Hessian Minister of Economics opens revolutionary CO2Bioeclean pilot plant

Yesterday 14th October, State Minister of Economic Affairs, Transport and Housing of the Government of Hesse, the Honourable Mr Kaweh Mansoori, joined company founders Dr Fabiana Fantinel and Dr Alessandro Carfagnini to celebrate the Grand Opening of the breakthough CO2Bioclean pilot plant in Industriepark Höchst, near Frankfurt, which offers a unique and innovative solution to reduce GHG emissions and produce biodegradable plastics at the same time.

During the ceremony, the CO2Bioclean team introduced the disruptive technology that enables CO2 to be converted into bioplastics: a fermentation process which transforms CO2 into PHA, which is then used various applications, for example cosmetics, packaging, agriculture and others. Having commenced operations at the end of August, the pilot plant represents a significant milestone in the fight against climate change and plastic pollution.

Quote from the Hessian Minister of Economics the Honourable Mr Kaweh Mansoori

“Today marks an important step for CO2BioClean and is an impressive demonstration of what is possible when science, innovation and entrepreneurship go hand in hand. It is impressive to see a technology using CO2 as a raw material to produce biodegradable plastics. This is a revolutionary approach that addresses two global challenges: climate change and plastic pollution. As Hessian Minister of Economics, I am particularly proud that this ground-breaking project is being realized here.”

Quote from Dr. Fabiana Fantinel CEO CO2BIOCLEAN GMBH

"I wish to thank the State of Hesse for believing in our project and supporting it, along with the investors who have funded this plant. We are very pleased to have found ideal conditions here in Frankfurt to bring our project from the lab to reality. None of this would have been possible without our investors, our key partners, and without the great efforts of our incredible team working hard to achieve this result on time and on budget."

For further information, contact:
CO2BioClean press office at comms@co2bioclean.com cell: +447435840357

Notes to editors

About CO2Bioclean

Founded in 2019 by Dr. Fabiana Fantinel and Dr. Alessandro Carfagnini, CO2BioClean is an innovative start-up based in Eschborn, Germany, developing a fermentation process that converts carbon dioxide mixed with hydrogen and some biomass into biodegradable plastic. By capturing the required CO2 before it is released into the atmosphere, CO2BioClean addresses not only plastic pollution but also industrial emissions of CO2.

CO2BioClean was awarded the "Seal of Excellence" by the EU Commission in 2020 and in 2021 received a research grant from European Innovation Council (EIC). Investors included HESSEN KAPITAL , EIC FUND and GHAZAN GLOBAL

About the CO2Bioclean technology

The company uses naturally occurring, non-pathogenic bacteria to convert CO2 to the biopolymer polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in a redox reaction.

This is achieved by using the CO2 generated by CO2BioClean customers and capturing it before it is released into the atmosphere. The biopolymers obtained are then processed into filaments, which can be completely and naturally biodegraded within a year.

About the Industriepark Höchst

The 4.6 square kilometre Industriepark Höchst is one of the largest research and production sites for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry in Europe, with more than 90 companies and around 20,000 employees. In addition to internationally active companies, various innovative start-ups are also based at Industriepark Höchst, as they find the ideal conditions here to further develop future technologies.