Lystek

What Lystek does

Lystek International is a Canadian-headquartered environmental services and clean-technology company founded in 2000 and operating as a division of the Tomlinson Group of Companies since 2011. The company commercializes a patented, low-temperature Thermal Hydrolysis Process (Lystek THP) that operates at approximately 75°C with alkali addition and physical shearing to lyse cell walls, reduce pathogens to US EPA Class A standards, and produce a high-solids (13-16% total solids) liquid product from biosolids and organic feedstocks. Around this core platform, Lystek has built a four-product application stack: LysteGro, a Class A biosolids fertilizer regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and licensed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture; LysteMize, a digester-enhancement process that re-feeds processed biosolids to anaerobic digesters to increase methane yields; LysteCarb, an alternative carbon source for biological nutrient removal systems; and Package/Mobile THP, a containerized skid-mounted unit for pilots and smaller deployments.

Lystek operates a hybrid business model with four revenue streams: (1) technology supply and design-build services for on-site THP installations at customer wastewater treatment plants; (2) regional processing services through two owned-and-operated Organic Material Recovery Centers (Southgate, ON and Fairfield, CA) that accept biosolids from multiple municipalities; (3) LysteGro fertilizer sales, hauling, and land-application services to regional farmers; and (4) multi-year (3-7 year) service contracts with municipal and utility customers. The company reports 14 operational THP installations across North America, more than 60 public and private customers, 100,000+ tons of annual fertilizer production at Fairfield OMRC, and 1.7 million tons of cumulative LysteGro sold. Geographic operations span Ontario and California as core markets, with extensions into the US Midwest (St. Cloud MN, South Huron Valley and Commerce Township MI), Southern California (Valley Sanitary District), and an international installation in Sharjah, UAE.

Customers are predominantly municipal wastewater treatment plants, regional sanitation districts, and utility authorities, with an emerging private-sector channel through regional organics management companies (e.g., Third High Farms Ltd.) and contracted agricultural partners (Highland Custom Farming, Saugeen Agri Services) for fertilizer application. The Fairfield OMRC was developed under a public-private partnership with the Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District, and major recent contracts include the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (up to 7 years), East Bay Municipal Utility District (5 years), Santa Rosa (5 years with 6-year option, $6M+), Mt. View Sanitary District (3 years, 100% of biosolids), and the City of Palo Alto (2024). The company celebrated its 25th anniversary in January 2025 and was recognized in 2024 with the Water Environment Association of Ontario Exemplary Biosolids Management Award and the California Association of Sanitation Agencies Excellence in Innovation and Resilience Award.

Name

Lystek

Legal name

Lystek International

Website

https://lystek.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Lystek International is a Canadian environmental services company that commercializes a patented low-temperature Thermal Hydrolysis Process to convert municipal biosolids and organic waste into Class A fertilizer (LysteGro), digester enhancement (LysteMize), and BNR carbon source (LysteCarb), serving wastewater utilities, sanitation districts, and agricultural operations across North America.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Biosolids and Organics Management Services

NAICS

Fertilizer and Compost Manufacturing (32531), Sewage Treatment Facilities (221320), Phosphatic Fertilizer Manufacturing (325312)

SIC

Agricultural Chemicals (2870), Cogeneration Services & Small Power Producers (4991)

akta.pro primary industry

Thermal Conversion & Advanced Treatment (Pyrolysis, Gasification, Hydrothermal Carbonization) (EUANAHAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Digestate Processing, Nutrient Recovery & Fertilizer Products (Struvite, Ammonia, Compost) (EUAAAEAL), Anaerobic Digestion (AD) & Biogas/RNG Production (Organics Feedstocks) (BPALAEAC), Digestate & Compost Product Processing, Marketing & Distribution (Soil Amendments, Mulch) (EUAIAEAE), Biogas/RNG Plant Development, EPC & Project Delivery (EUAAAEAH)

