Re-Cord
Re-Cord is an Italian nonprofit R&D consortium specializing in thermochemical conversion of biomass and residues into biofuels, biochar, and bio-based products, serving EU institutions, national ministries, and industrial clients through coordinated research projects, pilot-scale demonstration, and certified analytical testing.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersScarperia, Italy
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Re-Cord does
Re-Cord (formally RE-CORD – Renewable Energy Consortium for Research and Demonstration) is a private-public nonprofit R&D consortium founded in 2010 and headquartered in Scarperia e San Piero, near Florence, Italy, with its operational base at the University of Florence's Department of Industrial Engineering. It originated from bioenergy research at the University of Florence dating to the late 1980s and consolidates activities from CREAR, Spike Renewables, the Pianvallico experimental area, and Villa Montepaldi farm. The consortium operates as a multidisciplinary research platform focused on the thermochemical conversion of biomass and residual feedstock — including slow, intermediate, and fast pyrolysis, gasification, hydrothermal carbonization, and hydrothermal liquefaction — alongside microalgae cultivation, anaerobic digestion, and fractional condensation.
Its technical infrastructure combines an ISO 9001-certified analytical laboratory (CHNS, GC-MS/FID, HPLC/GPC, ICP-OES, FTIR, TGA, bomb calorimeter, BET/DFT) with an integrated experimental area hosting more than ten pilot units, including the patented CarbON continuous carbonizer (50 kg/h), a rotating kiln biochar unit (~100 kg/h), a continuous HTL rig (>1.5 L/h slurry), PYRO/Spyro intermediate pyrolysis reactors, micro gas turbines adapted for bio-liquids (Capstone C30, Garrett GTP 30-67), and a fractional condensation unit. RE-CORD organizes its R&D through four business units — Raw Materials & Carbon Recycling, Thermal Processes, Agro-Bio-Clima, and Laboratory — and supports activities from feedstock characterization through pilot demonstration to policy studies.
The business model is grant- and contract-driven rather than commercial: RE-CORD coordinates and participates in EU Framework Programme projects (Horizon 2020, FP7, LIFE) and national/regional programs (PSR Toscana, POR FESR), serving institutional clients such as the European Commission's DG Energy and the Italian Ministry of Defense; it also delivers fee-for-service contract research, experimental campaigns, and third-party laboratory analyses to industrial clients spanning energy (Versalis/Eni, Capstone), steel (ArcelorMittal, Tata Steel), water (Publiacqua), defense, and aerospace. With 25+ team members and a tracked portfolio of 38 projects totaling over €80M, the consortium sits as a niche, project-funded applied research body whose revenue is structurally tied to EU funding cycles and to a small set of repeat institutional and industrial sponsors.
Re-Cord firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Re-Cord
- Legal name
- RE-CORD – Renewable Energy Consortium for Research and Demonstration
- Website
- https://re-cord.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Re-Cord is an Italian nonprofit R&D consortium specializing in thermochemical conversion of biomass and residues into biofuels, biochar, and bio-based products, serving EU institutions, national ministries, and industrial clients through coordinated research projects, pilot-scale demonstration, and certified analytical testing.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Re-Cord industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Bioenergy Research and Development Services
- NAICS
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (54171), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)
- SIC
- Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Forestry (800)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Parts Harvesting & Component Reuse (EUAIANAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Supplier Engagement & Value-Chain Decarbonization Programs (EUABAKAE)
Keywords
Where Re-Cord is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Scarperia
- HQ country
- Italy
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
Re-Cord business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Funded Research Projects: Primary revenue stream from funded projects sourced from European Union Framework Programmes (Horizon 2020, FP7), national ministries, regulatory authorities and other institutional bodies. RE-CORD coordinates and participates in EU R&D initiatives supporting the European Commission.
- Contract Research and Consulting Services: Highly qualified consulting and R&D services provided to companies, industries, and policy makers. Services span from biomass characterization to feasibility studies, plant design, supply chain assessment, and experimental campaigns under contract research.
