MetGen
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2006
- HeadquartersKaarina, Finland
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What MetGen does
MetGen Oy is a Finnish industrial biotechnology company founded in 2008 and headquartered in Kaarina, Finland with a second site in Geleen, Netherlands. The company designs and produces tailored industrial enzymes and enzymatic lignin-refining processes, built on two proprietary platforms: the ENZINE® protein-evolution and fermentation platform (capable of moving from concept to industrial enzyme production in under 12 months) and the METNIN™ lignin-refining technology (an enzymatic process operating at pH 11 and elevated temperatures to depolymerize and fractionate any lignin source into tailored molecular weight cuts). These platforms power a portfolio of MetZyme® enzyme products (LIGNO™, PLATA™, BRILA™, SUNO™, PURECO™) for pulp & paper and biorefinery applications, plus a family of formulated METNIN™ end-products (SHIELD, RESIN, NANOpolyol, Bioesters, and MICRO/ULTRA/NANO Fractions) for packaging, foams, resins, adhesives, and bioplastics.
MetGen firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- MetGen
- Legal name
- MetGen Oy
- Website
- http://www.metgen.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2006
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
MetGen industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Enzymes & Bio-Based Specialty Chemicals
- NAICS
- Cyclic Crude, Intermediate, and Gum and Wood Chemical Manufacturing (325194), Other Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing (32519)
- SIC
- Industrial Organic Chemicals (2860), Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Biochemicals & Bio-based Platform Chemicals (cellulose sugars, lignin derivatives, organic acids) (IMAMALAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Lignin-based Materials & Carbon Products (binders, resins, carbon fiber/activated carbon) (IMAMALAE), Biofuel Co-products & Byproduct Processing (DDGS, Glycerin, CO2, Lignin) (EUAAAHAJ)
Keywords
Where MetGen is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kaarina
- HQ country
- Finland
- HQ region
- Europe
Markets served
MetGen business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Technology Licensing (METNIN™ and Enzyme Production Systems): License fees plus potential royalties on METNIN™ lignin refining technology and enzyme production systems (e.g., SUNO™), with territory-specific and biorefinery-count licensing. Includes EPCM for licensees to build their own production sites.
- Direct Enzyme Product Sales (MetZyme®): Direct supply of tailored MetZyme® industrial enzyme products (BRILA™, LIGNO™, PLATA™, etc.) to P&P mills, biorefineries and packaging customers; MetGen has shipped material to Asia, North and South America, with capacity up to 5,000L deliveries.
- Joint Development & Co-Creation Revenue: Phased joint development engagements (3-month screening + 6–12 month genetic engineering) for co-creation of new enzymes and bioprocesses with industrial partners; fees dependent on manufacturing site selection and ownership/user rights.
- Public-Funded Project Grants (Horizon 2020 / BBI JU): Participation in 11 EU Horizon 2020 / BBI JU projects across consortia (e.g., SWEETWOODS with 21 M€ EU funding out of 43 M€ total project budget), contributing to over 110 M€ in total value-chain funding that supports technology development.
- METNIN™ Lignin Product Sales & Samples: Sales of formulated ready-to-use METNIN™ end-products (SHIELD, RESIN, NANOpolyol, Bioesters) and tailored lignin fractions (MICRO, ULTRA, NANO) with sample webshop for industrial customers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom licensing of METNIN™ technology and enzyme production systems — quote-based, includes license fees and potential royalties |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Joint Development phased program — project-based fees over screening and engineering phases |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Custom enzyme product pricing (MetZyme®) — quote-based per customer substrate and volume |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | METNIN™ end-product sales with sample webshop |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
MetGen product offering
Product offeringCore offering
MetGen designs, develops, and manufactures tailored industrial enzymes and lignin-based biochemicals through two proprietary technology platforms: the ENZINE® protein-evolution and fermentation platform and the METNIN™ enzymatic lignin refining technology. The company sells MetZyme® enzyme products (LIGNO™, PLATA™, BRILA™, SUNO™, PURECO™) to pulp & paper mills and biorefinery operators, and formulated METNIN™ end-products (SHIELD, RESIN, NANOpolyol, Bioesters, and MICRO/ULTRA/NANO Fractions) to packaging, foam, resin, and bioplastics manufacturers. Commercialization routes include direct product sales, technology licensing, and joint development engagements with industrial customers.
