Avantium spins out electrochemical platform

Avantium, a Netherlands-based specialist in renewable and circular polymer materials, has announced the spin‑out of its electrochemical platform to an external investor group. This business, known until now as Volta Technology, converts CO2 into chemicals building blocks using electricity. It will be renamed Carbeau.

The investors comprise Austrian process technology firm GKT; Invest‑NL, the Dutch national promotional institution; Al Baleed Petrochemical of Oman; and the Investment & Development Agency for the Northern Netherlands. They have already raised €35.2 million in funding, including an €11.5 million in-kind contribution from Avantium, which is retaining a 32.7% stake. 

Carbeau will be headquartered at the Amsterdam Science Park, close to Avantium, and is planning to develop a pilot plant in nearby Delfzijl, which has a strong industrial and carbon capture and utilisation base. Its initial product focus includes glycolic acid for personal care and polylactic‑co‑glycolic acid (PLGA), a compostable plastic. Both are designed to be cost‑competitive with fossil‑based materials.