- Laboratory Services (Third-party Contracts): Analytical laboratory services offered to external industrial actors, providing chemical-physical analyses in compliance with European and International standards on a large variety of materials including solid and liquid biofuels, biomass, biochar, pyrolysis products, sludge, compost, soils, and polymers.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Re-Cord product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Re-Cord is a nonprofit research and demonstration consortium that conducts applied R&D in biomass thermochemical conversion, biofuels, bioeconomy, and circular economy. It delivers contract research, experimental campaigns, and ISO 9001-certified analytical laboratory services to EU institutions, governments, and industrial clients using its integrated pilot-plant infrastructure (pyrolysis, HTL, gasification, carbonization).
Product overview
RE-CORD is a private-public nonprofit R&D consortium founded in 2010 that functions as a platform for renewable energy and bioeconomy research, development, and demonstration. Its offering is structured as a multi-business-unit platform organized around four core R&D divisions — the Raw Materials & Carbon Recycling Business Unit, the Thermal Processes Business Unit, the Agro-Bio-Clima Business Unit, and the Laboratory Business Unit — supported by a shared experimental infrastructure comprising multiple pilot plants (CarbOn carbonization, rotating kiln, PYRO and Spyro intermediate pyrolysis units, continuous HTL, batch HTC/HTL autoclaves, micro gas turbines, gasification test bench, fractional condensation unit) and a full-service analytical laboratory. RE-CORD offers fee-for-service research and experimental campaigns (pyrolysis testing, biochar production, microalgae system design, wastewater and sludge processing) to companies, industries, and policymakers alongside its collaborative EU and national R&D project portfolio.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Analytical Laboratory Services
- Pyrolysis Testing in Pilot Units
- Biochar Production R&D Services
- Microalgae Cultivation System Design
- Wastewater and Sludge Processing R&D
- CarbOn Carbonization Pilot Plant Services
- Continuous Hydrothermal Liquefaction Unit Services
- Micro Gas Turbine Testing Services
- Gasification Test Bench Services
- Consulting and Policy Studies
Quantifiable outcome
- Developed CarbON continuous biomass carbonization process (Patent IT1429282) operating at 50 kg/h capacity with charcoal yields of 25-30% mass and carbon content up to 85%.
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Re-Cord
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Re-Cord technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Re-Cord partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
25 partnerships are on record, tiered key, core and minor.
- Polytechnic of Turin (Politecnico di Torino)keySigned collaboration agreement in 2020 and became full member in 2021. Supports chemical and energy engineering activities around circular and bio-based economy. President David Chiaramonti is also Full Professor at Politecnico di Torino.
- ArcelorMittalkeyPartner in TRANSinter project. ArcelorMittal is a steel producer investigating transition from blast furnace to direct reduction route, collaborating on biocoal production for sintering.
- Tata Steel NederlandkeyPartner in TRANSinter project. Steel producer exploring solutions for sustainable steelmaking.
- CRM Group (Belgium)keyPartner in TRANSinter project. CRM Group specializes in research and development for metallurgy and materials processing.
- CONSIAG S.P.A.keyJoint-stock company founded in 1975 managing water and gas services for 23 municipalities across Florence, Prato, and Pistoia provinces. Holds stakes in modern energy, water, and environmental companies. Became RE-CORD member in 2020.
- GAL Start S.r.l.keyLocal development agency founded in 2001 promoting innovation and economic growth of the area through integrated local development strategy. Became RE-CORD member in 2018. Stefano Santarelli is General Manager at GAL Start.
- SkyNRGkeyProject partner in BIO4A and BIOREFLY projects. SkyNRG is a company focused on sustainable aviation fuel production and supply.
- CENER (National Renewable Energy Centre, Spain)keyTechnical partner in BIO4A project. CENER provides renewable energy research expertise.
