From Berlin to the Beach
In 2020, three Berlin-based entrepreneurs Joel Tasche, Bosse Rothe, and Florin Dinga launched CleanHub with a singular mission: to stop plastic from reaching the ocean. Their approach? Build a digital infrastructure that makes waste recovery transparent, scalable, and accountable. CleanHub isn’t just another recycling company; it’s a full-stack environmental tech startup that combines AI, blockchain, and a global logistics network to track and neutralize plastic waste at the source.
The Global Problem: Plastic’s Last Mile
Plastic pollution is a global crisis. Over 8 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean each year, much of it from coastal regions in Asia, Africa, and Central America areas with limited waste management infrastructure. Traditional recycling has failed to scale, and voluntary corporate commitments often lack transparency. CleanHub recognized that the missing link wasn’t just collection, it was accountability.
The Solution: Tech-Enabled Waste Recovery
CleanHub’s platform uses AI-powered image recognition to verify each kilogram of plastic collected, recording data like weight, condition, and GPS location. This information is uploaded in real-time, creating a verifiable digital trail that brands and auditors can trust. The company partners with over 500 brands including global names like Only One to fund waste recovery through a plastic credit model. These credits are ISO-certified and audited by TÜV SÜD, ensuring that every credit represents actual, traceable waste neutralization.
Business Model: Circular, Transparent, Scalable
CleanHub’s revenue model is built on a B2B SaaS platform that charges brands for verified plastic credits. The company also offers waste recovery as a service to municipalities and NGOs, expanding its impact beyond corporate clients. In 2024, CleanHub reported preventing over 8,000 metric tonnes of plastic from entering the ocean, with plans to scale operations in countries like India, Indonesia, and Guatemala.
From Seed to Scale
Since its inception, CleanHub has raised over €10 million in funding, including a €6.4 million round led by Integra Partners and Lakestar. The company has been recognized by the World Economic Forum’s UpLink platform and the Clinton Global Initiative for its innovative approach to waste management. In 2025, CleanHub became the first ISO-certified plastic credit system verified by TÜV SÜD, setting a new standard for transparency in environmental impact.
A Global Infrastructure
CleanHub’s platform is designed for rapid scaling. Its AI-powered tracking system can be deployed in any region with mobile connectivity, making it adaptable to diverse waste management contexts. The company plans to expand its operations in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, regions where plastic pollution is most acute and waste management infrastructure is often lacking.
Leading the Charge
While other companies like Rubi Laboratories and Hyfé are innovating in the circular economy space, CleanHub’s unique combination of technology, transparency, and scalability sets it apart. Its AI-powered tracking system and ISO-certified plastic credits offer a level of accountability that few competitors can match. As global regulations around plastic waste tighten, CleanHub is well-positioned to lead the industry in compliance and innovation.
Exit Potential: A Sustainable Unicorn?
With the global market for plastic credits expected to grow significantly in the coming years, CleanHub is poised for a lucrative exit. Potential acquirers include multinational corporations seeking to offset their plastic footprints, impact-focused investment firms, and governments looking to implement scalable waste recovery solutions. The company’s strong brand, technological infrastructure, and global partnerships make it an attractive acquisition target for players in the environmental tech space.
A World Without Ocean-Bound Plastic
CleanHub’s long-term vision is ambitious yet achievable: a world where plastic waste is no longer a threat to marine ecosystems. By combining technology with transparency, the company aims to create a circular economy where waste is not just managed but eliminated. CleanHub is not just cleaning up plastic; it’s redefining how the world thinks about waste.
Impact Without Compromise
CleanHub’s commitment to financial discipline is evident in its lean operations and focus on measurable impact. The company’s transparent tracking system ensures that every euro invested in waste recovery delivers tangible results. By aligning financial incentives with environmental outcomes, CleanHub demonstrates that profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand.
A Blueprint for the Future
CleanHub is more than a startup; it’s a blueprint for how technology can solve some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. By combining innovation with accountability, the company is setting new standards in waste management and circular economy practices. As global awareness of plastic pollution grows, CleanHub’s model offers a scalable solution that can be replicated worldwide, turning the tide against ocean-bound plastic.