Keywords

• Biosolids management services
• Thermal hydrolysis process
• Organic resource recovery
• Wastewater treatment technology
• Class A fertilizer production

Headquarters

HQ city

Cambridge

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Technology Supply and Design-Build Services: Lystek supplies its THP technology and provides turnkey design-build services for installing systems at customer facilities. Revenue from system sales, installation, and commissioning.
2. Regional Processing Services (OMRC Facilities): Lystek owns and operates regional Organic Material Recovery Centers that accept biosolids from multiple customers for processing. Customers pay for processing services at facilities like Southgate OMRC (Ontario) and Fairfield OMRC (California).
3. LysteGro Fertilizer Sales and Management: Comprehensive management of fertilizer product including sales, marketing, hauling, and application services to farmers and agricultural operations. LysteGro sold as bulk commercial fertilizer in Canada and California.
4. Multi-Year Service Agreements: Long-term contracts with municipalities and utilities for biosolids management services. Examples include $6M+ Santa Rosa contract, $20M+ combined Fairfield OMRC agreements, and multi-year arrangements with South Huron Valley Utility Authority, Commerce Township, and others.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Lystek provides a patented low-temperature Thermal Hydrolysis Process (Lystek THP) for biosolids and organics management, converting wastewater treatment residuals into Class A pathogen-free products. The core platform produces three sellable outputs: LysteGro (high-solids Class A liquid fertilizer, 13-16% total solids), LysteMize (anaerobic digester enhancement boosting biogas/methane yield), and LysteCarb (alternative carbon source for BNR systems). The company delivers its offering through design-build technology supply, two owned regional processing facilities (OMRCs in Ontario and California), and end-to-end fertilizer product management including sales, hauling, and land application to farmers.

Product overview

Lystek offers a modular platform-plus-products architecture centered on its patented Lystek THP thermal hydrolysis technology. The core Lystek THP platform processes biosolids and organic materials through a low-temperature hydrolysis process to produce a concentrated, pathogen-free liquid. This core technology enables three distinct product streams: LysteGro fertilizer for agricultural end-use, LysteMize digester enhancement for improved biogas production, and LysteCarb alternative carbon source for BNR systems. Lystek delivers its solutions through both direct on-site installations at customer facilities and owned regional Organic Material Recovery Centers (OMRCs), supported by comprehensive technology supply, design-build, and product management services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Lystek THP: Patented, low temperature Thermal Hydrolysis Process for advanced biosolids and organics treatment
• LysteGro
• LysteMize
• LysteCarb
• Lystek OMRC
• Package THP / Mobile THP

Products and services

• Lystek THP (Thermal Hydrolysis Process) Patented, low-temperature thermal hydrolysis technology that processes biosolids and organic materials through heat (75°C), alkali addition (pH ~9.5), and physical shearing to reduce pathogens to Class A standards and produce a concentrated, pumpable liquid product. Sold as a standalone technology system via design-build contracts to municipal and industrial customers.
• LysteGro Class A Fertilizer High-solids (13-16% total solids) Class A quality liquid biosolids fertilizer produced from the Lystek THP process. Regulated as fertilizer by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in Canada and licensed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). Sold as bulk commercial fertilizer to farmers and agricultural operations.
• LysteMize Anaerobic Digester Enhancement Process for optimizing anaerobic digestion and biogas production by recirculating Lystek THP-processed biosolids back to anaerobic digesters. Enhances methanogenic activity by approximately 50%, improves methane yield by 22%, and increases volatile suspended solids destruction efficiency by 18%. Sold as part of THP technology systems.
• LysteCarb BNR Carbon Source Alternative carbon source for Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) systems, utilizing hydrolyzed biosolids product to support denitrification and biological phosphorus removal. Replaces conventional carbon sources like methanol and glycerol. Sold as part of THP technology systems.
• Package THP / Mobile THP Containerized, skid-mounted mobile pilot units that can be deployed at customer sites for on-site processing demonstrations, pilots, or temporary processing needs. Can be integrated with de-packaging units, anaerobic digesters, and cogeneration capabilities for source-separated organics processing.
• Technology Supply and Design-Build Services Comprehensive engineering services including technology supply, installation, design-build delivery, facility assessment, regulatory engagement, and commissioning support for new Lystek THP installations. Sold as a turnkey service to municipalities and wastewater utilities.
• Fertilizer Sales and Management Services End-to-end LysteGro product management including production, storage, transportation, marketing, sales, and land application services for agricultural customers. Handles all aspects of the fertilizer supply chain including contracted hauling and application services.
• Organic Material Recovery Centers (OMRC) Processing Services Regional processing facilities owned and operated by Lystek that accept biosolids from multiple municipal customers, process them using Lystek THP technology, and convert them into LysteGro fertilizer for regional agricultural use. Two operational facilities: Southgate OMRC (Ontario) servicing 30+ utilities, and Fairfield OMRC (California) producing over 100,000 tons of fertilizer annually.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduces biosolids volumes by up to 70%
• +9 more outcomes

