Sustainable materials

Sustainable chemicals

Advancing bio-based and circular chemical solutions for a sustainable future.

Get in touch

View capabilities

Transforming the chemical industry

Sustainable chemicals play a crucial role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels, cutting carbon emissions, and developing a circular economy. At CPI, we support the development of fossil-free chemicals, using bioprocess innovations and advanced recycling technologies to transition to sustainable feedstocks for chemicals.

Our capabilities span microbial fermentation, polymer innovation, enzymatic transformations, and advanced recycling, supported by detailed process design, feedstock optimisation, and rigorous safety protocols. By combining comprehensive characterisation, process optimisation, and rigorous safety assessments, we help ensure your innovations are commercially viable, environmentally responsible, and ready for market.

Pink liquid in a beaker.

Sustainable materials

Sustainable chemicals

Advancing bio-based and circular chemical solutions for a sustainable future.

Get in touch

View capabilities

Transforming the chemical industry

Sustainable chemicals play a crucial role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels, cutting carbon emissions, and developing a circular economy. At CPI, we support the development of fossil-free chemicals, using bioprocess innovations and advanced recycling technologies to transition to sustainable feedstocks for chemicals.

Our capabilities span microbial fermentation, polymer innovation, enzymatic transformations, and advanced recycling, supported by detailed process design, feedstock optimisation, and rigorous safety protocols. By combining comprehensive characterisation, process optimisation, and rigorous safety assessments, we help ensure your innovations are commercially viable, environmentally responsible, and ready for market.

Sustainable materials

Sustainable chemicals

Advancing bio-based and circular chemical solutions for a sustainable future.

Get in touch

View capabilities

Transforming the chemical industry

Sustainable chemicals play a crucial role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels, cutting carbon emissions, and developing a circular economy. At CPI, we support the development of fossil-free chemicals, using bioprocess innovations and advanced recycling technologies to transition to sustainable feedstocks for chemicals.

Our capabilities span microbial fermentation, polymer innovation, enzymatic transformations, and advanced recycling, supported by detailed process design, feedstock optimisation, and rigorous safety protocols. By combining comprehensive characterisation, process optimisation, and rigorous safety assessments, we help ensure your innovations are commercially viable, environmentally responsible, and ready for market.

Pink liquid in a beaker.
  • Rolls Royce
  • Drochaid Research Services
  • University of Nottingham
  • University of Sheffield
  • Photocentric
  • LiNa Energy

What we offer

We specialise in helping companies develop sustainable chemicals through advanced bioprocessing and innovative recycling technologies. From initial feasibility studies and lab-scale optimisation to pilot demonstrations and industrial implementation, we provide end-to-end support to ensure your processes are efficient, scalable, and commercially viable.

What we offer

We specialise in helping companies develop sustainable chemicals through advanced bioprocessing and innovative recycling technologies. From initial feasibility studies and lab-scale optimisation to pilot demonstrations and industrial implementation, we provide end-to-end support to ensure your processes are efficient, scalable, and commercially viable.

What we offer

We specialise in helping companies develop sustainable chemicals through advanced bioprocessing and innovative recycling technologies. From initial feasibility studies and lab-scale optimisation to pilot demonstrations and industrial implementation, we provide end-to-end support to ensure your processes are efficient, scalable, and commercially viable.

Bio-based chemical development

We support the development of novel routes to bio-based chemicals, converting raw materials like biomass into lignin and sugars using chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis. Our process development capabilities ensure bio-based alternatives meet performance standards and can effectively replace petrochemicals. 

Our expertise includes:

  • Enzymatic and chemical hydrolysis processes.

  • Detailed chemical characterisation: composition, molecular weight, and physical properties.

  • Optimisation for improved yield, purity, and cost-efficiency.

  • Advanced process design, including modelling and techno-economic analysis to validate scalability and viability.

