What Paques Biomaterials does

Paques Biomaterials is a Dutch private company that develops and produces Caleyda, a PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) biopolymer serving as a biodegradable alternative to conventional plastic. The company was established as a standalone entity in 2015 and carved out from its parent Paques in 2021 to become fully independent; its technology traces back to a 2011 research collaboration with TU Delft. It operates from three Netherlands locations — Balk (headquarters and Research Extraction Facility), Emmen (Caleyda Extraction Facility pilot plant and planned full-scale plant), and Delft (technology development) — and has 1-10 employees.

The company's core technology uses non-genetically modified natural bacteria in mixed cultures to accumulate PHA up to 90% of cell weight from diverse organic residual streams (industrial wastewater, sewage sludge, agri-food side streams, food waste), with downstream extraction and purification into the branded Caleyda product using green solvents. The mixed-culture approach eliminates the sterilization step required in pure-culture PHA production, enabling use of low-cost, heterogeneous feedstocks. Caleyda is 100% biobased, fully biodegradable in all natural environments (soil, water, marine) without leaving harmful microplastics, and has tunable mechanical and functional properties for diverse applications. The technology is protected by 7 patents developed over more than 10 years of R&D.

Paques Biomaterials generates revenue through three streams: (1) sales of Caleyda biopolymer to enterprise customers via direct B2B sales and joint development agreements (Maan Group, Solinatra, Subeco, HighTechBinders, Senbis); (2) international technology licensing to strategic partners (Kolon Industries and Kolon Global in South Korea for food waste-to-PHA production); and (3) joint product development agreements with preferential supply/offtake terms. The company is currently transitioning from pilot-scale production (50+ kilos per run at the Emmen CEF opened June 2025) to full commercial scale, with a planned 6 million kg/year extraction plant in Emmen and a world-first full-scale PHA-from-process-water plant with ESKA at Hoogezand (engineering started January 2025). To date the company has raised €14 million in a January 2024 round from impact investors Invest-NL and NVNOM, with grant support from Energiefonds Drenthe.

Name

Paques Biomaterials

Legal name

Paques Biomaterials B.V.

Website

https://paquesbiomaterials.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Paques Biomaterials develops and produces Caleyda, a fully biodegradable PHA biopolymer made from organic residual streams via proprietary mixed-culture biotechnology, serving enterprise customers in horticulture, agriculture, packaging, construction, and controlled-release fertilizers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Bioplastics / PHA Biopolymers

NAICS

Plastics Material and Resin Manufacturing (325211)

SIC

Plastic Materials, Synth Resins & Nonvulcan Elastomers (2821)

akta.pro primary industry

Bio-based & Biodegradable Polymer Resin Manufacturing (PLA, PHA, PBS, starch blends) (IMANAAAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Bio-based & Biodegradable Polymer Resin Manufacturing (PLA, PHA, PBS, PBAT) (IMANANAA), Biodegradable Polymers & Resins (PLA, PHA, PBS, PBAT) (IMAEAOAA), Bio-based Polymers & Resins (PLA, PHA, bio-PE, bio-PET, cellulose acetate) (IMAMALAC), Compostable & Bio-Based Packaging (PLA/PHA, Starch Blends, Cellulose Films) (IMALAMAB), Compostable & Bio-based Rigid Packaging (injection/blow/thermoform) (IMANANAD), Compostable Materials & Certified Compostables (IMAEAOAC)

Keywords

• Biodegradable biopolymers
• PHA production
• Plastic alternatives
• Mixed culture fermentation
• Circular bioplastics

Headquarters

HQ city

Balk

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. PHA Biopolymer Sales (Caleyda): Paques Biomaterials sells its Caleyda branded PHBV biopolymer to brand owners, converters, and manufacturers for use in a wide range of applications including horticulture, agriculture, packaging, cosmetics, and construction materials. As the company scales from pilot to full commercial production (targeting 6 million kg/year full-scale extraction plant), biopolymer sales will constitute the primary revenue stream.
2. Technology Licensing: Paques Biomaterials licenses its PHA production technology to strategic partners in other regions of the globe to accelerate global expansion. This includes the licensing agreement with Kolon Industries and Kolon Global in South Korea for large-scale PHA production from food waste. Licensing generates upfront and ongoing royalty revenue without requiring direct capital investment in every geography.
3. Joint Product Development Agreements: The company enters into joint development agreements with partners (e.g., Solinatra, Subeco, Maan Group, Senbis) where both parties co-develop applications for Caleyda. These agreements may include development funding, milestone payments, and preferential supply agreements as part of the commercial arrangement.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Paques Biomaterials develops and produces Caleyda, a branded PHBV (polyhydroxyalkanoate) biopolymer made via proprietary mixed-culture microbial fermentation of organic residual streams (wastewater, sewage sludge, agri-food side streams). The process uses no genetic modification or fossil resources and yields a 100% biobased polymer that is fully biodegradable in all natural environments without leaving microplastics. The company sells Caleyda directly to industrial buyers and licenses its PHA production technology to international partners.

