OTI Conversations #002 - MARC KREBS - Co-Founder and CCO at Tide Ocean Material

As the countdown continues for Tide Ocean’s crowdfunding campaign on Seedrs (only 5 days left to invest), this week’s Ocean Tech Insider post takes a closer look at my enlightening conversation with Marc Krebs, Co-founder and CCO of Tide Ocean. This innovative company is at the forefront of ocean-bound recycling, setting new standards for transparency, sustainability, and scalability in the industry.

This blog will explore four key areas discussed during my conversation with Marc Krebs, showcasing Tide Ocean’s innovative approach and vision for the future. Each section will include direct quotes from Marc, paired with insights into their significance and implications for the blue economy:

1. The Tide Ocean Advantage

2. Future Growth and Plans

3. Financial Strategy

4. The Team Behind Tide Ocean

ENJOY 🌊

The Tide Ocean Advantage

Tide Ocean operates at the intersection of innovation and practicality, taking a refreshingly holistic approach to ocean-bound recycling. Their approach to ocean-bound recycling sets them apart as both innovative and practical. By integrating every step of the supply chain, they maintain control over quality while fostering transparency through use of technology. This strategy not only advances the industry but also establishes a foundation of trust with consumers and businesses alike. Let's explore those three key topics:

Control Over the Supply Chain

"We are like a spider in the web, so we are not only in control of our processes but are also familiar with the people who collect plastics and sort plastics, so we can give them direct instructions to achieve the goal of quality material usage. But we are also in direct contact to the brands looking to integrate recycled material in their production lines. We know exactly, what they need and can support them with our technological know-how."

Unlike many players in this space, Tide Ocean integrates every link in the recycling chain. Their ability to collaborate directly with collectors, sorters, and manufacturers ensures that the recycled materials meet exacting standards. This level of control sets them apart from competitors who rely on fragmented supply chains, often leading to inconsistent quality.

Harnessing Blockchain Technology

"We track the whole supply chain, we have a blockchain-based traceability system in place. We can provide material passports that show end consumers the whole journey of the original ocean waste material."

Incorporating blockchain technology offers unparalleled traceability and trust. With growing global demand for transparency in recycled materials, Tide Ocean's tech-forward approach is not just innovative—it’s essential. By collaborating with IT third parties, they’re ensuring that their solutions remain robust and scalable as legislation evolves.

Credibility as a Core Value

"Credibility is maybe another USP. It was crystal clear for me, being a former journalist, that the story must be credible. Brands love this credibility."

Credibility isn't just a buzzword for Tide Ocean; it’s the foundation of their business. Their approach to traceability and quality control has won them the trust of global brands eager to align with a reliable partner. In an industry where "greenwashing" often undermines trust, Tide Ocean stands out as a beacon of authenticity.

Future Growth and Plans

Tide Ocean’s ambitions extend well beyond their current achievements, with a clear focus on scaling their impact and diversifying their market reach. Marc outlined the company’s key growth initiatives, emphasising their commitment to both sustainability and innovation.

Expanding Collection Hubs

"The main focus [for us right now] is on the expansion of the collection of plastics to extend our supply chain, and create more hubs to recycle our plastics in the first place."

By expanding their network of collection hubs, Tide Ocean is tackling one of the biggest challenges in the recycling industry: accessibility and efficiency. Localised hubs not only reduce transportation emissions but also create economic opportunities in areas heavily impacted by plastic pollution. While scaling this infrastructure requires coordination and investment, it demonstrates their commitment to building a system that benefits both the environment and local communities.

Diversifying Across Industries

"We have been awarded two prizes within the automotive industry in 2024. There will be the first examples of our products being used in cars launched later this year."

Tide Ocean’s entry into the automotive industry and winning the 2024 Sustainability Award at STARTUP AUTOBAHN in Stuttgart, Germany for its recycled polypropylene (rPP) instrument panel (together with Tier 1 supplier Motherson) highlights their ability to adapt their recycled materials to meet the demands of different markets. The prospect of ocean plastics being used in car interiors, from carpets to instrument panels, is an exciting development. It showcases the potential of their materials to make a tangible impact in traditionally resource-intensive industries. Although breaking into such a rigorous market takes time, it’s a significant step towards demonstrating the versatility and scalability of their solutions.

Investing in R&D and Brand Awareness

"We want to invest great time in R&D, and then of course, we also want to increase marketing efforts to boost brand awareness."

Tide Ocean’s emphasis on research and development is essential for staying ahead in the competitive recycling landscape. Their ambition to become as recognisable and trusted as a fair trade label or GORE-TEX reflects their long-term vision to be synonymous with quality and sustainability. Building this level of brand awareness takes dedication, but Tide Ocean’s holistic approach and focus on transparency position them as a trustworthy leader in the space.