- BTG-BTLkeyTechnology developer partner in BECOOL and MUSIC projects, specializing in fast pyrolysis and torrefaction technologies for biomass conversion.
- CIEMAT (Spain)keyResearch partner in BECOOL project, focusing on renewable energy and environmental research. Public research organization under the Spanish Ministry.
- CEA (Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives, France)keyPartner in HEAT-TO-FUEL project. CEA is a French government-funded research organization and one of Europe's largest in energy,IT, and life sciences.
- Johnson Matthey (UK)keyPartner in HEAT-TO-FUEL project. Global specialty chemicals company providing catalyst technology for advanced biofuel production.
- ECN (Energy research Centre of the Netherlands)keyResearch partner in BECOOL project. ECN is a Dutch energy research organization covering renewable energy, sustainability, and energy system integration.
- IIASA (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis)keyResearch partner in BECOOL project. IIASA is an international research institute conducting interdisciplinary scientific analysis of global environmental, economic, and technological change.
- ETA Florence Renewable EnergiescoreSpecialized in design, consulting, communication and organization of events in renewable energy. Has participated in over 200 national and international projects since 1994. Organizes the European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE) since 2000. Became RE-CORD member in 2015.
- Biochemtex (Maire Tecnimont, Italy)keyLead industrial partner in BIOREFLY project. Biochemtex develops and builds industrial biochemical plants for bio-based chemicals and fuels.
- KLM Royal Dutch AirlineskeyIndustrial partner in BIOREFLY project. KLM is an end-user of sustainable aviation fuels and provides market perspective for lignin-based jet fuel.
- Spike Renewables S.r.l.coreCompany working in system engineering, managing entire project development from feasibility study to delivery. Manages full project lifecycle from feasibility to delivery with stable collaboration with University of Florence. Developed plant design and engineering in energy and sustainable construction sectors. Founder member of RE-CORD.
- BioenTech Start-upkeyStart-up company founded in 2014 creating a market for technology and products. Became RE-CORD member in 2015 alongside ETA Florence.
- University of Florence (DIEF/Industrial Engineering Department)coreCore founding member of RE-CORD. The Department of Industrial Engineering (formerly Energy Engineering 'S. Stecco') initiated RE-CORD and provides ongoing research collaboration, facilities, and academic expertise. Also provides access to CREAR research center and the broader university ecosystem.
- Villa Montepaldi Farmcore315 ha farm bought by University of Florence in 1989, located in Chianti Classico area near Florence. Houses vineyards, olive groves, arable land, orchards, and woods. Hosts the RE-CORD Consortium with 1 hectare fully available as experiment area and a multimedia meeting room.
- CREAR (Center for Renewable and Alternative Energies)coreInterdepartmental Research Center for Alternative and Renewable Energy established in 2005 at the University of Florence. A founding member of RE-CORD, it developed research and demonstration projects at European, national, regional, and local scales.
- AER S.p.A.minorEnvironmental services company founded in 2000 providing waste collection, disposal, and public space cleaning services to member municipalities. Serves area of 556 km² and 60,816 inhabitants.
- Proger S.p.A.minorEngineering and management company among the first in Italy, ranked in Top 100 international engineering companies. Founded 1951 in Abruzzo with over 1,000 professionals in 20 countries. 2020 Italian turnover approximately €90 million.
- PEFC ItaliaminorNon-profit national forest certification organization part of PEFC international (Geneva). Promotes responsible forest management through third-party certification. RE-CORD member for forest-wood supply chain and biomass sustainability.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Re-Cord competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research): TNO is a Dutch applied research organization with significant bioenergy and circular economy programs. As RE-CORD's BECOOL project partner (via former ECN), TNO operates at similar scale in thermochemical conversion, biomass processing, and EU consortium coordination.
- CEA (Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives): CEA is a French government research organization with major bioenergy and HTL programs. It partners with RE-CORD on HEAT-TO-FUEL and operates at substantially larger scale across thermochemical biomass conversion and advanced biofuel R&D.
