each in their own way, the cleantech solutions of today and tomorrow. Through their stories, we share with you the successes to which CleantechAlps has contributed — notably by serving as a facilitator of connections, dialogue, and collaboration. Discover their passion. Their inspiration. And their vision for a more sustainable future.
