We convert local, abundant sidestreams into high-value, bio-based products
We begin with the cosmetics market, where performance and sustainability requirements support premium pricing.
Market momentum
Advances in green chemistry are unlocking scalable, high-performance bio-based ingredients.
At the same time, several strong market drivers are accelerating this transition, reshaping how brands source, formulate, and differentiate.
Regulatory pull
Regulatory pressure across the EU, US, and APAC is accelerating the shift from fossil-based inputs to renewable, low-impact alternatives. Stricter “natural” definitions, traceability requirements, and environmental disclosures are raising the compliance bar across personal care, food, and health sectors, putting non-compliant companies at risk of market access and reputational loss.
Geopolitical pressure
Logistics disruptions due to geopolitical uncertainty are exposing weaknesses in global supply chains. This prompts industries to prioritize local, EU-based raw material sourcing to enhance security and long-term resilience.
Consumer expectations shift
Clean-label, traceable products with natural origin are gaining attention and market share. Rising consumer demand for transparency and natural ingredients is pushing companies to adopt traceable, clearly sourced inputs
Market opening
While the circular economy is gaining traction, only a handful of companies have deciphered how to make it profitable and scalable.
Leadership and Advisory team
Our leadership and advisory team brings deep expertise in green chemistry, engineering, and commercial execution, with a strong focus on the bio-circular and bioeconomy sectors. We have built a growing portfolio of high-value ingredients and already operate as a trusted CRO for companies in the cosmetics, food, medical device, and biomaterials industries. The team is currently driving the development of our pilot facility and the path toward industrial scale-up.
Kevin Huvaere
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Kevin is our scientific expert in chemical development, bio-based chemistry, and general chemistry. Before he co-founded Plinius Labs, he built his career in the industry as a Senior and Chief Scientist. Kevin holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Ghent University and had worked as a postdoc in Denmark at Copenhagen University.
Yves Boonen
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Yves is an independent interim manager with over 25 years of industrial experience across multiple market segments, with a focus on innovation, organizational development, and business growth. A chemical engineer with an MBA, he drives our strategic progress and strongly believes in customer intimacy.
John Dejaeger
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John Dejaeger’s extensive leadership career includes serving as President & Managing Director of BASF Antwerpen NV, where he oversaw one of the company’s largest production sites, driving operational excellence and innovation. He was also CEO of Lamifil NV, leading its transformation in the specialty wires and cables industry, and CEO of Arpadis Group SA, a chemical distribution company. Additionally, as COO of Reynaers Aluminium NV, he contributed to strategic growth in the construction materials sector. His vast leadership experience across multiple industries equips Plinius Labs with insights into scaling operations, managing complex industrial ecosystems, and entering new markets.
Roland Vanhoegaerden
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As Operations Managing Director at BENEO, Roland Vanhoegaerden has overseen significant investments in clean-label ingredient production to meet global market demands. His experience includes managing large-scale production expansions and optimizing supply chains in regulated markets. Vanhoegaerden’s operational and production expertise is invaluable to Plinius Labs as it transitions from research-focused innovations to scalable, market-ready solutions. His insights ensure the company can meet demand efficiently and maintain high-quality standards.
Dirk Carrez
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Dirk Carrez is a leading expert in the bio-based economy and industrial biotechnology. As former Executive Director of the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC), he led the development of a unique public-private partnership with the European Union (BBI and CBE JU), growing it into a highly influential network across industry and innovation. He is widely recognised as a bridge between policy, industry, and innovation, with extensive experience in shaping European bioeconomy strategies and strengthening sustainable value chains.
Tom Benijts
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Tom Benijts brings his extensive background in laboratory sciences and food & feed analytics as former co-owner and co-CEO of Eurofins ECCA, one of Belgium’s leading independent labs. His deep domain expertise and proven track record in guiding scientific operations, regulatory compliance and delivering practical, high-standard analysis services are invaluable.
Tom’s history of growing ECCA into a respected, full-service lab aligns perfectly with our ambition to deliver market-ready, sustainable solutions.
Patrick Molemans
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Patrick Molemans, as CEO of The Wallfashion House, has demonstrated exceptional leadership in market consolidation and strategic acquisitions, including the integration of major brands like Rasch Tapeten. He has also served in leadership roles in various European industry associations, fostering collaboration and innovation. Molemans’ expertise in market positioning and value-driven growth provides Plinius Labs with the strategic acumen to strengthen partnerships and scale effectively in the food and cosmetics sectors.
Plinius Labs’ advantage
We bring together the key building blocks required to make bio-based ingredients commercially viable at scale.
Certified by design
Formulated to meet multiple bio-based ingredient standards (ISO 16128, ISO 16620, ISO 14040, ISO 8007).
Local & resilient
EU‑based sourcing with decentralised processing.
Growing ingredient portfolio
From development to commercial-ready products, including cleared-for-sale ingredients.
Science backed
Validated functionality for cosmetics, food, medical devices, and health.
IP powerhouse
Generating valuable IP through industrial partnerships, subsidiary ventures, and spin-outs.
Scalable economics
A scalable platform for converting low-value inputs into high-value ingredients. Proprietary technology valorisation. Profitability in ≤3 years.
Plinius Labs’ location, facilities, and scale-up infrastructure
Located in Belgium, close to Brussels and EU institutions, our laboratory is embedded in a strong bio-based innovation ecosystem. Proximity to industry networks, policymakers, and vast biomass resources supports rapid collaboration and scale-up.
Advanced chemistry lab
We operate a modern formulation and analytical laboratory for developing bio-based ingredients. Its capabilities include state-of-the-art analytical instruments (HPLC/GC-MS, FTIR, UV-Vis), formulation equipment, and stability and performance testing.
Pilot space
Our pilot space is currently being outfitted. It will be operational from December 2026.
Office spaces
Comfortable space for meetings with shareholders, industry partners, and clients.
Our next funding round opens by end 2026. Would you like to get a message shortly before?
In the meantime, we are happy to share with you more details about our capabilities, challenges, and opportunities.
The future is bio-based
Across industries, the shift towards bio-based solutions is gaining momentum. It’s driven by the need for greater economic and supply resilience compared to petroleum-based alternatives, tightening environmental regulations, and rapidly evolving consumer expectations.
This transition calls for strong, credible partners who combine scientific know-how with application focus and commercial understanding. This is where Plinius Labs comes in.
It is an ideal time to join in.
Reach out to us if you’re interested in learning more.
We have a natural chemistry