Result description
This result, from MIDAS partner GuaTecs, is an integrated biorefinery solution for producing high-quality, hypoallergenic natural latex from the guayule shrub. It directly addresses Europe’s dependence on imported Hevea latex, which causes Type I allergies and faces critical supply chain risks.
Our solution uses guayule, a climate-resilient shrub suited for cultivation on marginal lands in Southern Europe, avoiding competition with food crops. A patented, water-based eco-extraction process valorizes the entire plant into three high-value streams:
1.Natural Latex: The primary product. A high-performance, hypoallergenic polyisoprene ideal for medical gloves and other high-value applications.
2.Resin: A co-product for bio-based materials and bioactive compounds.
3.Bagasse: Fibrous biomass for green energy or bio-composites.
We have successfully validated our latex quality at the pilot scale (TRL 6). We are now focused on scaling to a demo unit (100 kg/h) and a full industrial unit (500 kg/h), creating a unique, sustainable European supply chain.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- Business Angels
- Venture Capital
- Other type of Investment
We are actively seeking partners to advance our technology from the current pilot scale (TRL 6) to full industrial capacity (TRL 9), in particular strategic investors: Venture Capital firms, and private equity funds specializing in the bioeconomy, sustainable materials, industrial biotechnology, and agritech.
We are seeking Series A funding of 3 M€ to scale up to an initial 10 kg/h pilot plant and a further 100 kg/h demo unit and begin initial sales. Future Series B funding of 10 M€ to construct the first full industrial unit (500 kg/h).
- Public or private funding institutions
- Other Actors who can help us fulfil our market potential
- Private Investors
R&D, Technology and Innovation aspects
We have successfully validated our latex quality at the pilot scale (TRL 6). We are now focused on scaling to a demo unit (100 kg/h) and a full industrial unit (500 kg/h), creating a unique, sustainable European supply chain.
Our technology is proven at a 1 kg/h pilot scale (TRL 6). We have a clear industrialization roadmap. We are seeking Series A funding (3 M€) to scale up to a 100 kg/h demo unit and begin sales. This leads to our Series B (10 M€) goal: a full industrial 500 kg/h unit. This scalable model is ready for investment and industrial partners.
Guayule is a drought resistant crop that can grow on marginal agricultural land with low fertility and productivity, at risk of abandonement. This can potentially contribute to land restoration and the revitalization of rural communities in areas at risk of abandonement. Once the soil fertility is restored, at the end of the cultivation cycle, the land can be used for food production. Guayule based latex (and rubber) can be produced in the EU, reducing imports of Hevea rubber and latex from tropical areas with low sustainability standards.
- Europe
