Our vision is for a clean and abundant world where nothing goes to waste
NILO is building a future where plastic waste is no longer pollution, but a valuable resource that supports safer materials and commercially-viable circular systems. Our goal is to create a new plastic waste economy that is environmentally responsible, reduces emissions, improves infrastructure and creates opportunity for communities most affected by the global waste crisis.
NILO is building a future where plastic waste is no longer pollution, but a valuable resource that supports safer materials and commercially viable circular systems.
The earliest vision for NILO was ambitious – the goal was to find a way for all nations to turn waste into something useful. The idea was to convert plastic waste into an adhesive that could mix with local plant waste to create low-cost building panels using simple press technology.
The goal was to see hospitals, schools and homes built from what was once waste. Ambitious? Yes. Idealistic? Maybe. Powerful? Without a doubt.
Early conversations made one thing clear, the problem was real and the solutions on offer were nowhere near good enough. Something this ambitious would take many organisations, governments and individuals to commit to tackling the problem of plastic waste.
So the next step was to connect with polymer experts and test whether this dream had any legs.
The NILO momentum started to build with early investors showing support for the vision and the team identifying a major global industry ripe for disruption – engineered wood panels. The incumbent adhesive dominating the sector is a urea formaldehyde resin, increasingly under regulatory pressure due to its toxicity and off-gassing risks in our homes, workplaces and schools, not to mention the risks to workers dealing directly with the material.
Suddenly, NILO’s proposition became even more valuable. Not only would it address the plastic waste crisis, but it would also offer a solution to the challenges facing the wood panel industry by introducing a cleaner, safer and equally effective adhesive that can be used in combination with existing adhesives as the industry transitions away from harmful legacy materials.
With an adhesive made from upcycled plastic waste that could work with, and ultimately phase-out formaldehyde-based adhesives, the environmental and commercial upside would be enormous. Cleaner, safer products for workers and consumers, and a huge dent in the global waste plastic problem.
2021 was a big year for NILO, not only did it see a refinement in direction, but it also brought about a valuable relationship with Inter IKEA Group. What began as a conversation soon became a collaboration, and ultimately an investment partnership built on shared values and aligned vision.
Over the last four years, the NILO team has worked tirelessly on research and development of both the adhesive itself, and also the path to market. 2025 has seen major breakthroughs in the readiness of NILO’s proprietary technology, as the company prepares to enter validation and commercial trials.
Today, NILO stands as one of the few globally scalable solutions for plastic waste regeneration. NILO adhesive serves as an alternative to toxic adhesives, reduces carbon footprint and turns a massive environmental liability into a circular materials breakthrough.
NILO is now focused on proving scalability and taking this technology to market because the world needs solutions, and they’re building one.
NILO’s roots lie in Aotearoa New Zealand, where our earliest investment came from Indigitech Ltd and Te Hono – a collective of over 50 Māori whānau from a wide range of Hapū and Iwi. As tangata whenua, Māori bring a deep commitment to kaitiakitanga (environmental guardianship), which continues to shape our values and vision.
The early support of these organisations recognised the potential of NILO’s technology to transform plastic waste into something valuable and impactful. This foundation has since grown into a global network of like-minded investors and partners committed to solving the plastic waste crisis.
The idea to transform plastic waste into valuable materials takes shape. Initial research begins and early trials confirm technical viability. Focus narrows to binder for engineered wood panels, a high-volume industry under pressure to decarbonise.
We believe progress happens through relationships. From our founding Māori investors to our international partners, collaboration and mutual respect underpin everything we do.
Our technology solves real-world problems. Our mission is to repurpose waste into valuable resources and redefine how industries interact with the environment.
NILO is committed to creating systems that regenerate. Our aim is to create loops where waste products are inputs, not outputs.
We act with honesty and openness in our partnerships, processes and impact. Building trust is as important as building technology.
We see a world where those most affected by the plastic waste crisis can benefit from its solution. We support inclusive economic models that uplift communities and support their infrastructure, especially in regions most impacted by plastic pollution.
We are driven by a responsibility to protect and restore the natural environment. Our work is grounded in the Māori principle of kaitiakitanga, which honours a deep cultural commitment to stewardship of the land and resources.
We believe progress happens through relationships. From our founding Māori investors to our international partners, collaboration and mutual respect underpin everything we do.
Our technology solves real-world problems. Our mission is to repurpose waste into valuable resources and redefine how industries interact with the environment.
NILO is committed to creating systems that regenerate. Our aim is to create loops where waste products are inputs, not outputs.
We act with honesty and openness in our partnerships, processes and impact. Building trust is as important as building technology.
We see a world where those most affected by the plastic waste crisis can benefit from its solution. We support inclusive economic models that uplift communities and support their infrastructure, especially in regions most impacted by plastic pollution.
NILO is building a future where plastic waste is no longer pollution, but a valuable resource that supports safer materials and commercially viable circular systems.
Highly experienced team with global experience in engineering and manufacture, science and research leading to commercialisation, business development, commercial, human resources, general and operation management.
NILO team is a diverse group of engineers, scientists and commercial people who are motivated by innovation and a passion for scaling up solutions to protect our planet.
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NILO’s board comprised of a wide breadth of governance and leadership experience spanning: governance, innovation, financial markets, large corporate leadership, venture capital, entrepreneurship, scale-up and operations.