Bio-based chemical development

We support the development of novel routes to bio-based chemicals, converting raw materials like biomass into lignin and sugars using chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis. Our process development capabilities ensure bio-based alternatives meet performance standards and can effectively replace petrochemicals. 

Our expertise includes:

  • Enzymatic and chemical hydrolysis processes.

  • Detailed chemical characterisation: composition, molecular weight, and physical properties.

  • Optimisation for improved yield, purity, and cost-efficiency.

  • Advanced process design, including modelling and techno-economic analysis to validate scalability and viability.

Bioprocessing for chemical production

With expertise in microbial fermentation, we develop scalable anaerobic and aerobic processes for sustainable chemical production. Our facilities feature fermenters from 1 mL to 10,000 L, supporting everything from strain development to commercial-scale manufacturing.

We offer comprehensive support across the bioprocessing journey, including:

  • Host strain selection, development, and optimisation.

  • Downstream processing (centrifugation, homogenisation, filtration, solvent extraction).

  • CO₂-to-chemical conversion via C1 gas and liquid fermentation.

  • Full process safety assessments (Hazard Studies and HAZOP).

  • Feedstock development optimisation for biomass and gas fermentations to maximise yield and efficiency.

Bioprocessing for chemical production

With expertise in microbial fermentation, we develop scalable anaerobic and aerobic processes for sustainable chemical production. Our facilities feature fermenters from 1 mL to 10,000 L, supporting everything from strain development to commercial-scale manufacturing.

We offer comprehensive support across the bioprocessing journey, including:

  • Host strain selection, development, and optimisation.

  • Downstream processing (centrifugation, homogenisation, filtration, solvent extraction).

  • CO₂-to-chemical conversion via C1 gas and liquid fermentation.

  • Full process safety assessments (Hazard Studies and HAZOP).

  • Feedstock development optimisation for biomass and gas fermentations to maximise yield and efficiency.

Depolymerisation and recycling technologies

We support the development of chemical and enzymatic depolymerisation technologies that break down plastic waste into valuable feedstocks. Our approach ensures robust, scalable processes validated by techno-economic and life cycle assessments.

Our capabilities include:

  • Advanced chemical and enzymatic depolymerisation.

  • Comprehensive polymer characterisation.

  • End-to-end commercialisation support.

  • Extraction and recovery processes supported by life cycle assessments to maximise sustainability.

Depolymerisation and recycling technologies

We support the development of chemical and enzymatic depolymerisation technologies that break down plastic waste into valuable feedstocks. Our approach ensures robust, scalable processes validated by techno-economic and life cycle assessments.

Our capabilities include:

  • Advanced chemical and enzymatic depolymerisation.

  • Comprehensive polymer characterisation.

  • End-to-end commercialisation support.

  • Extraction and recovery processes supported by life cycle assessments to maximise sustainability.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

With over 500 experts we are here to help.

Get in touch

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

With over 500 experts we are here to help.

Get in touch

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

With over 500 experts we are here to help.

Get in touch

Sustainable chemicals applications

We support the development of sustainable chemicals for a diverse range of applications, including:

Bio-based monomers, polymers, and specialty intermediates.

Environmentally friendly cleaning agents and surfactants.

Sustainable solvents and functional additives.

Recycled, recyclable, and biodegradable plastics.

Functional ingredients for personal care and cosmetics.

Nutraceuticals and food-grade ingredients.

Agrochemicals derived from renewable feedstocks.

Renewable fuels and biofuels.

Scientist in a mask and safety glasses examining a conical flask of blue-green liquid.

Sustainable chemicals applications

We support the development of sustainable chemicals for a diverse range of applications, including:

Bio-based monomers, polymers, and specialty intermediates.

Environmentally friendly cleaning agents and surfactants.

Sustainable solvents and functional additives.

Recycled, recyclable, and biodegradable plastics.

Functional ingredients for personal care and cosmetics.

Nutraceuticals and food-grade ingredients.

