Foamlab, a Delft University of Technology spinoff, raised €3 million to build a pilot plant and scale production of its bio-based foam materials.
The round was led by ICOS Capital. Co-investors include Value Factory Ventures, DOEN Ventures, Capricorn Industrial Biotech Fund, and TTT Green Tech Fund.
Foamlab makes foam from bacterial cellulose, a material grown through fermentation. The foams are designed to replace fossil-based plastic foams used in packaging, textiles, furniture, and construction.
Millions of tonnes of conventional plastic foams are produced annually. Most generate persistent waste and are difficult to recycle. Foamlab’s bacterial cellulose foams are bio-based and compostable.
The material can be tuned for different properties. Soft, textile-like versions work for fashion applications. Rigid versions suit structural uses in construction.
Jeroen van Rotterdam, CEO of Foamlab, said the company is seeing growing demand across multiple industries. “This funding enables us to scale production, serve early customers, and accelerate our path to market.”
Peter van Gelderen, managing partner at ICOS Capital, said the technology provides sustainable alternatives for construction insulation, high-end packaging, and fashion.
Foamlab originated from research at Delft University’s Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering. The company develops the foams through fermentation rather than petroleum-based chemical processes.
The pilot plant will allow Foamlab to produce larger quantities and work with commercial partners on application testing.