Named customers29 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered innovation, core and foundational.

• Brown & CaldwellinnovationImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 November 2024Consulting partner supporting Natural Resources Canada funded LysteMize Livestock Waste Study. Provides technical expertise for evaluation of farm organic feedstocks.
• Mt. View Sanitary DistrictcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 August 2022Upgraded agreement (August 2022) to receive 100% of their generated biosolids for next 3 years at Fairfield OMRC.
• Giffels WebstercoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2022Engineering firm that completed evaluation of alternatives for Commerce Township biosolids management. Completed 30% design phase for permit application to Michigan EGLE in collaboration with Lystek and Oakland County WRC.
• Oakland County Water Resources CommissioncoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2022Operator of Commerce Township WWTP. Collaborated with Lystek on design phase and ongoing operations support for South Huron Valley and Commerce Township projects.
• Jacobs Engineering GroupcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2022Engineering firm that conducted Net Present Value analysis of alternatives for South Huron Valley Utility Authority biosolids management options.
• Hubbell Roth & Clark (HRC)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2022Engineering firm of record for South Huron Valley Utility Authority. Conducted analysis supporting decision to implement Lystek THP technology.
• East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 20225-year processing service agreement to divert portion of annual biosolids quantities to Lystek Fairfield OMRC. Part of EBMUD's diversification strategy.
• Goleta Sanitary DistrictinnovationStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Multi-year partnership to demonstrate enhanced digestion of source-separated organics using Lystek THP at Goleta WWTP. Project partners included UC Santa Barbara and California Energy Commission EPIC program.
• University of California, Santa BarbarainnovationStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Research partner in Goleta food waste-to-energy project. Provided academic expertise and food waste feedstock from university dining halls. Project investigated effects of thermal hydrolysis pre-treatment on anaerobic digestion of food waste.
• Sanitary District No. 5 of Marin CountycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2020Agreement to deliver biosolids to Fairfield OMRC for advanced processing and management. Diversifies annual biosolids planning.
• Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2020Operates facility operations including Lystek THP Module at Town of St. Marys WWTP. Lystek responsible for LysteGro fertilizer sales and marketing program.
• San Francisco Public Utilities CommissioncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2018Multi-year contract (up to 7 years) for processing approximately half of annual biosolids from two SFPUC treatment plants. SFPUC Biosolids Management System has received platinum level certification since 2016.
• Fairfield-Suisun Sewer DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2016Unique P3 (public-private partnership) arrangement to develop the Fairfield OMRC facility. Lystek operates the facility to process biosolids from FSSD and other Bay Area agencies into Class A LysteGro fertilizer. This partnership enabled Lystek's US market expansion.
• Western UniversityinnovationStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Research partner studying impact of Lystek THP on anaerobic digestibility of thickened waste activated sludge (TWAS) at St. Marys WWTP. Led by Dr. George Nakhla.
• Purdue UniversityinnovationStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Research partner investigating effect of Class A treatment technologies on PFAS concentrations in biosolids. Led by Dr. Linda Lee.
• Manhattan CollegeinnovationStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Research partner studying impact of Lystek re-feed to anaerobic digesters on biogas yields and methane concentration. Led by Jeanette Brown.
• University of GuelphinnovationStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Academic research partner for studies related to Lystek THP technology and applications in wastewater treatment optimization.
• University of WaterloofoundationalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013Founding research institution where co-founders Dr. Owen Ward and Dr. Ajay Singh developed Lystek THP technology through initial research. Conducted pilot study at Guelph WWTP (2003-2005).
• Third High Farms Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2012Regional organics management company that purchased Lystek THP system in 2012. Provides biosolids management services to cities across Ontario including Toronto, Ottawa, Peterborough, Brockville, Kingston. Annual processing capacity of 50,000 tonnes at Iroquois facility.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Ovivo: Ovivo (formerly GLV Group/Eco-Tec) is a Canadian water and wastewater treatment equipment manufacturer serving municipal and industrial customers with biosolids and resource recovery solutions. Direct peer given shared Canadian base and overlapping customer base of municipal wastewater utilities.
• Cambrian Innovation: Cambrian Innovation develops advanced wastewater treatment and resource recovery solutions, including EcoVolt and related biological/thermal processes for industrial and municipal biosolids and organics-to-energy applications. Direct peer to Lystek in the biosolids-to-resource market serving both industrial and municipal customers.
• Anaergia: Anaergia is a publicly listed organics management platform offering anaerobic digestion, biogas, and resource recovery solutions to municipalities and private generators in North America and Europe. Highly comparable to Lystek's LysteMize and OMRC-style regional organics processing model with multi-product resource recovery.
• Haarslev Industries: Haarslev supplies thermal hydrolysis and rendering processing equipment for biosolids and organic by-products, including THP systems used in municipal wastewater applications. Direct technology competitor to Lystek THP, often selling capital equipment into the same municipal biosolids treatment market.
• Schwing Bioset: Schwing Bioset supplies biosolids and material handling equipment to municipal wastewater treatment plants, including dewatering, conveyance, and storage solutions for biosolids management. Comparable to Lystek in addressing municipal biosolids handling pain points but with a focus on equipment rather than thermal hydrolysis chemistry.

