The global chemical industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. Stricter environmental regulations and a growing demand for sustainable alternatives fuel this urgency. Catalyxx rewrites the game’s rules with its innovative solution. Its proprietary catalytic process converts bioethanol—derived from sugar fermentation—into biobutanol and other renewable bioalcohols, a crucial step towards a more sustainable future.
In fact, Catalyxx’s innovative technology has the potential to significantly impact the environment. Enabling the production of high-value chemicals without fossil fuels can substantially reduce emissions and costs. This technology helps industries meet environmental targets and maintains efficiency through a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to conventional chemicals. It’s a beacon of hope for a greener future.
Catalyxx has secured €37 million in pre-approved funding from the European Investment Bank to build its first full-scale industrial plant in France. This facility will showcase Catalyxx’s technology and serve as a model for future projects across Europe and beyond. The plant will be developed with a local partner to optimise logistics and maximise the economic and environmental benefits of the process.
Simultaneously, Catalyxx is expanding R&D at its La Rinconada facility in Seville, focusing on sustainable chemicals and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). A recent €3 million funding round, led by Axon Partners Group and supported by the EIB and the Regional Government of Andalusia, will accelerate these initiatives. Over the past year, Catalyxx has raised more than €18 million, including support from Aether Chemical Investments and the European Commission’s EIC Accelerator program.
The founders’ background, vision, and the birth of Catalyxx
Founded in 2017 by Joaquín Alarcón de la Lastra Romero, a former Abengoa executive with over 20 years of international bioenergy experience, Catalyxx emerged from his expertise and understanding of the sector’s challenges. Recognising the chemical industry’s dependence on fossil fuels, which conflicts with increasing global decarbonization and circular economy goals, he assembled a team committed to sustainable innovation.
They aim to transform the chemical sector by replacing fossil-based chemicals with renewable alternatives, improving efficiency, environmental impact, and future readiness. Catalyxx addresses a market gap by providing scalable, affordable technologies that help industries transition toward a circular, low-carbon future. The company’s mission is to champion sustainable solutions, establishing new standards for environmental responsibility and industrial advancement.
Behind Catalyxx’s technology
At the core of Catalyxx’s success is its patented catalytic process, which efficiently converts bioethanol into valuable bioalcohols, including biobutanol, biohexanol, biooctanol, and decanol. This process is energy-efficient and scalable and achieves a negative carbon footprint, actively reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil-based methods. The technology’s versatility enables Catalyxx to serve diverse industries, including paints, resins, adhesives, and personal care products.
Catalyxx distinguishes itself from competitors by offering a truly disruptive, end-to-end solution. While many companies focus on incremental improvements or rely on fossil feedstocks, Catalyxx’s approach is greener and more profitable. Their process supports the circular economy by transforming agricultural byproducts into high-value chemicals, and their products are cost-competitive, sometimes even cheaper than conventional alternatives.
This unique combination of sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and scalability establishes Catalyxx as a leader in the transition to green chemistry.
What’s next for Catalyxx?
Catalyxx’s leadership in green chemistry has earned international recognition. The company was recently named the best scaleup in the circular economy category at the prestigious Santander X Global Challenge, organised by Banco Santander, Norrsken, and Oxentia. Competing against more than 1,000 companies from 11 countries, Catalyxx’s win highlights its growing influence and commitment to driving the transition to a more sustainable chemical industry.
Looking ahead, Catalyxx aims to become a global benchmark for sustainable chemistry. By continuing to innovate, scale its technology, and forge strategic partnerships, the company is well-positioned to drive widespread adoption of renewable chemicals across industries.
