We developed the fractionation process in the laboratory two years ago, and we were able to prove scientifically that it works. However, scaling was necessary for the commercial side. To do business with the chemical industry, it’s important to produce on a larger scale.

Thanks to Innosuisse’ support, we were able to collaborate with the Institute of Chemical Technology (Institut ChemTech) at the Fribourg School of Engineering & Architecture. Before the project started in 2019, we were able to extract lignin in reactors with a maximum capacity of ten litres. With the chemical plant in Fribourg, we managed to run the process in a 630-litre facility.

But scaling is a complex undertaking. Let me make another comparison from everyday life. Cooking spaghetti carbonara for four people is not the same as cooking for 400 people. You’re suddenly confronted with completely different questions: how do you drain the pasta water or mix the eggs into the sauce? The larger scale makes the process much more costly right away. The basic principle is though the same: you have to reinvent the process, so to speak, adapt the safety measures, change the procedures.

Working with the ChemTech Institute is very important to us. The expertise and the industrial dimension that the university has brought to the table has been very beneficial to us. Our company would probably not exist without Innosuisse. Their support has been essential for our economic development and has accelerated innovation.

Other projects

Sustainable energy from the underground car park

Dissolving micropollutants into thin air

“We have already been able to convince a number of investors”

Recognising art forgeries from a photo

Saving bees from Varroa mites using heat treatment

Gene therapy to treat Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease

A hand sanitiser that lasts for several hours

A very effective alarm system for isolated workers