Investing in a plastic alternative: all the benefits, none of the drawbacks

Here, the raw PHA (extracted from wastewater) is refined into a high-quality biopolymer with the brand name Caleyda, which can be used for a wide range of applications. This is primarily because the product is 100% biodegradable in any natural environment, leaving no harmful microplastics behind. The biopolymer product from Paques Biomaterials is therefore a sustainable alternative to fossil plastics.

Over the past three years, the technology behind Caleyda has been further developed, with bacteria in organic waste streams producing the biopolymer PHA. Paques Biomaterials has extensively tested its technology on a laboratory and pilot scale, and in 2022, in collaboration with five Dutch water boards and waste and energy company HVC, realized a demo installation in Dordrecht. Additionally, in 2023, the company entered into various collaborations, such as with Kolon Industries in South Korea, circular waste stream company Looop in Venlo, and with Senbis Polymer Innovations in Emmen to further refine the technology.

Emma den Held, investment manager at Invest-NL: “Our investment in this promising alternative to fossil plastics demonstrates our confidence in the power of innovation. Paques Biomaterials’ solution is fully circular and combats the spread of microplastics. With patented technology, a large potential market reach, and a strong management team, we are convinced that our investment makes a significant contribution towards a circular economy.”

Although Invest-NL participates in projects where our contribution is at least € 5 million, the investment in Paques Biomaterials by Invest-NL amounts to € 2.5 million. This results from collaboration with and investment from NOM via the so-called ‘ROM Range Extender’.