Spain-based Catalyxx, a developer of bio-based chemicals, has secured a
€20 million grant from the European Union through RenewChem, a flagship project
selected by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU). The
funding will support the construction of Catalyxx’s first commercial bio-based
chemicals plant in Europe, marking the company’s transition from technology
demonstration to commercial-scale production.
Catalyxx is leading the RenewChem consortium alongside chemical
companies Arkema and Evonik, bringing together industrial, technology and
research partners from across Europe. The project aims to establish Europe’s
first industrial-scale production of bio-based alcohols from ethanol, producing
chemicals that are compatible with existing industrial infrastructure and
supply chains while reducing reliance on fossil-based feedstocks.
Founded to develop renewable alternatives for the chemical industry,
Catalyxx has developed a proprietary process that converts ethanol into
butanol, hexanol and other higher alcohols used in products including coatings,
adhesives, lubricants, surfactants, home and personal care products, fragrances
and sustainable fuels.
The company says its products are designed to match the
performance of conventional petrochemical alternatives while reducing the
carbon footprint of chemical manufacturing.
According to Joaquín Alarcón, CEO of Catalyxx, the grant validates both
the company’s technology and industrial strategy while supporting its
transition to commercial-scale production. He added that the project could also
strengthen Europe’s supply security and strategic autonomy in critical chemical
value chains.
The grant comes as Europe’s chemical industry faces increasing pressure
to decarbonise production while maintaining industrial competitiveness.
Catalyxx aims to provide manufacturers with renewable chemical alternatives
that can be adopted without requiring changes to existing production processes.