Steffen Gerlach (Eeden)
Overview
Steffen Gerlach is a notable entrepreneur and innovator in the field of sustainable fashion, particularly recognized for his work with Eeden, a German tech startup dedicated to revolutionizing textile recycling. As the CEO and co-founder of Eeden, Gerlach has been instrumental in developing a chemical recycling technology capable of processing complex blended textiles into high-quality raw materials. This breakthrough aims to address the pressing issue of textile waste, promoting a circular economy in the fashion industry by enabling large-scale production of recycled fibers from post-consumer textile waste.
Recent Developments
- April 2025: Eeden successfully completed a €18 million Series A funding round, led by Forbion alongside other investors like Henkel Ventures and NRW.Venture. This capital is earmarked to help Eeden scale its innovative textile recycling technology by building a demonstration plant in Münster, Germany, optimizing large-scale processing, and establishing commercial collaborations with major industry players.
- 2024-2025: Under Gerlach's leadership, Eeden has progressed in its strategic mission to convert textile waste into usable materials. The company validated its technology with a pilot plant and now aims to have a commercial impact by expanding to an industrial scale.
- Regulatory Alignment: Gerlach's work coincides with the EU's regulations requiring member states to introduce separate collection systems for used textiles from January 2025. Eeden's technology offers a viable solution to these rising regulatory standards and challenges in textile waste management.
- Industry Collaboration: Eeden has strengthened partnerships with chemical industry players and textile producers to ensure its recycled fibers can enter the existing supply chain, underpinning a shift towards a sustainable, circular textile economy.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Steffen Gerlach |
| Born | 1990s, Western Germany |
| Nationality | German |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, CEO of Eeden |
| Known For | Textile Recycling Technology |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | Business Economics at Hamburg |
Early Life and Education
Steffen Gerlach grew up in Western Germany, between Düsseldorf and Cologne. From a young age, he showed an interest in understanding global cultures, spurred by an exchange experience in British Columbia, Canada, which expanded his perspectives and honed his interpersonal skills. He pursued higher education in Hamburg, where he studied business economics, later gaining experience in market research and project management. Gerlach's upbringing in a culturally rich region and his academic background prepared him for his future endeavors in sustainable business practices.
Career and Notable Achievements
Gerlach initially gained industry experience through roles in sales and project management. He worked at Airbus, where he managed large transformation projects, gaining insights into strategic business operations. In 2019, alongside his lifelong friend Rainer, he co-founded Eeden, focusing on transforming the textile industry's approach to waste. Eeden's landmark development under Gerlach's guidance has been the invention of a unique chemical recycling process for textiles, enabling them to separate and recover fibers like polyester and cotton from waste. Eeden's commitment to sustainability and innovation has earned it recognition as a key player in the circular economy movement.
Current Work and Impact
As Eeden's CEO, Steffen Gerlach is actively involved in scaling the company's technology through strategic partnerships and collaborations. He focuses on aligning Eeden’s objectives with regulatory frameworks and market demands, ensuring that their recycled materials meet industry standards. Gerlach’s leadership is transforming how brands and manufactures view textile recycling, making significant strides towards reducing environmental impacts and enhancing resource efficiency.
Conclusion
Steffen Gerlach's contributions through Eeden are significant not only for the textile industry but for sustainable practices worldwide. His innovative approach to recycling textiles is setting new standards in environmental responsibility and economic viability, driving the industry towards a more sustainable future. As Eeden continues to grow, Gerlach's vision for a circular economy in textiles is poised to leave a lasting impact on both industry practices and environmental policies globally.