Joline de Brauw & Javier ReynosoChainCraft, a biotechnology scale-up based in Amsterdam, is advancing circular chemistry by converting organic waste streams into valuable fatty acids. The company is preparing to build its first full-scale commercial plant in Ter Apelkanaal. In KH Engineering, ChainCraft found an engineering partner that is pragmatic, collaborative, proactive and forward-thinking.
ChainCraft’s process is unique. It transforms vegetable and fruit residues – such as potato peelings, vegetable trimmings and onion pulp – into fatty acids like C4 and C6. These can be used as sustainable alternatives to fossil-based or palm oil-based feedstocks in products such as cleaning agents, flavourings and perfumes. For many customers, the resulting 50–80% reduction in emissions across the value chain is the key reason to make the switch.
Circular and commercially viable
It’s not just the process that’s unique. ‘We’re also unique because we can do this at market-competitive prices’, says chief operating officer Joline de Brauw. ‘Our sustainable products are no more expensive than conventional ones. That allows us to compete with the fossil industry – and that sets us apart from many other circular producers.’
Fatty acids from potato waste
ChainCraft continues to grow: from lab to pilot, and from a demo plant in Amsterdam – also originally designed by KH Engineering – to FS1 (Full Scale 1). This will be the first full-scale facility, located in Ter Apelkanaal next to potato starch producer Avebe. ‘Their waste stream will become our main feedstock’, says engineering manager Javier Reynoso. ‘The location and the collaboration make this a logical choice.’ The decision to settle in Ter Apelkanaal also makes sense from an energy perspective. Joline explains: ‘We’ll be able to use Avebe’s existing steam infrastructure. For electricity, we can connect to a new transformer station being built right next to the site – and we’ll have direct access. So no issues with grid congestion here.’
Proactive approach
The step towards full-scale production is significant, but also deliberate and well-considered. Just like the choice of the right engineering partner. For the basic engineering of FS1, ChainCraft launched a tender. ‘We were looking for a party with a proven track record in biochemistry – but more importantly, a partner that fits with us’, says Joline. ‘Not one stuck in a traditional EPC approach, but someone who truly stands beside us and thinks along. KH Engineering stood out with their proactive attitude and tailored approach in their proposal.’
Sparring partner
‘They listened carefully to what we needed and came up with a proposal that really suits us’, says Javier. ‘They understand us and our technology, and they’re not afraid to suggest alternatives if they believe a certain design step could be improved. Their flexibility also aligns well with our way of working.’ Although the collaboration on this new project is still in its early stages, the first experiences are positive. ‘We want an engineering partner who challenges us and thinks along’, Joline adds. ‘We’re not looking for an executor, but for a decisive and pragmatic sparring partner – someone who takes ownership and helps us make smart, future-proof choices.’
building the organisation
The transition from an R&D-driven scale-up to a production company comes with its own set of challenges. Finding technical staff in the region – especially for maintenance and automation – is one of them. ‘Together with Avebe, we’re exploring how to tackle that challenge’, says Joline. Another hurdle, common to many scale-ups, is the handover point between R&D and engineering. ‘At some point, you have to say: now we build with what we know. Otherwise, you’ll end up optimising forever’, she explains. ‘Javier plays a key role in that. With his R&D background, he knows when it’s time to move forward.’
global ambition
For Joline, the new plant is only the beginning. ChainCraft is assessing the global availability and pricing of waste streams for future facilities. ‘The next plant could be in the Netherlands, but just as easily in Southeast Asia or Latin America’, says Joline. ‘It depends on factors like market demand, energy costs, legislation and the investment climate.’ ChainCraft will make the final investment decision for the Ter Apelkanaal plant by the end of this year. If all goes according to plan, the facility will be operational by the end of 2027. ‘Together with KH Engineering, we’re building a plant we can truly be proud of.’
For more information about ChainCraft: chaincraft.com