About 40 million tons of polyvinyl chloride, better known as PVC, are produced annually. The plastic can be found in everything from tents, toys, pipes, floors and billboards.

But PVC is highly toxic, spewing chlorine into the air and damaging the ozone layer. According to green peace, “PVC is the most environmentally harmful of all plastics.”

A Golden, Colorado startup called Renegade Plastics has invented a new non-toxic, recyclable dust solution for hazardous PVCs. The polypropylene-based material is free of lead, dioxin and phthalates and has a 33 to 49% lower carbon footprint than PVC-coated and laminated fabrics. It is also recyclable.

Winner National Prize

Last week Renegade took part in the Cleantech Open pitch competition in San Jose, CA, and won a $50,000 prize.

Cleantech Open is the largest clean technology accelerator in the world. More than 90 companies participated in their program this year. After six months of mentorship, business training and networking with investors and partners, eighteen finalists made progress to compete at the national level.

Renegade Plastics came out on top. “It will set us up for success in building a circular economy for the plastics industry,” said Tony Ehrbar, CEO of Renegade Plastics.

The runner-up in the competition was Verde Technologies Incorporatedwhich is developing a thin film solar panel that is lightweight, flexible, affordable and easy to install thanks to its self-adhesive backing.

Verde Technologies Incorporated also won the National People’s Choice Award.