Product overview

Paques Biomaterials develops and produces Caleyda, a naturally biodegradable PHA biopolymer, using proprietary technology where microbes in organic residual streams produce the biopolymer without genetic modification or fossil resources. The company operates extraction facilities including the world's first Caleyda Extraction Facility (CEF) in Emmen and a Research Extraction Facility (REF) in Balk. Caleyda serves as a natural alternative to plastic with tunable properties suitable for applications in horticulture, agriculture, packaging, construction (asphalt binder), and controlled-release fertilizers. The company is scaling up from laboratory and pilot scale through demonstration plants toward full commercial-scale production.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Caleyda®: The natural plastic substitute brand name for PHA biopolymer produced by Paques Biomaterials. Caleyda® is biodegradable in all environments without leaving harmful microplastics, made from organic side streams without genetic modification or fossil resources.

Products and services

• Caleyda PHBV Biopolymer A 100% biobased PHBV biopolymer produced by microbes from organic residual streams (wastewater, sewage sludge, agri-food side streams). Naturally biodegradable in all environments without leaving microplastics, with tunable mechanical and functional properties. Sold to brand owners, converters, and manufacturers for applications in horticulture, agriculture, packaging, cosmetics, construction, and controlled-release fertilizers.
• Biodegradable Controlled-Release Fertilizers (Caleyda Coating Application) Fully biodegradable fertilizer coating using Caleyda biopolymer providing controlled nutrient release over days to months, meeting ISO 21263:2017 standards, as a replacement for petroleum-based plastic coatings that are prohibited under EU microplastics regulation from 2026.
• Caleyda as Binder in Bitumen (Asphalt Application) Caleyda biopolymer used as a functional binder component in bitumen to strengthen mechanical properties of roads while storing 2 kg of CO2 per kg of biopolymer. Supplied under MoU and offtake agreement with HighTechBinders, which has licensed TNO's circular asphalt binder technology.
• PHA Production Technology Licensing Licensing of Paques Biomaterials' proprietary mixed-culture PHA production technology to strategic partners in international markets to enable local production from regional organic residual streams. Generates upfront and royalty revenue and accelerates global expansion without direct capital investment in every geography.
• Caleyda for Horticulture (Grow Pots and Plant Plugs) Biodegradable and biobased solutions for sustainable horticulture applications, including grow pots and plant plugs supplied to Maan Group under a major off-take agreement. Materials can be planted directly into soil, eliminating plastic waste in horticulture.
• Caleyda-Based Barrier Coatings for Paper Packaging PHA-based barrier coatings for paper and board packaging developed jointly with Subeco, replacing fluorochemicals and fossil-based polymers. Aimed at paper and packaging companies needing fossil-free, fully biodegradable barrier solutions.

Quantifiable outcome

• PHA demand projected to grow from 100,000 tonnes (2023) to 1 million tonnes (2028) globally — a 10x increase
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and supporting.

• HighTechBinderscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026HighTechBinders licensed TNO's circular asphalt binder technology and signed an MoU and offtake agreement with Paques Biomaterials for supply of Caleyda as a biobased polymer in bitumen. This enables a 'local-to-local' circular model where Caleyda strengthens mechanical properties of roads while storing 2 kg CO2 per kg of biopolymer.
• Solinatra Europe B.V.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 December 2025Solinatra and Paques Biomaterials signed a Joint Development Plan and Conditional Offtake Agreement to jointly develop and commercialize next-generation, fully biodegradable materials as an alternative to fossil-based single-use plastics. Paques supplies PHBV for Solinatra's material portfolio through a phased program from lab validation to industrial pilots. Initial material validation expected in 2026, commercial supply from 2028.
• PRECEDING Project (TSE/RVO)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025The PRECEDING project (supported by TSE – Industrie Studies program from RVO) is a joint PHA production plant development with Looop in Emmen. Comprehensive conceptual design will establish a robust business case. This is the first facility to produce PHA from food residuals, marking a major milestone toward circular biobased economy.
• SubecocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Subeco (leading innovator in paper and board barrier solutions across Europe) and Paques Biomaterials announced a joint development plan for PHA-based barrier coatings. The partnership aims to deliver coatings that make packaging fully biodegradable, fully circular, and independent of fossil resources.
• SoilwiseminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 August 2025Collaboration with Soilwise to use PHA as a carrier for nutrients and biostimulants, enhancing microbial activity and improving soil structure for regenerative farming systems in agriculture and horticulture.
• Maan GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 March 2025Major off-take agreement signed for 2027 with Maan Group (The Plus in Progress) for Caleyda to be used within their portfolio of biodegradable materials for horticulture. Maan previously received the first kilos of Caleyda for research into making grow pots for plants. The partnership addresses sustainable horticulture through biodegradable and biobased solutions.
• ESKAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 January 2025ESKA (B Corporation, paper and packaging) partnered with Paques Biomaterials to build the world's first full-scale PHA biomass plant from paper process water at their Hoogezand site. ESKA will use PHA as biodegradable barrier coating and adhesive in their own paper products. Engineering started in January 2025 with Envirochemie and Jorritsma Bouw. Investment decision expected end of 2025.
• PROMOFER Consortium (CBE JU)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2024PROMOFER is an EU-funded project (Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking) addressing fermentation improvements and downstream purification for PHBV production from lignocellulosic biomass and food industry waste. Partners include AIMPLAS, Novamont, Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant, Celignis, UCD, Vegea, PDC, and others. Running 2024–2028.
• LooopcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 November 2023Paques Biomaterials and Looop partnered to produce PHA from agri-food side streams. Looop is an independent knowledge partner and supplier of side streams from the agri-food sector, offering secure feedstock supply with high quality control. Both companies are also part of the ImPHAct project with MNEXT and Cargill. In 2025, a joint PHA production plant in Emmen is under development (PRECEDING project supported by TSE/RVO).
• Senbis Polymer InnovationscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 July 2023Strategic partnership with Senbis Polymer Innovations to develop new applications for Caleyda. Senbis helps develop different PHA grades suitable for wide-ranging applications, evaluates mechanical and thermal properties, and works on compounds mixing PHA with other biopolymers. Located in Emmen, Senbis supports application optimization and market development for Caleyda.
• Kolon Industries and Kolon GlobalcoreTechnology or Integration · 5 June 2023MOU signed with Kolon Industries (sustainable materials) and Kolon Global (construction/waste treatment) in South Korea to develop large-scale PHA production from food waste. Kolon Global's waste treatment technology combined with Paques' PHA production technology creates an integrated facility. This partnership is a key pillar of global expansion to produce PHA on a major scale.
• WetsussupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Long-term collaboration with Wetsus (knowledge centre for sustainable water technology) on biopolymers from water research alongside Unilever, Stowa, and SNB. PhD students continuously research PHA accumulation, extraction, and characterization. A new PhD project starting in 2024 focuses on developing strategies for PHA use in coatings and controlled-release fertilizers.
• HVC and Five Dutch Water BoardscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Five Dutch water boards (Brabantse Delta, De Dommel, Fryslân, Hollandse Delta, Scheldestromen) partnered with HVC, STOWA, SNB, and Paques Biomaterials on the PHA2USE project (2020–2024) to scale up PHA production from wastewater. Demo plant operated at HVC in Dordrecht from September 2022 to May 2024. The project won both the European Public Sector Award and Circular Award 2024.
• Delft University of TechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011TU Delft has been a research and development partner since 2011 when Paques joined forces with Prof. Mark van Loosdrecht's team to develop PHA production using mixed culture approaches. TU Delft continues to support process development and new product designs based on Caleyda. The company was founded based on technology originating from this collaboration.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Danimer Scientific: Public US PHA (Nodax PHB/PHBV) biopolymer producer serving single-use plastics, coatings, and fibers end markets. Closest direct competitor to Caleyda, both targeting commercial substitution of fossil plastics with biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates.
• Kaneka Corporation: Japanese chemical company producing Kaneka PHA biopolymers (PHB-based) for packaging and consumer applications. A global incumbent competitor with established volumes in the same commercial PHA space as Paques Biomaterials.
• RWDC Industries: US-based PHA producer (Solon) focused on single-use food serviceware and packaging. Competes with Caleyda in the same biodegradable plastics substitution end markets and shares the PHA value proposition.
• Yield10 Bioscience: US PHA producer (formerly Metabolix) developing PHA biomaterials from camelina and other feedstocks. Competes in the specialty biopolymer space with similar applications in packaging and coatings.
• TianAn Biological: Chinese PHBV and PLA producer and one of the largest PHA manufacturers globally, with established commercial production targeting packaging and consumer goods. Direct competitor in the same bioplastic resin category as Caleyda.
• Newlight Technologies: US-based PHA producer (AirCarbon) using microbial fermentation to produce biopolymers from greenhouse gas. Competes with Paques Biomaterials in the PHA bioplastic space with comparable sustainable positioning.

Emerging players

• Nafigate Corporation: Czech PHB producer using waste oils as feedstock, focused on industrial and consumer applications. Smaller-scale European PHA competitor with overlapping feedstock-flexibility narrative to Caleyda.

Broad incumbents

• TotalEnergies Corbion: Joint venture between TotalEnergies and Corbion producing Luminy PLA bioplastics at industrial scale for packaging, food serviceware, and 3D printing. Competes more broadly in bio-based plastics rather than specializing in PHA.
• Novamont: Italian Mater-Bi producer (starch-based and bio-based polyesters) and owner of historic Bio-on PHA assets. A broader bioplastics incumbent whose product portfolio overlaps Caleyda's biodegradable substitute value proposition.
• NatureWorks: Major PLA bioplastic (Ingeo) producer owned by PTT Global, targeting packaging, fibers, and 3D printing. A larger incumbent offering biodegradable but marine-non-biodegradable alternatives adjacent to Caleyda's positioning.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@paquesbm
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/paques-biomaterials

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors2 records

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Paques Biomaterials