About Plinius Labs
Who?
Gaius Plinius Secundus (AD23–79) was a natural scientist. First of its kind and arguably the founder of life sciences in the West writing the first Natural History encyclopedia.
He was a pioneer to holistically describe plants, animals, chemistry, mineralogy, pharmacology and many more subjects. Plinius died heroically rescuing a friend by from the Vesuvius eruption.
The solution is in nature…
Our mission
Plinius Labs aim to improve consumer products by natural product chemistry.
Our vision
Chemicals can be harvested from nature competing with fossil source chemicals considering the bio-refining processes overcome challenges on logistics, seasonal dependence, natural variations and waste-to-money economy.
In a growing demand for natural, plant-based solutions, green substitution in the segments of, among others, personal care, nutrition and materials will reformulate and innovate products with ingredients of natural origine.
Raw material waste streams remain poorly valued, either in agriculture or construction. However, the overall worldwide balance pushes natural resources to become increasingly valuable.
Our approach
Nature, and plant kingdom in particular, developed an almost-unlimited library of chemicals. Fragrances and flavours designed to lure and attract invited guests and support pollination, alkaloid-type metabolites to protect against destructive actions of natural enemies. Other biomolecules give structural features, maintain plant health, and help curing and restoring of damaged parts, whereas repulsive off-notes warn and repel potential predators.
These are only a few examples that show how each plant draws upon a pool of chemicals, some very resemblant while others highly unique to the particular species, to secure and maintain its place in this vast kingdom. Biomass, therefore, is a true valuable treasure of fascinating molecules that maintain harmony within the ecosystems.
Unfortunately, this biomass is too often seen as a cheap carbon source. Neglecting the potential of this rich pool of complex natural chemicals is simply not sustainable. We believe biomass is a raw material that deserves better. It is an extractable resource that we need to use efficiently to harvest the great potential that nature has offered.
The problem
The solution
Plinius Labs is a chemical laboratory that extracts value from natural and recovered raw materials. Our starting point is that biomass may not be incinerated or thrown away before valorising it as a material or ingredient. Biomass is far too expensive for that.
Thanks to our knowledge at the interface of plant materials and chemistry, we can upgrade side streams in various segments to high premium ingredients and materials for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and technology.
We start with more than 40 years of expertise in innovative green solutions. We continuously invest in R&D, eco-chemical know-how and advanced equipment.
In addition, as Contract Research Organization, we additionally provide our customers with services in the field of (natural) chemistry. Our extensive lab supports commercial product and process improvement in various non-chemical companies that are in need of external chemical know-how. We rely on a wide range of technical possibilities in the field of analysis, extraction, synthesis and experimental setup. On top, the scientists at Plinius Labs also use the right side of their brain to create added value in product and process development. We help our customers to distinguish themselves from their competitors and to earn the preference of the (ever greener) consumer.
You can always expect a personal service from Plinius Labs in which the commercial concerns of the customer are central.
Smart chemists use nature’s gift…biomass
A treasure house of exciting chemical molecules. Biomass should be maximised for its rich content and as last option used as fuel.
Companies increasingly face the need to improve their products, materials and formulations. Consumers are demanding greener, healthier en more society responsible products as alternatives to the thousands of fine chemicals that our fossil world relies on. Although a difficult task on purity, price, availability and optimal technical properties, for every problem plants and micro-organisms developed the right molecule millions of years before our time.
Through our full suite of analytical, extraction formulation tools and broad understanding of bio-based and natural chemistry, we can assist the product development and quality work for companies in consumer care, cosmetics, food & beverages.
Our approach
We believe that a more sustainable future includes an approach wherein many of these synthetic chemicals are replaced, as for every problem encountered, plants and micro-organisms have after millions of years of empirical research, testing, and reiteration, developed a set of molecules that is fit for purpose.
At the true core of our activities, we investigate how the power of all these natural and biomade products can be unlocked and made available for high premium applications in health & personal care, in foods and beverages, and in consumer materials. With our capabilities in extraction and formulation, we assist in replacing and implementing the new ingredients in existing or new formulas and analyse if these changes keep specifications within predetermined range.
But it is our most valued asset, the combination of broad understanding of natural chemistry and a vivid imagination, that allows us to create a whole new dimension of natural alternatives.
What we offer?
We offer chemical contract services to companies that currently buy fine chemicals and want to switch to green alternatives. Independently, we research and develop own natural and bio-based alternatives for health & personal care, food and beverages as well as other consumer ingredients.
