Delft startup Foamlab secures €3 Million to replace fossil-based plastics with bacterial cellulose foam materials

Foamlab, a Delft-based startup working to replace fossil-based plastics with high-performance foams made from bacterial cellulose, has raised €3 million in growth capital to support the construction of a pilot plant, scale up production, and speed up the commercialisation of its biobased foam materials.

Founded in 2024 by Professor Elvin Karana (Scientific Advisor) and Jeroen van Rotterdam, Foamlab uses microorganisms to develop bio-based foams that are lightweight, durable, and fully compostable. The company aims to replace traditional oil- and mineral-based foams across industries such as construction, furniture, fashion, and packaging.

Foamlab originated from research at the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering at Delft University of Technology. It is developing a new generation of sustainable foam materials made from bacterial cellulose, a natural and renewable substance produced through fermentation.

The company’s bacterial cellulose foams offer a sustainable alternative because they are bio-based, compostable, and highly customizable. Ranging from soft, textile-like materials to more rigid structural applications, Foamlab says its materials can support high-performance use cases while significantly reducing environmental impact.

“We are very proud to bring together such a strong group of impact investors. We see growing demand for our bacterial nanocellulose foams across multiple industries. This funding enables us to scale production, serve early customers, and accelerate our path to market. Beyond capital, our investors bring hands-on support and valuable networks,” said Jeroen van Rotterdam, CEO of Foamlab.

Peter van Gelderen, Managing Partner at ICOS Capital added: "We are very pleased to support Foamlab in their next, exciting scale-up phase. Their robust production technology for bacterial nanocellulose foam provides sustainable alternatives for fossil-based materials, for construction insulation, high-end packaging, and fashion, thus addressing a major materials transition with a scalable and sustainable solution.”