BIOWEG plans Europe’s largest bacterial cellulose plant
In Germany, biotech firm BIOWEG will begin construction of Europe’s largest bacterial cellulose production plant in the fourth quarter. The first-of-a-kind facility, located in Elsdorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, will produce up to 10,000 metric tons a year, with first commercial volumes expected in 2028. Startup of the plant will onshore production of a material that Europe today almost entirely imports.
BIOWEG uses fermentation to turn food-industry byproducts into biodegradable cellulose ingredients that can replace microplastics and fossil-based polymers in personal care, home care and agriculture.
Since announcing its €16 million (US$18.3 million) Series A, led by Axeleo Capital, in September 2025, BIOWEG has secured a further €14 million, including €2 million in equity from new investor Rabo Ventures, €10.3 million in non-dilutive funding provided by the EU as part of the “Produktives.NRW” grant competition under the EFRE/JTF Program for North Rhine-Westphalia 2021–2027, and €2 million from other sources, bringing total funding to €35 million.
Built directly within one of Germany’s largest sugar industrial complexes, the facility will valorize molasses and other side streams as fermentation feedstock just meters from where they are produced — cutting logistics emissions, lowering operating costs and securing supply. BIOWEG’s pilot site in Quakenbrück will be expanded from 100 to 200 metric tons per year and will supply commercial sales batches through 2027 and 2028 until Elsdorf comes online.
Category: Chemicals & Materials
