by Sara Fedele, Senior Manager, PR and Communications at Kickstart Innovation
In the coming weeks, throughout our 11-week program, we will spotlight the journeys of various participants in Kickstart’s program. In our first feature, we highlight Lixea, a company revolutionizing biomass processing and contributing to the circular economy. From exploring innovative proof-of-concept opportunities to advancing sustainable technologies, Lixea has made significant progress since its time with Kickstart. In this interview with Krisztina Kovacs-Schreiner, CEO of Lixea, we explore their recent milestones, the growing demand for circular solutions, and their plans for future growth.
Krisztina, can you tell us about Lixea’s journey since participating in Kickstart? What
are some key milestones you’ve achieved?
Apart from making some fantastic new friends, currently, we are actively exploring 4 super exciting proof of concept (PoC) opportunities working with other startups and companies from raw material processing all the way to specialty product development.
Lixea’s technology focuses on sustainable biomass processing. How has the
demand for circular economy solutions evolved, and how is Lixea contributing
to this change?
Biomass is a wonderful, abundant material that surrounds us wherever we go. It has enormous potential to serve as starting material for many industries from textile to specialty chemicals. However, the missing link has been the technology capable of unlocking the full potential of its structural building blocks, such as cellulose, lignin and small organic molecules naturally occurring / hidden in its structure. Lixea’s powerful, cost competitive, green solvent-based fractionation process can extract these materials in their native form and make it readily available for a broad range of industry partners within the packaging, food, specialty chemicals and energy sectors for further processing.
Lixea uses innovative methods to separate waste materials for reuse. Can
you explain how this technology works and its impact on sustainability?
Lixea’s unique green solvent, namely a liquid salt or an ionic liquid can strip open any type of biomass structure and separate its components, cellulose, lignin and small organic molecules. The technology is also capable of processing contaminated waste wood streams, like heavy metal treated / impregnated mixed construction waste, hence redirecting these waste streams from burning or landfilling. Our ionic liquid removes the metal contaminants along with the adhesives and glues leaving virgin pulp and cellulose behind for further processing. The technology has the potential to serve many different markets and become a platform technology enabling the implementation of a true circular bioeconomy.
You’ve recently secured funding for expansion. What are your next steps in
terms of growth, and what markets are you focusing on?
Our (not so recent now) European Innovation Council (EIC) accelerator funding provided us with the opportunity to transfer the technology (originally invented at Imperial College London) to Sweden where we built our pilot plant. This plant has been up and running for over 2.5 years now, producing high quality materials from a broad range of wood and agriculture waste materials for industry prototyping. Our main market focus extends from packaging and textiles all the way to the specialty chemicals sectors. We have collaborated with over 150 companies around the world and are further expanding our reach in Europe, Asia and South America. Our future plans include the construction of a demonstration plant in the range of 25,000 tonne / year capacity.
What advice would you give to startups in the cleantech and circular economy
space looking to scale their impact?
In order for cleantech start-ups to reach their target environmental and social impact, it is key to scale their process or end-product manufacturing as soon as possible. However, this is easier said than done as long term, there is no such thing as green premium. Investors and customers are looking for a drop-in replacement for existing materials at a cost competitive price along with the same or even better performance than their current solutions.
Looking back, how did Kickstart help shape your journey, and what role has
the network and support played in your company’s growth?
Kickstart has left an enormous mark on our journey as it has challenged our original perception what scale and impact really mean in the context of solving an industry driven problem. We had to think differently about the capabilities of our technology, the business model and how we can further expand our idea reaching beyond the project scope. We are ever so grateful for this opportunity, all the support and encouragement we have received from the Kickstart Innovation Team!
About Krisztina Kovacs-Schreiner
Krisztina is a Biochemical Engineer by training and has over 10 years of experience working in the technology sphere. Previously, she worked as Project and Business Development Manager at Biome Bioplastics Ltd, managing a portfolio of collaborative, biomass to novel bioplastics R&D projects. Krisztina also has considerable experience in taking an idea from the drawing board to installation and running a start-up company with responsibility for all aspects of the business.
About Lixea
Lixea is at the forefront of sustainable chemical technologies, specializing in the valorization of natural components in waste wood and agricultural residues. The company’s Dendronic process separates and utilizes these components, offering eco-friendly alternatives for various industries. For inquiries, please contact Krisztina Kovacs-Schreiner, CEO: krisztina(at)lixea(dot)co
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