Product overview
MetGen delivers an integrated industrial biotechnology offering built on two proprietary technology platforms — the ENZINE® enzyme creation platform and the METNIN™ lignin refining process — which together power a portfolio of tailored MetZyme® enzyme products (LIGNO™, PLATA™, BRILA™, SUNO™, PURECO™) and a family of formulated METNIN™ lignin-based end-products (SHIELD, RESIN, NANOpolyol, Bioesters, and MICRO/ULTRA/NANO Fractions). These platforms and products are commercialized to industrial customers via four service lines: Biorefinery Solutions, Fibre Solutions, Licensing, and Joint Development. The product family is architected so ENZINE® generates the enzymes, MetZyme® products apply them to pulp-and-paper and biorefinery processes, and METNIN™ refines the lignin side-stream into value-added biochemicals — together creating a complete bio-based value chain from biomass to ready-to-use end products.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- ENZINE®: Technology platform combining protein evolution technology and fermentation, enabling recombinant expression of tailored enzymes that meet customer needs. Allows development of novel enzymes from idea to industrial production in less than 12 months.
- METNIN™
- MetZyme®
- METNIN™ SHIELD
- METNIN™ RESIN
- METNIN™ NANOpolyol
- METNIN™ Bioesters
- METNIN™ Fractions
- MetZyme® SUNO™
- MetZyme® PURECO™
- MetZyme® LIGNO™
- MetZyme® PLATA™
- MetZyme® BRILA™
Companies that use MetGen
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
MetGen technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature9 records
MetGen partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, flagship and core.
- ResearchAndMarkets.com (Biofuel Enzymes Market Report)minorMetGen listed as one of key industry players profiled in ResearchAndMarkets.com's Biofuel Enzymes Market Forecast 2025-2030 report. Global biofuel enzymes market projected to grow from USD 1.580 billion (2025) to USD 2.268 billion (2030) at 7.50% CAGR. Other profiled players include DuPont, Iogen Corporation, Novozymes, Codexis Inc.
- NewEnergyBlueflagshipCommercial integration announced November 11, 2024 combining NewEnergyBlue's biomass conversion technologies with MetGen's enzyme and lignin fractionization capabilities. NewEnergyBlue's first U.S. biomass refinery in Mason City, Iowa expected to begin operations in 2027, producing 21M gallons biofuel and 150,000 tons clean lignin. Plans call for four additional American refineries fully incorporating Inbicon and MetGen technologies over five years. MetGen planning commercial lignin-to-chemicals project next to Kaarina laboratories for early 2026.
- EnXylaScope Consortium (5 SMEs, 4 research institutes, 2 large industrial partners, 2 universities)coreEU-funded project consortium developing enzymes for unleashing xylan potential for consumer products in cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and personal care sectors. Encompasses culture collections, enzyme discovery, production systems, xylan production and modification, consumer product development and evaluation, scaled-up enzyme production, and LCA/sustainability assessment.
- BIONEER ConsortiumcoreEU-funded BIONEER project aims to scale-up lignocellulosic biomass-derived platform chemicals (BIONEER Building Blocks) to replace bisphenol A derivatives, alkyl acrylates, vinyl pyrrolidine, vinyl acetate, and siloxanes in personal care and coatings markets. Builds on EnXylaScope and PERFECOAT RIA projects.
- REDYSIGN ConsortiumcoreEU-funded REDYSIGN project developing bio-based, intelligent, and recyclable packaging for fresh meat distribution. Leverages lignocellulosic fibres, lignin, and sugars with integrated sensors for spoilage detection and cold chain monitoring; aims to advance recycling efficiency via identification markers and oxidation treatments.
- ROBUSTOO Consortium (Gecco, bisy, InnoSyn, BSC, CIB, UAB, IRNAS, FCBA, ITB)coreEU-funded ROBUSTOO project for large-scale production of oxidative enzymes (unspecific peroxygenases, laccases, HMFOs) for bio-based chemicals and materials. Applications include bio-based resins for wood panels/3D printing, regio-/stereo-selective oxygenations for fine chemicals, and FDCA production from HMF.
