Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22nd, is a profound reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and nurture our planet. This global event unites individuals, communities, and organizations in activities and initiatives aimed at preserving the environment. It serves as an opportunity to reflect on our environmental impact and reinforce our commitment to ecological stewardship.
This year’s theme, “Planet vs Plastic,” underscores the critical challenge of plastic pollution that threatens ecosystems worldwide. This theme calls attention to the urgent need to reduce plastic waste and rethink our reliance on plastic products. By highlighting the adversities caused by plastic pollution, Earth Day advocates for a shift towards more sustainable practices and materials.
Throughout the years, there has been a surge of technological innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe, demonstrating how technology can effectively address environmental issues. More and more startups are leveraging advanced technologies to create solutions that mitigate the impact of plastic pollution and enhance sustainability. These companies are pioneering developments in recycling processes, biodegradable materials, and sustainable production techniques, marking significant progress in the fight against plastic pollution and setting a hopeful tone for future environmental endeavours.
On that note, we have curated a list of 10 promising European startups focused on sustainability and preserving the Earth in their own unique way, all of which have been founded between 2022 and 2023. Let’s dive right into it!
Antefil Composite Tech: Based in Zurich, Antefil Composite Tech specializes in producing micro-engineered hybrid fibres for lightweight structures, using glass reinforcement fibres coated with recyclable plastic. These fibres are designed to produce composites thinner than human hair, offering an efficient, scalable solution for energy-efficient manufacturing. Founded in 2022, they have secured over €1.8 million.
Arda Biomaterials: Based in London, Arda Biomaterials transforms waste feedstocks, like spent grains from brewing, into circular biomaterials for industries such as fashion, home goods, and automotive. Their pioneering product, New Grain™, is a plant-based material that offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather. Founded in 2022, they have secured over €1.2 million.
Cilkoa: From Saint-Martin-d’Hères, France, developed a patented technology that coats paper products with a thin alumina film to make them water and oxygen-resistant. This process preserves the paper’s recyclability, compostability, and biodegradability, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic in packaging. Founded in 2022, they have secured over €3.2 million.
Improvin’: Based in Stockholm, Improvin’ operates a sustainability performance platform that aids agri-food companies in measuring and reducing emissions. They gather and utilize primary data from farmers to quantify and improve the environmental impact of their supply chains, focusing on reducing GHG emissions and enhancing biodiversity. Founded in 2022 they have secured over €4 million.
KUORI: Based in Zurich, KUORI is a Swiss Cleantech company that uses food byproducts like olive pits and banana peels to produce bio-based, biodegradable materials. Founded in 2022, they have secured over €2.3 million, highlighting a shift towards more sustainable material innovations. They are also the winners of the Renewable Material of the Year Award 2023.
Recycap Technologies: Based in Valencia, Recycap focuses on coffee capsule recycling for both home and commercial use. They have developed fully automated devices that separate coffee grounds from aluminium capsules, facilitating efficient recycling. Founded in 2022, they have secured over €500K, aiming to be a global leader in the sustainable recycling of aluminium and coffee grounds.
Releaf Paper: Based in Lyon, is the world’s first producer of pulp and paper made from green wastes. They produce sustainable paper by utilizing fibres from fallen leaves within urban areas. Founded in 2022, they have secured over €2.5 million not only to dispose of waste but also to process it into incredibly sustainable paper and packaging materials.
Samara: Madrid-based Samara, is a highly-rated solar company in Spain that installs solar panels to help customers save up to 70% on electricity bills. They manage the entire installation process, from securing subsidies to the final setup, and offer flexible payment options to accommodate different budgets. Founded in 2022 they have secured €6.5 million.
Universal Plastic: Based in Asturias, Spain, created an app that helps fight plastic pollution in the ocean. This app connects businesses with people who clean up beaches and oceans. It uses blockchain technology to track and reward these cleanup activities, allowing businesses to financially support the cleanups and make their operations more environmentally friendly. Founded in 2023, they have raised €2 million.
Woamy: This Finnish startup produces sustainable, bio-based foam inspired by the strength of wood, offering an eco-friendly alternative to plastic packaging. Their products are biodegradable and recyclable, developed from extensive research at Aalto University. Launched in 2022, they have secured €1 million to scale their production processes, promising a revolution in biomaterials.
As the global emphasis on sustainability grows, these startups represent successful investments and pivotal shifts in their respective industries towards ecological responsibility. Each of these companies embodies the potential for a more sustainable future, making them key players to watch in the European startup ecosystem in 2024 and beyond.
By the way: If you’re a corporate or investor looking for exciting startups in a specific market for a potential investment or acquisition, check out our Startup Sourcing Service!
