Thousands of new startups are founded every year – emerging companies with the potential to disrupt the materials industry. To give you a head-start on emerging technologies and startups that will impact the materials sector in 2022, we analyzed a total of 703 global biomaterials startups & scaleups. Meet 5 of the most promising startups to watch!
Global Startup Heat Map highlights 5 Biomaterials Startups to Watch in 2022
Out of 703, the 5 biomaterials startups to watch are chosen through the Big Data & Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, covering over 2 093 000+ startups & scaleups globally. As the world’s largest resource for data on emerging companies, the SaaS platform enables you to identify relevant startups, emerging technologies & future industry trends quickly & exhaustively.
The Global Startup Heat Map below highlights the 5 biomaterials startups you should watch in 2022 as well as the geo-distribution of the other 698 startups & scaleups we analyzed for this research. We hand-picked the 5 highlighted biomaterials startups based on our data-driven startup scouting approach, taking into account factors such as location, founding year, the relevance of technology, and funding, among others.
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Transfoam provides a Biomanufacturing Platform
Synthetic materials such as polyethylene terephthalate and polyester usually need resource-intensive production processes and are harmful to the environment. To reduce their usage, startups offer bio-sourced materials. For instance, certain startups create novel materials from agricultural side streams that efficiently replace petrochemical materials.
Founding Year: 2020
Location: Charlottesville, USA
Use for: Single-Use Plastic Alternatives
US-based startup Transfoam develops a biomanufacturing platform. The startup’s bioprocess utilizes engineered microorganisms to recycle plastic waste into fully biodegradable polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). PHB leaves behind only traces of water and carbon dioxide after disposal. It also has properties similar to traditional single-use plastics. This, in effect, enables manufacturers to replace single-use plastics and reduce environmental pollution, facilitating the transition to a circular economy.
NaturLoop offers a Bio-based Composite
Plastics break down into microplastics that pollute land and water ecosystems, thus increasing biomagnification. In contrast, biomaterials do not use toxic chemicals in their production and are biodegradable. Integrating them as raw materials allows businesses to reduce environmental impacts as well as increase consumer safety because such materials do not emit harmful substances upon expiry.
Founding Year: 2020
Location: Biel, Switzerland
Use for: Bio-based Fiberboards
NaturLoop is a Swiss startup that provides Cocoboard, a bio-based composite to replace wood-based panels. The startup combines coconut husks and natural adhesives from tannin extracts to develop Cocoboard. Even though it does not use chemicals, it offers mechanical properties equivalent to industrial fiberboards. Besides, NaturLoop works with local farmers to source its raw materials, thus improving their welfare and reducing dependence on offshore sources. This allows furniture and construction companies to lower their carbon footprint and ensure the safety of their customers.
Bio-Circular develops a Plastic Alternative
Plastic is a cost-effective solution to a range of needs, from packaging to various consumer products. However, overuse and improper management of plastics pollute the oceans. Consequently, many companies now utilize plastic-free solutions as raw materials. Startups also develop bio-based plastic alternatives to facilitate this transition. Moreover, many of these solutions are home compostable, enabling responsible consumers to control their waste at houses.
Founding Year: 2020
Location: Tel Aviv, Israel
Use for: Plastic Replacements
Bio-Circular is an Israeli startup that manufactures fully bio-based, biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) to replace plastics. The startup’s manufacturing process outputs polymers that fit a wide range of applications and meet current production line requirements. Besides, it eliminates the need for recycling as the materials are biodegradable and toxin-free. This, in effect, enables manufacturers to readily integrate Bio-Circular’s PHA into existing manufacturing lines while improving production sustainability and value.
Coastgrass provides a Natural Fiber-based Packaging Material
Synthetic fibers are relatively expensive and require many harmful chemicals during production, which impact humans and the environment. Conversely, bio-based materials have lower production costs and offer similar or better mechanical properties compared to traditional materials. This is why startups provide bio-based composites and fibers for manufacturing companies.
Founding Year: 2020
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Use for: Plastic-Free Packaging
Danish startup Coastgrass upcycles eelgrass to create a natural fiber-based packaging material. The startup combines natural fibers and biodegradable polymers to develop rigid packaging. It supports industrial composting at the end of life and the biowaste is turned into clean energy and fertilizers. Thus, Coastgrass’s process allows plastic manufacturers to transition to a low-carbon alternative while providing an additional source of income.
BEEJ offers Bio-based Leather
Animal welfare, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions are vital concerns in the leather industry. Leather producers rely on unsustainable animal agriculture for their raw materials. They also use toxic chemicals for tanning which increases the environmental impacts. Due to these issues, startups offer sustainable alternatives for leather, for example, bio-based leather materials. This allows fashion companies to reduce the overall carbon footprint and provide a sustainable choice for their customers.
Founding Year: 2019
Location: Mumbai, India
Use for: Cruelty-Free Leather, Leather Alternatives
BEEJ is an Indian startup that develops bio-based leather and fabric. The startup uses raw materials derived from cork, pineapple, and cactus, along with recycled and upcycled materials, to create its products. This includes handbags, wallets, clutches, and other accessories. Besides, BEEJ practices on-demand manufacturing to reduce resource and materials wastage as well as allows their customers to create custom designs. The startup, thereby, enables responsible consumers to switch to environmentally friendly fashion products.
Discover All Emerging Materials Startups
The biomaterials startups showcased in this report are only a small sample of all startups we identified through our data-driven startup scouting approach. Download our free Materials Innovation Report for a broad overview of the industry or get in touch for quick & exhaustive research on the latest technologies and emerging solutions that will impact your company in 2022!