- RepsolminorMetGen won PITCCH 3rd Corporate Challenge round where Repsol sought SMEs with lignin conversion technology. Repsol will work on Proof of Concept together with MetGen on lignin valorization (METNIN products for packaging, resin and foam). Identified via PITCCH open innovation network which promotes collaborations between Big Corporations and SMEs/startups.
- Technip EnergiescoreMemorandum of Understanding announced September 28, 2022 to bring METNIN™ refineries to market and jointly sell and execute EPC projects. Global engineering company shares mission of maximizing biomass value and replacing petrochemicals. Collaboration leverages Technip Energies' engineering, procurement and construction capabilities alongside MetGen's METNIN™ lignin refining technology.
- Ivy Farm TechnologiescoreJoint Development Agreement announced September 21, 2022 with Oxford-based cultivated meat company. Agreement is powered by MetGen's ENZINE® Technology platform and aims to address food system climate impact through innovative science and technology.
- Futurity Bio-VenturesflagshipLicense agreement (announced September 20, 2022) for Futurity to build and operate lignin-centric biorefineries using METNIN® Technologies in New Zealand. Futurity operates plantation forestry-based biorefinery in Tairāwhiti-Gisborne, producing Nano-fibrillated cellulose, PHBV and advanced lignins. License covers production of full range of high value lignin-based products including resins and adhesives, foams, composites, bio-based chemicals and polymers.
- Graanul Biotech (Graanul Invest)flagshipIndustry consortium leader of SWEETWOODS EU Flagship project (43 M€ total budget, 21 M€ EU grant under Horizon 2020 BBI). Brings together MetGen Oy, Global Bioenergies, Tecnaro GmbH, Armacell via Ultima GmbH, Recticel N.V., 2B Srl, Vertech Group and Spinverse Oy. MetGen contributes four novel biorefinery solutions: Tailored hydrolysis (SUNO™), Enzymatic lignin depolymerization (METNIN™), Lignocellulosic glucose isomerization (PURECO™), Glucose conversion to glucosone.
- WoodZymes Consortium (Navigator Company, Fibre Excellence, FINSA, SOPREMA France, CIB, IRNAS, IATA-CSIC, RAIZ, CTP, FCBA)coreConsortium for WOODZYMES project (H2020/BBI JU 2018-2021) developing wood transforming enzymes (extremozymes) for pulp & paper, fibreboard manufacture, and insulation materials sectors. Brings together world-leading companies and research institutes from Portugal, France, Finland and Spain.
- SEKAB E-TechnologycoreConsortium partner in ReTAPP project (Coordinator: MetGen) with €691,414 H2020 grant. SEKAB provides CelluAPP® pre-treatment and hydrolysis platform for converting cellulose to sugars; MetGen provides tailored enzymes for hydrolysis and bioconversion of Glucose to Fructose. Demonstrated >80% glucose yield from cellulose; production of >2,000 kg wood-based sugars during project.
- Avantium Chemicals BVcoreConsortium partner in ReTAPP project. Avantium provides YXY technology for converting sugars into furanics and ultimately PEF resin (bio-based PET alternative). Develops novel glucose/fructose separation technology and parallel flow equipment for C5/C6 sugar feeds. Target market for biobased fructose estimated 1.5 million tons by 2021.
Scale indicators11 records
Expansion highlights6 records
MetGen competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Novonesis (formerly Novozymes): Largest industrial enzyme company globally and a profiled player in the biofuel enzymes market alongside MetGen. Overlaps directly with MetGen's MetZyme® products in pulp & paper, biorefining, and starch processing, but with a far broader portfolio and global salesforce.
- IFF (DuPont Industrial Biosciences): Major industrial enzyme and biocatalysis player following its absorption of DuPont's Industrial Biosciences unit. Competes with MetGen in tailored enzymes for biorefining and fibre processing, and is a profiled competitor in the biofuel enzymes market.