Emerging players

• Bioenergy DevCo: Bioenergy DevCo (formerly BTS Bioenergy) develops anaerobic digestion and organics-to-energy facilities for municipalities and food waste generators in North America. Emerging player with partial overlap to Lystek's LysteMize and OMRC regional organics processing concepts, particularly in food waste-to-energy applications.
• StormFisher: StormFisher is a Canadian-based organics management company that operates anaerobic digestion and composting facilities, converting food waste and organic residuals into renewable energy and soil products. Comparable to Lystek's regional organics processing model with overlap in Ontario and similar municipal/government customer base.

Broad incumbents

• Veolia North America: Veolia operates large-scale municipal water and wastewater services including biosolids management and resource recovery across North America. As a broad incumbent, it competes for the same municipal biosolids contracts as Lystek but typically offers full-stack water/wastewater outsourcing rather than a specialized THP technology platform.
• Suez Water Technologies & Solutions: Suez (now part of Veolia in many markets) provides municipal wastewater and biosolids management services globally, including thermal hydrolysis and other advanced biosolids treatment solutions. Comparable to Lystek at the biosolids processing layer but operates at a much larger scale as a diversified water services incumbent.
• ANDRITZ Separation: ANDRITZ is a global industrial process equipment manufacturer that offers the ATEA thermal hydrolysis system for biosolids, competing directly with Lystek THP. As a large incumbent serving wastewater treatment plants worldwide, ANDRITZ benefits from broader municipal infrastructure budgets and bundled equipment offerings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/LystekInt
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lystek-international
• Xx.com/lystekint

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lystek