Origin Materials
Origin Materials (NASDAQ: ORGN) was a sustainable technology company, founded in 2008 by UC Davis students, focused on turning sustainable wood residues into low-carbon, bio-based materials. They developed a technology to convert biomass into PET plastic for bottles and caps, but as of May 2026, the company is winding down operations, dissolving, and selling its assets.
California-based Origin Materials will sell its PET bottle cap technology and other assets as it winds down operations, and is laying off 59% of its workforce including members of the executive team.
Source
Origin Materials to shut down, sell PET cap design
Origin Materials nearing its end
Personal Remarks
Unfortunately, this feels like the beginning of the end for bioplastics.
I’m genuinely sorry for Origin Materials—truly. I’ve never had any issues with them, and it’s difficult to see things unfold this way.
I also feel compelled to explain my editorial stance.
At one point, I became the target of a boycott led by European Bioplastics and some of its members. The reason? I gave a platform to oxo-bioplastics to share their perspective. As a result, my website’s revenue streams were cut off, and I was effectively pushed out. I had no real choice but to retreat into a defensive position. My intention was always simple: to publish meaningful content and give people space to tell their stories.
But the industry became increasingly fractured—too many competing interests, too much infighting.
That division, combined with aggressive, scorched-earth tactics, proved highly effective.
Perhaps there’s a sense of inevitability in all of this, but from where I stand, it’s hard to see a positive outcome.
My thoughts are with the entire team at Origin Materials. I sincerely hope that everyone affected lands on their feet and finds new opportunities soon.