Sonichem, a company based in the East Midlands, has raised £1.2 million. This organization transforms forestry by-products, such as sawdust, into renewable biochemicals. Founded in 2010 as Bio-Sep, Sonichem aims to replace the industrial dependence on petrochemicals, which contribute significantly to global carbon emissions.
The company, now rebranded as Sonichem and focusing on sustainability, is developing alternative biochemicals for industries like cosmetics, materials, and pharmaceuticals. Their product is sourced from the abundant sawdust produced by sawmills, which can be broken down and repurposed.
Sonichem claims that for every £1 worth of sawdust, they can create £8 worth of bio-based sustainable chemicals, while reducing the need for petroleum-sourced chemicals. Adrian Black, CEO of Sonichem, states, “At Sonichem, our mission is to make the chemical industry more sustainable.”
With the newly secured funds, the company will proceed to the next stage of commercial development, explore Series A funding options, and develop their biorefinery plant in the northern part of the UK. The funding round also included a follow-on investment from ACF Investors.
According to Tim Mills, managing partner of ACF Investors, the market for sustainable bio-based chemicals has rapidly evolved in recent years. The global demand for supply chain transitions to robust and cost-effective sources, utilizing clean technological solutions that reduce reliance on non-sustainable hydrocarbon reserves, is driving this growth. Sonichem’s technology is an essential part of this global transition story, and ACF Investors is proud to be a part of their journey.