- ETA Florence Renewable Energies: ETA Florence is a RE-CORD consortium member since 2015 specializing in renewable energy consulting, communication, and event organization including EUBCE. It is comparable as a RE-CORD-aligned entity providing adjacent services in renewable energy dissemination, consulting, and EU project coordination.
- Spike Renewables: Spike Renewables is a founding RE-CORD consortium member working in system engineering and project development for energy and sustainable construction. It is comparable as a sister organization sharing IP, infrastructure access, and market-facing project development services with RE-CORD.
- CIEMAT (Spain): CIEMAT is the Spanish public research body with renewable energy and biomass programs. As RE-CORD's BECOOL project partner, CIEMAT operates similarly in coordinating and executing EU-funded bioenergy research with pilot infrastructure.
- Fraunhofer Institute (IKTS / UMSICHT): Fraunhofer institutes IKTS and UMSICHT operate applied research programs in thermochemical biomass conversion, pyrolysis, hydrothermal processes, and bioeconomy. They compete directly with RE-CORD for EU-funded projects and industrial contract research in the same thermochemical conversion domain.
- SINTEF (Norway): SINTEF is a Scandinavian applied research institute with deep capabilities in bioenergy, biofuels, and process engineering. It is comparable to RE-CORD in serving as a contract R&D provider to industrial clients and coordinating large EU projects on biomass conversion and circular economy.
- CENER (National Renewable Energy Centre, Spain): CENER is a Spanish technology center focused on renewable energy R&D including biomass and biofuels. As RE-CORD's BIO4A project partner, CENER is directly comparable in mission and operating model, providing applied research and pilot facilities to industrial clients.
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland: VTT is a state-owned applied research organization with extensive bioenergy, thermochemical conversion, and biorefinery pilot capabilities. It is highly comparable to RE-CORD as a publicly-funded R&D consortium offering contract research, pilot-scale demonstration, and bioeconomy consulting to EU industrial clients.
Emerging players
- BTG-BTL: BTG-BTL is a Netherlands-based technology developer specializing in fast pyrolysis and torrefaction of biomass. As RE-CORD's project partner in BECOOL and MUSIC, BTG-BTL is comparable in the specific thermochemical conversion niche but operates as a commercial technology licensor rather than a research consortium.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Re-Cord social profiles
Digital presenceRe-Cord compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Re-Cord financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Re-Cord leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Re-Cord funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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Re-Cord 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 Re-Cord
What does Re-Cord do?
Re-Cord is a nonprofit research and demonstration consortium that conducts applied R&D in biomass thermochemical conversion, biofuels, bioeconomy, and circular economy. It delivers contract research, experimental campaigns, and ISO 9001-certified analytical laboratory services to EU institutions, governments, and industrial clients using its integrated pilot-plant infrastructure (pyrolysis, HTL, gasification, carbonization).
Is Re-Cord a public or private company?
Re-Cord is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Re-Cord founded?
Re-Cord was founded in 2010. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Re-Cord based?
Re-Cord is headquartered in Scarperia, Italy, in the Europe region.
How does Re-Cord make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Funded Research Projects are the primary driver. The others are contract Research and Consulting Services and laboratory Services (Third-party Contracts).
Who are Re-Cord's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research), CEA (Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives), ETA Florence Renewable Energies, Spike Renewables, CIEMAT (Spain), Fraunhofer Institute (IKTS / UMSICHT), SINTEF (Norway), CENER (National Renewable Energy Centre, Spain) and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. BTG-BTL is listed as an emerging player.
Does Re-Cord have an API?
No public API is recorded for Re-Cord.
What industry is Re-Cord in?
Re-Cord's product category is Bioenergy Research and Development Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAIANAF, Parts Harvesting & Component Reuse, with a secondary code of EUABAKAE, Supplier Engagement & Value-Chain Decarbonization Programs. Its NAICS code is 54171 and its SIC code is 8731.