Nordic Bioproducts Group, a spin-off of Aalto University, has successfully concluded a 30-million-euro financing round aimed at advancing the development and commercialization of bioproducts, biosystems, and circular innovations for international markets. Leveraging the byproducts of the pulp and paper industry, the company creates high-value-added products.
The financing round attracted notable investors, including Chilean CMPC, one of the world’s largest pulp producers, Finnish Taaleri Bioindustry Fund, and various other investors and financiers.
Established in 2019, Nordic Bioproducts Group focuses on developing and producing sustainable alternative applications with enhanced value, effectively replacing fossil-based materials and hazardous chemicals. The company’s intelligent bioproducts are used among other things in textiles, food, medicines and in cosmetics.
The company’s proprietary AaltocellTM technology, which is patented and groundbreaking, enables the production of microcrystalline cellulose and biocomponents with high-added value for various applications. By employing its bioproducts, bioprocesses, and innovations, the company actively mitigates the environmental and social costs associated with industrial production.
For instance, in the textile industry, pulp-based fibers can replace cotton and artificial fibers, while in the packaging sector, they can be used as an alternative to plastic. Similarly, in the construction industry, bio-based pulp can be used in insulation and paints.
Nordic Bioproducts Group develops and manufactures cellulose hybrids using Finnish forest fibers, as well as cellulose-containing side and waste streams from industrial and agricultural sources. The company strives to introduce environmentally sustainable and low-emission alternatives to fossil-based materials and harmful chemicals to the market.
The successful completion of the financing round enables the timely completion of the Lappeenranta factory investment by the end of 2023.
The founder and CEO of Nordic Bioproducts Group, Olli Kähkönen, expressed their appreciation for Carner’s input, stating, “We highly value the cooperative approach, swiftness in execution, and professionalism demonstrated by the Carner team. The trust and positive atmosphere fostered among all parties during the process were crucial in attracting new anchor investors, as well as securing both junior and senior financing for Nordic Bioproducts Group.”
Throughout the financing round, Carner Corporate Finance (IMAP Finland) served as the exclusive financial advisor to Nordic Bioproducts Group.
CMPC S.A. is a company focusing on sustainability and producing solid wood products, pulp, paper, tissue and packaging products from certified and renewable forests. Founded in 1920 in Chile, the company is the 3rd global pulp producer, with operations in 46 production facilities, across 8 Latin American countries and the company has global sales to more than 45 countries.
Taaleri is a Nordic investment and asset manager with an emphasis on renewable energy and other alternative investments. The company channels capital towards economically profitable undertakings that have a lasting positive impact on the environment and society. Taaleri is a signatory of the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI) since 2010 and joined the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative in 2021. Taaleri’s vision is to be a Nordic forerunner in alternative investments focusing on sustainability.