Tide Ocean’s plans for growth are bold, but they reflect the company’s genuine belief in its mission. By focusing on expanding infrastructure, entering high-impact markets, and doubling down on innovation, they’re not just advancing their business—they’re setting a precedent for how companies can grow responsibly while driving meaningful environmental change.

Financial Strategy

Scaling a business with a mission as ambitious as Tide Ocean’s requires a careful balance of financial discipline and strategic growth. Below are some insights into how the company is navigating its financial journey while maintaining a focus on sustainability and long-term impact.

Balancing Growth and Financial Sustainability

"We reduce the debt through revenue. Now we have opened projects worth more than €4 million, and we are very confident that we will get close to breaking even this year."

Tide Ocean’s approach to managing debt is a pragmatic one—prioritising revenue generation through high-value projects while keeping an eye on financial stability. Achieving break-even within a few years of operation would be a remarkable milestone for a company in such a challenging and capital-intensive industry. It underscores their ability to manage resources efficiently without compromising on their environmental goals.

Securing Future Funding

"We are now in a fundraising round... we are also starting Series A, so we have a few interested funds and family offices who want to get on board."

Tide Ocean’s fundraising efforts reflect their ambition to scale operations and expand their reach. With interest from both impact investors and family offices, the company is positioned to attract funding that aligns with their mission. Their strategy to focus on Europe as a primary market is both practical and forward-thinking, given the region’s strong legislative and consumer demand for sustainable practices.

Focusing on Europe’s Strengths

"We think that the understanding (of recycling) in Europe,  from Italy, Switzerland and France to Germany and England, is prime for why we do what we do and why it’s necessary."

Tide Ocean’s decision to centre their efforts on Europe demonstrates an acute awareness of market dynamics. The region’s emphasis on recycling, sustainability, and circular economies creates fertile ground for companies like Tide Ocean to thrive. This focus also allows them to build a strong foundation before exploring markets with less established frameworks for environmental responsibility.

Tide Ocean’s financial strategy is aiming to balance immediate needs with long-term growth. By pursuing high-value projects, strategic funding, and expansion in markets with strong environmental commitments, they’re setting themselves up to scale sustainably. This balance of financial prudence and vision makes them a compelling case study for businesses navigating the intersection of impact and profitability.

The Team Behind Tide Ocean

At the heart of Tide Ocean’s success is a dedicated and diverse team that brings together a wealth of expertise and a shared passion for protecting the environment. As Marc highlighted, the company’s vision wouldn’t be possible without the people driving it forward every day.

A Diverse and Committed Team

"We have a very entrepreneurial spirit within the team. Everyone believes in what we do, loves the ocean, loves the environment, wants to protect it."

Tide Ocean’s team is united by a common purpose, combining their love for the ocean with a drive to create meaningful change. This shared mission fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, allowing them to tackle complex challenges with creativity and determination. Their entrepreneurial mindset is particularly crucial in a rapidly evolving industry where adaptability is key.

Bringing Together Experience and Fresh Perspectives

"We are very diverse; some are younger than 30, our CTO has 30 years of experience, almost 60, a seasoned veteran, and a younger generation team with a lot of experience in very specific areas, coming together to tackle the big problems."

The blend of seasoned professionals and younger innovators at Tide Ocean creates a dynamic team capable of addressing both immediate and long-term challenges. The seasoned veterans bring a wealth of industry experience, ensuring the company’s operations are grounded in practicality, while the younger team members infuse fresh perspectives and creativity, driving innovation in recycling and sustainability.

The Importance of People in Start-Up Ventures

"It’s a project coming from the heart but it's backed by industrial expertise."

In start-up ventures, the team is often the single most important asset. Their passion, ambition, and ability to align behind a shared mission determine the trajectory of the company. At Tide Ocean, the team’s diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to sustainability ensure they not only dream big but also deliver tangible results with hopefully more on the horizon.

The team behind Tide Ocean is proof that no matter how advanced the technology or innovative the business model, it’s the people who bring ideas to life. Their passion, combined with their expertise, is what drives the company’s mission to turn the tide on ocean plastic pollution - founders, take note.

Closing remarks

Tide Ocean is a shining example of how innovation, passion, and sustainability can come together to create meaningful change in the world. Their ambitious goals, innovative strategies, and dedicated team make them a standout in the ocean plastic recycling industry.

As their crowdfunding campaign on Seedrs comes to a close, I wish Marc and the entire Tide Ocean team the best of luck in achieving their vision. It’s inspiring to see a company that not only addresses one of the planet’s most pressing issues but also sets a standard for what responsible and impactful business can look like.

If you found this blog format interesting and useful, I’d love to hear your feedback! Engaging with these important conversations is at the heart of Ocean Tech Insider, and your input helps shape the stories we share. Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more insights into the innovators making waves in the blue economy.

Warm wishes

H

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Steve Jobs