Direct peers
- Codexis: US-listed protein engineering company with a CodeEvolver® platform for developing tailored industrial enzymes — directly comparable to MetGen's ENZINE® platform. Competes for similar bio-based chemical, pharmaceutical, and food customer applications.
- AB Enzymes: Specialist industrial enzyme company focused on starch, baking, and pulp & paper applications. Most directly overlaps with MetGen's MetZyme® LIGNO, PLATA, and BRILA pulp & paper enzyme solutions.
Emerging players
- Bloom Biorenewables: Swiss start-up developing sustainable, lignin-based materials (functional polymers, aromatic building blocks). Comparable to MetGen's METNIN™ platform as another emerging lignin valorization specialist targeting bio-based resins and aromatic chemicals.
- Renmatix: Biomass conversion company using supercritical hydrolysis to produce cellulosic sugars and lignin fractions. Comparable to MetGen's SUNO™ / METNIN™ / PURECO™ biorefinery solutions stack, with overlapping customers in the 2G biorefinery and bio-based chemicals space.
- Carbios: French industrial biotech using engineered enzymes for plastics (PET) recycling and biorefinery. Comparable to MetGen in its protein-engineering-led approach and the move into bio-based plastics and circular chemistry applications.
- Avantium: Dutch renewable chemicals company developing the YXY plant-based PEF technology — a current customer of MetGen. Adjacent business model: also uses lignocellulosic sugars to produce bio-based polymers, making it a strategic customer/competitor in the wood-to-fructose-to-PEF value chain.
- LanzaTech: Carbon-capture-to-fuels biotech using gas fermentation to produce ethanol and chemicals. Tangentially comparable to MetGen as a high-profile industrial biotech scale-up pursuing biorefinery economics, though with a different feed gas/lignin stream.
Others
- UPM Biochemicals: Forest-industry major building biorefinery platforms for bio-based glycols, lignin, and fillers — comparable to MetGen's downstream customers and to the NewEnergyBlue / Futurity biorefineries MetGen is enabling. Useful as a customer/partner signal for bio-based scale-up trajectories.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
MetGen social profiles
Digital presenceMetGen compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
MetGen financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
MetGen leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
MetGen funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds5 records
Investors7 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
MetGen M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about MetGen
What does MetGen do?
MetGen designs, develops, and manufactures tailored industrial enzymes and lignin-based biochemicals through two proprietary technology platforms: the ENZINE® protein-evolution and fermentation platform and the METNIN™ enzymatic lignin refining technology. The company sells MetZyme® enzyme products (LIGNO™, PLATA™, BRILA™, SUNO™, PURECO™) to pulp & paper mills and biorefinery operators, and formulated METNIN™ end-products (SHIELD, RESIN, NANOpolyol, Bioesters, and MICRO/ULTRA/NANO Fractions) to packaging, foam, resin, and bioplastics manufacturers. Commercialization routes include direct product sales, technology licensing, and joint development engagements with industrial customers.
Is MetGen a public or private company?
MetGen is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was MetGen founded?
MetGen was founded in 2006. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is MetGen based?
MetGen is headquartered in Kaarina, Finland, in the Europe region.
How does MetGen make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Technology Licensing (METNIN™ and Enzyme Production Systems) is the primary driver. The others are direct Enzyme Product Sales (MetZyme®), joint Development & Co-Creation Revenue, public-Funded Project Grants (Horizon 2020 / BBI JU) and METNIN™ Lignin Product Sales & Samples.
Who are MetGen's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Novonesis (formerly Novozymes) and IFF (DuPont Industrial Biosciences). Direct peers are Codexis and AB Enzymes. Emerging players are Bloom Biorenewables, Renmatix, Carbios, Avantium and LanzaTech. UPM Biochemicals is listed as an others.
Does MetGen have an API?
No public API is recorded for MetGen.
What industry is MetGen in?
MetGen's product category is Industrial Enzymes & Bio-Based Specialty Chemicals. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAMALAB, Biochemicals & Bio-based Platform Chemicals (cellulose sugars, lignin derivatives, organic acids), with a secondary code of IMAMALAE, Lignin-based Materials & Carbon Products (binders, resins, carbon fiber/activated carbon). Its NAICS code is 325194 and its SIC code is 2860.