Agrochemicals derived from renewable feedstocks.

Renewable fuels and biofuels.

Scientist in a mask and safety glasses examining a conical flask of blue-green liquid.

Sustainable chemicals applications

We support the development of sustainable chemicals for a diverse range of applications, including:

Bio-based monomers, polymers, and specialty intermediates.

Environmentally friendly cleaning agents and surfactants.

Sustainable solvents and functional additives.

Recycled, recyclable, and biodegradable plastics.

Functional ingredients for personal care and cosmetics.

Nutraceuticals and food-grade ingredients.

Agrochemicals derived from renewable feedstocks.

Renewable fuels and biofuels.

Scientist in a mask and safety glasses examining a conical flask of blue-green liquid.

How we support you

At CPI, we provide end-to-end support to help you develop new sustainable chemical products and processes, reducing risk and accelerating commercialisation. Our targeted support addresses your key innovation challenges and ensures a smooth journey from initial concept through to full-scale manufacturing.

How we support you

At CPI, we provide end-to-end support to help you develop new sustainable chemical products and processes, reducing risk and accelerating commercialisation. Our targeted support addresses your key innovation challenges and ensures a smooth journey from initial concept through to full-scale manufacturing.

How we support you

At CPI, we provide end-to-end support to help you develop new sustainable chemical products and processes, reducing risk and accelerating commercialisation. Our targeted support addresses your key innovation challenges and ensures a smooth journey from initial concept through to full-scale manufacturing.

Optimise and de-risk your development

Leverage our expertise, facilities, and advanced analytics to accelerate the development of robust, commercially viable sustainable chemical processes. We work closely with you to identify potential issues early, refine processes through rigorous testing, and establish consistent, reliable performance benchmarks — reducing variability and cost.

Optimise and de-risk your development

Leverage our expertise, facilities, and advanced analytics to accelerate the development of robust, commercially viable sustainable chemical processes. We work closely with you to identify potential issues early, refine processes through rigorous testing, and establish consistent, reliable performance benchmarks — reducing variability and cost.

Scale with confidence

Access industry-relevant pilot and demonstration-scale facilities to validate and refine your processes before making major commercial investments. Our techno-economic and life cycle assessments confirm economic and environmental sustainability, while our validation studies and scale-up expertise help overcome bottlenecks and ensure a smooth transition from lab to commercial scale.

Scale with confidence

Access industry-relevant pilot and demonstration-scale facilities to validate and refine your processes before making major commercial investments. Our techno-economic and life cycle assessments confirm economic and environmental sustainability, while our validation studies and scale-up expertise help overcome bottlenecks and ensure a smooth transition from lab to commercial scale.

Collaborate with industry experts

Partner with our engineers and scientists, who bring deep expertise in sustainable chemicals and materials. Extend your R&D capabilities through collaboration, gaining insights into best practices, emerging trends, and innovative methodologies to deliver high-quality, market-ready solutions.

Collaborate with industry experts

Partner with our engineers and scientists, who bring deep expertise in sustainable chemicals and materials. Extend your R&D capabilities through collaboration, gaining insights into best practices, emerging trends, and innovative methodologies to deliver high-quality, market-ready solutions.

Access funding and strategic partnerships

Secure public and private funding with our expert support. We connect you with trusted partners, investors, and stakeholders to maximise your chances of commercial success. Our tailored guidance includes grant applications, partnership identification, and investor engagement strategies, ensuring you have the resources to scale your innovation.

Access funding and strategic partnerships

Secure public and private funding with our expert support. We connect you with trusted partners, investors, and stakeholders to maximise your chances of commercial success. Our tailored guidance includes grant applications, partnership identification, and investor engagement strategies, ensuring you have the resources to scale your innovation.

