LIOF and Fibrant Partner to Innovate Biobased Polymers
Eindhoven, Friday, 6 December 2024.
LIOF and Fibrant collaborate with Pegasus Materials to develop sustainable polymers for electronics and automotive industries, enhancing innovation and reducing environmental impact.
Strategic Investment in Sustainable Materials
In a significant development announced on November 27, 2024, LIOF and Fibrant BV have joined forces to invest in Pegasus Materials BV, a pioneering company in bio-based polymer technology [1][2]. Founded by Richard Pieters and Chris Schröder, Pegasus Materials specializes in developing high-performance, sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based materials [2]. This investment comes at a crucial time, as the specialty polymers market, currently valued at $75 billion, seeks innovative solutions for sustainability challenges [2].
Innovation and Technology
Pegasus Materials employs a sophisticated combination of materials science, chemistry, and synthetic biology to create their innovative products [1]. According to CEO Richard Pieters, the company leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to unlock biological building blocks for custom polymer design [2]. These bio-based polymers have practical applications in various high-tech sectors, including USB connectors, memory modules, and 3D-printed components for the aviation and automotive industries [1].
Strategic Location and Future Plans
The investment enables Pegasus Materials to establish operations at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen, The Netherlands, a prominent hub for material innovation housing over 3,000 researchers and companies [1][2]. The funding from LIOF’s Limburg Startup Capital Fund (LSCF) specifically targets startups contributing to crucial societal transitions such as circularity [1]. As stated by Martijn Amory, CEO of Fibrant BV, this collaboration aligns with their commitment to sustainability and serves their current and future market needs [2].