Sonichem, an East Midlands firm that converts forestry by-products resembling sawdust into renewable biochemicals, has raised £1.2m.
Based in 2010 as Bio-Sep, Sonichem is seeking to exchange the economic reliance on petrochemicals, which contribute considerably to international carbon emissions.
Rebranded in 2023 to focus extra on its sustainability contributions, the corporate is creating various biochemicals to be used in industries resembling cosmetics, supplies and prescription drugs.
Sonichem’s product is sourced from the huge quantities of sawdust produced by sawmills, which may be damaged down and repurposed.
The Melton Mowbray-based agency claimed that for each £1 value of sawdust, it could possibly create £8 value of bio-based sustainable chemical substances, in addition to cut back the necessity for petroleum-sourced chemical substances.
Adrian Black, CEO of Sonichem, mentioned: “At Sonichem, our mission is to make the chemical trade extra sustainable.”
Black mentioned that now extra funds have been secured, the corporate will look to enter the “subsequent stage of business improvement”, discover choices to lift Collection A funding and develop its biorefinery plant within the north of the UK.
The funding spherical included a follow-on funding from ACF Buyers.
“The marketplace for sustainable bio-based chemical substances has developed quickly in the previous couple of years,” mentioned ACF Buyers managing companion Tim Mills.
“Driving this development is international demand to transition provide chains to sturdy and cost-viable sources of provide, which utilise clear technological options that cut back our reliance on non-sustainable hydrocarbon reserves.
“Sonichem’s expertise kinds a vital a part of the worldwide transition story and we’re delighted to be part of their outstanding journey.”
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