  • CPI scientist pouring blue liquid into a glass reactor vessel in a laboratory.
    CPI scientist operating an automated LABMAN system beside a control monitor.
  • Engineer viewing a 3D optical lens ray-trace simulation on a computer monitor.
    View through tinted glass of a dispensing print head operating inside a lab enclosure.
  • Reactor-Ready 500 ml jacketed glass process reactor filled with a pale liquid.
  • Automated machine head positioned over a circular wafer during processing.
    Operator holding a radio while monitoring a Siemens process control screen.
  • Person in a blue coat carrying a white hard hat printed with the CPI logo.
    Close-up of stainless steel perforated drums on pharmaceutical processing equipment.
  • Round-bottom flask containing yellow liquid suspended in a clear water bath on a hotplate.
  • CPI scientist pouring blue liquid into a glass reactor vessel in a laboratory.
    CPI scientist operating an automated LABMAN system beside a control monitor.
  • Engineer viewing a 3D optical lens ray-trace simulation on a computer monitor.
    View through tinted glass of a dispensing print head operating inside a lab enclosure.
  • Reactor-Ready 500 ml jacketed glass process reactor filled with a pale liquid.
  • Automated machine head positioned over a circular wafer during processing.
    Operator holding a radio while monitoring a Siemens process control screen.
  • Person in a blue coat carrying a white hard hat printed with the CPI logo.
    Close-up of stainless steel perforated drums on pharmaceutical processing equipment.
  • Round-bottom flask containing yellow liquid suspended in a clear water bath on a hotplate.
  • CPI scientist pouring blue liquid into a glass reactor vessel in a laboratory.
    CPI scientist operating an automated LABMAN system beside a control monitor.
  • Engineer viewing a 3D optical lens ray-trace simulation on a computer monitor.
    View through tinted glass of a dispensing print head operating inside a lab enclosure.
  • Reactor-Ready 500 ml jacketed glass process reactor filled with a pale liquid.
  • Automated machine head positioned over a circular wafer during processing.
    Operator holding a radio while monitoring a Siemens process control screen.
  • Person in a blue coat carrying a white hard hat printed with the CPI logo.
    Close-up of stainless steel perforated drums on pharmaceutical processing equipment.
  • Round-bottom flask containing yellow liquid suspended in a clear water bath on a hotplate.
£
0
1
2
3
bn

private investment unlocked

0
1
,
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
0
0
+

R&D projects delivered

0
1
2
0
+

years of experience

0
1
2
,
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
0
0
+

business collaborations

0
1
2
0
1
2
3
4
5
,
0
0
0
m²

facilities

£
0
1
2
0
1
2
0
m

innovation assets

£
0
1
2
3
bn

private investment unlocked

0
1
,
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
0
0
+

R&D projects delivered

0
1
2
0
+

years of experience

0
1
2
,
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
0
0
+

business collaborations

0
1
2
0
1
2
3
4
5
,
0
0
0
m²

facilities

£
0
1
2
0
1
2
0
m

innovation assets

£
0
1
2
3
bn

private investment unlocked

0
1
,
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
0
0
+

R&D projects delivered

0
1
2
0
+

years of experience

0
1
2
,
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
0
0
+

business collaborations

0
1
2
0
1
2
3
4
5
,
0
0
0
m²

facilities

£
0
1
2
0
1
2
0
m

innovation assets

Trusted by leading organisations

Showing slide 1 of 1
Photocentric

With CPI’s help, we now have a solid proof-of-concept that we’ve been able to move forward in the development process to higher TRL levels. CPI aided in delivering results and knowledge with a reduced capital investment, allowing us to to achieve our goal in a shorter time span.

Headshot of Robert Young.

Robert Young

Head of Chemistry and Batteries

LiNa Energy

I am delighted with the outcomes of our collaboration with CPI. This project has advanced our Na-MTL-Cl battery technology, demonstrating its enormous potential to decarbonise automotive transport and provide efficient and effective energy storage solutions.

Gene Lewis, Founder LiNA Energy

Gene Lewis

Founder

Chestnut BioPolymers

"We've got prototypes already, which is great. We just made our first sale and so, we've gone from being a research and development company to a trading company, which is quite amazing."

