At ChainCraft we are taking the next step in turning chemistry circular.
From our headquarters in Amsterdam we are preparing for the construction of our first full-scale plant, FS1, in Ter Apelkanaal. Here we will convert local agri-food residues into sustainable, high-value fatty acids at industrial scale.
From organic residues to circular chemistry
Our fermentation technology is unique. We upcycle fruit and vegetable residues such as potato peels, vegetable cuttings and onion pulp into short and medium-chain fatty acids, including C4 and C6. These fatty acids are renewable alternatives to fossil and palm-based feedstocks used in cleaning agents, flavors and fragrances.
By replacing conventional raw materials, our process reduces emissions across the value chain by 50 to 80 percent. For many customers, this reduction is a key reason to choose ChainCraft’s sustainable solutions.
Circular, scalable and cost-competitive
“Our process is not only circular, it is also cost-competitive,” says our COO Joline. “Our sustainable products can compete with conventional fossil-based chemicals in both quality and price. That makes all the difference, because real impact only happens when sustainability is scalable.”
A strategic location and strong collaboration
FS1 will be built next to Avebe in Ter Apelkanaal, a location that offers both logistical and environmental advantages. “Their residual stream will become our main feedstock,” explains our Engineering Manager Javier. “That makes this location a natural choice.” Energy efficiency also played an important role in selecting the site. Joline adds: “We can use Avebe’s existing steam facilities and connect to a nearby transformer station for electricity. This gives us a reliable and sustainable energy supply, without issues related to grid congestion.”
For the basic engineering phase, ChainCraft selected KH Engineering as a trusted partner. “We were looking for a company that truly collaborates with us: pragmatic, forward-thinking and unafraid to challenge ideas,” says our COO Joline. “KH Engineering stood out for their proactive attitude and tailored approach.” Javier adds: “They understand our technology and are willing to propose alternatives if they believe a design step can be improved. That kind of partnership helps us make smarter and future-proof decisions.”
Joline de Brauw and Javier Reynoso Lobo.
From scale-up to production company
Moving from an R&D-driven scale-up to a production company brings new challenges. One of them is finding technical staff in the region, especially for maintenance and automation. “Together with Avebe we are exploring how we can address this challenge,” explains Joline.
Another crucial step is knowing when to move from research to execution. “At some point you have to decide: we are ready to build with what we know. Otherwise, you risk endless optimization,” says our COO Joline. “Javier plays a key role in that transition. With his background in R&D he knows when it is time to move forward.”
Building the future
The Ter Apelkanaal plant marks the next chapter in ChainCraft’s growth, but certainly not the last. We are already exploring international opportunities for future sites. “The next factory could be in the Netherlands, but also in Southeast Asia or Latin America,” says our COO Joline. “It depends on factors such as feedstock availability, market demand and local investment conditions.”
The final investment decision for FS1 is expected later this year. If everything goes according to plan, the plant will be operational by the end of 2027. “Together with KH Engineering we are building a facility that represents our next growth phase and brings circular chemistry to industrial scale,” concludes Joline.
FS1 is an important step in scaling our technology and proving that circular chemistry can compete with traditional production. Together we are building the future of circular chemistry.