Headshot of Ian Edward Brown, Director

Ian Edward Brown

Director

Stuff4Life

"We are really excited about the next stage of our Stuff4Life journey. Our ultimate goal remains the same – to make new polyester products from old polyester products – but also to make the next generation of workwear last even longer, perform even better and be more recyclable when its job is done. This can make a real difference delivering not just a circular economy for critical materials but decarbonising industrial processes and delivering even better outcomes for all."

Headshot of John Twitchen, Director and Co-Founder

John Twitchen

Director and Co-Founder

Descycle

The future for DEScycle is really exciting. DES truly has the potential to change the world, delivering a step-change in how we produce and recycle metals. By replacing energy and emission intensive processes with DEScycle’s novel technology we can supply the energy transition with low-impact low-carbon metal. Thanks to CPI’s investment and in-house experience, we will be able to rapidly commercialise this technology and bring real disruption to the metals market.

Headshot of Fred White, CCO

Fred White

CCO

Azotic

By working with CPI’s unique combination of in-house expertise and capability, we have saved many months of process development and scale-up, accelerating the commercialisation of our product.

Headshot of Steve Pearson, Chief Operating Officer

Steve Pearson

Chief Operating Officer

Trusted by leading organisations

Showing slide 1 of 1
Photocentric

With CPI’s help, we now have a solid proof-of-concept that we’ve been able to move forward in the development process to higher TRL levels. CPI aided in delivering results and knowledge with a reduced capital investment, allowing us to to achieve our goal in a shorter time span.

Headshot of Robert Young.

Robert Young

Head of Chemistry and Batteries

LiNa Energy

I am delighted with the outcomes of our collaboration with CPI. This project has advanced our Na-MTL-Cl battery technology, demonstrating its enormous potential to decarbonise automotive transport and provide efficient and effective energy storage solutions.

Gene Lewis, Founder LiNA Energy

Gene Lewis

Founder

Chestnut BioPolymers

"We've got prototypes already, which is great. We just made our first sale and so, we've gone from being a research and development company to a trading company, which is quite amazing."

Headshot of Ian Edward Brown, Director

Ian Edward Brown

Director

Stuff4Life

"We are really excited about the next stage of our Stuff4Life journey. Our ultimate goal remains the same – to make new polyester products from old polyester products – but also to make the next generation of workwear last even longer, perform even better and be more recyclable when its job is done. This can make a real difference delivering not just a circular economy for critical materials but decarbonising industrial processes and delivering even better outcomes for all."

Headshot of John Twitchen, Director and Co-Founder

John Twitchen

Director and Co-Founder

Descycle

The future for DEScycle is really exciting. DES truly has the potential to change the world, delivering a step-change in how we produce and recycle metals. By replacing energy and emission intensive processes with DEScycle’s novel technology we can supply the energy transition with low-impact low-carbon metal. Thanks to CPI’s investment and in-house experience, we will be able to rapidly commercialise this technology and bring real disruption to the metals market.

Headshot of Fred White, CCO

Fred White

CCO

Azotic

By working with CPI’s unique combination of in-house expertise and capability, we have saved many months of process development and scale-up, accelerating the commercialisation of our product.

Headshot of Steve Pearson, Chief Operating Officer

Steve Pearson

Chief Operating Officer

Trusted by leading organisations

Showing slide 1 of 1
Photocentric

With CPI’s help, we now have a solid proof-of-concept that we’ve been able to move forward in the development process to higher TRL levels. CPI aided in delivering results and knowledge with a reduced capital investment, allowing us to to achieve our goal in a shorter time span.

Headshot of Robert Young.

Robert Young

Head of Chemistry and Batteries

LiNa Energy

I am delighted with the outcomes of our collaboration with CPI. This project has advanced our Na-MTL-Cl battery technology, demonstrating its enormous potential to decarbonise automotive transport and provide efficient and effective energy storage solutions.

Gene Lewis, Founder LiNA Energy

Gene Lewis

Founder

Chestnut BioPolymers

"We've got prototypes already, which is great. We just made our first sale and so, we've gone from being a research and development company to a trading company, which is quite amazing."

Headshot of Ian Edward Brown, Director

Ian Edward Brown

Director

Stuff4Life

"We are really excited about the next stage of our Stuff4Life journey. Our ultimate goal remains the same – to make new polyester products from old polyester products – but also to make the next generation of workwear last even longer, perform even better and be more recyclable when its job is done. This can make a real difference delivering not just a circular economy for critical materials but decarbonising industrial processes and delivering even better outcomes for all."

Headshot of John Twitchen, Director and Co-Founder

John Twitchen

Director and Co-Founder

Descycle

The future for DEScycle is really exciting. DES truly has the potential to change the world, delivering a step-change in how we produce and recycle metals. By replacing energy and emission intensive processes with DEScycle’s novel technology we can supply the energy transition with low-impact low-carbon metal. Thanks to CPI’s investment and in-house experience, we will be able to rapidly commercialise this technology and bring real disruption to the metals market.

Headshot of Fred White, CCO

Fred White

CCO

Azotic

By working with CPI’s unique combination of in-house expertise and capability, we have saved many months of process development and scale-up, accelerating the commercialisation of our product.

Headshot of Steve Pearson, Chief Operating Officer

Steve Pearson

Chief Operating Officer

Why choose CPI?

Deep expertise

Proven capabilities in bioprocessing, sustainable chemistry, and recycling.

Cutting-edge infrastructure

Access to pilot and demonstration-scale facilities for process validation.

Scalable solutions

Support to ensure your technology is commercially viable and ready for market.

End-to-end support

Guidance across the full development journey, from lab to launch.

Integrated capabilities

From polymer recycling to feedstock optimisation and process scale-up.

Collaborative network

Strong connections with industry, academic, and government to accelerate impact.

Why choose CPI?

Deep expertise

Proven capabilities in bioprocessing, sustainable chemistry, and recycling.

Cutting-edge infrastructure

Access to pilot and demonstration-scale facilities for process validation.

Scalable solutions

Support to ensure your technology is commercially viable and ready for market.

End-to-end support

Guidance across the full development journey, from lab to launch.

Integrated capabilities

From polymer recycling to feedstock optimisation and process scale-up.

Collaborative network

Strong connections with industry, academic, and government to accelerate impact.

Why choose CPI?

Work with us to defer capital and workforce investments until your product or process is proven at scale.

Deep expertise

Proven capabilities in bioprocessing, sustainable chemistry, and recycling.

Cutting-edge infrastructure

Access to pilot and demonstration-scale facilities for process validation.

Scalable solutions

Support to ensure your technology is commercially viable and ready for market.

End-to-end support

Guidance across the full development journey, from lab to launch.

Integrated capabilities

From polymer recycling to feedstock optimisation and process scale-up.

Collaborative network

Strong connections with industry, academic, and government to accelerate impact.

Get in touch

Get in touch

Get in touch

More in Sustainable materials

Sustainable materials

Traces of plastic and microplastic in petri dish in a lab setting.

Recovery, recycling and re-use

Read more

CPI expert inspecting a square piece of plastic.

Polymers

Read more

Production line for disinfecting liquid soap in a factory.

Personal and home care products

Read more

More in Sustainable materials

Traces of plastic and microplastic in petri dish in a lab setting.

Recovery, recycling and re-use

Read more

CPI expert inspecting a square piece of plastic.

Polymers

Read more

More in Sustainable materials

Sustainable materials

Traces of plastic and microplastic in petri dish in a lab setting.

Recovery, recycling and re-use

Read more

CPI expert inspecting a square piece of plastic.

Polymers

Read more