The polymeric materials industry in Benelux thrives on innovation, catering to various sectors like automotive, healthcare, and construction. Companies range from large corporations developing advanced plastics and biodegradable materials to startups focused on sustainable alternatives. With growing emphasis on environmental consciousness, there’s a notable shift towards renewable and recyclable materials. Investments in research and development are fueling new applications, particularly in bioplastics and high-performance polymers. The fight against plastic waste is becoming a priority, pointing towards an evolving industry landscape that prioritizes sustainability and technological advancement.


The investors featured in this article represent a variety of types, including corporate, venture capital, and private equity firms. Predominantly located in prominent hubs like Brussels, Amsterdam, and Luxembourg, these investors range from small teams to large enterprises. Founded between 1792 and 2021, they collectively engaged in 99 notable deals in 2024. With a keen interest in advancing the polymeric materials landscape, they support both established companies and emerging startups alike, contributing to innovative projects that focus on sustainability and growth.


Top 15 Polymeric Materials Investors in Benelux


1. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the polymeric materials industry, such as providing grants to B4Plastics, which raised $2,968,874, and Gr3n Recycling, which secured $2,684,682. Additionally, Polymertal received $1,999,466 in grant funding, and Lactips participated in a venture round, showcasing the EIC's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the polymer sector.


2. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. In 2024, EIB was involved in several significant transactions, including a EUR 435 million loan to Stora Enso to support its growth in renewable, fiber-based consumer packaging board, which is directly related to polymeric materials. This investment is part of a larger EUR 1 billion initiative to enhance production capabilities at their Oulu mill in Finland. Additionally, EIB participated in a debt transaction with Evonik Industries, a key player in the specialty chemicals and polymer sector, raising over $547 million. These transactions highlight EIB's active role in financing projects that are relevant to the polymeric materials industry, making it a significant investor in this space.


3. InnoEnergy

  • Website: innoenergy.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 52
  • LinkedIn: innoenergy

EIT InnoEnergy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2010, based in Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands, dedicated to accelerating sustainable energy innovations. They provide a marketplace for energy solutions, training programs, and support for innovators and corporates in the energy sector. InnoEnergy collaborates with various stakeholders to address the challenges of energy transition and sustainability. Notably, InnoEnergy has invested in companies like FineCell, which is developing CellOx dry cellulose powder, indicating a focus on material applications that could be relevant to polymeric materials. Additionally, their investments in NAWA Technologies, which is working on next-gen ultracapacitor cells, further highlight their engagement with advanced materials technology. These transactions reflect InnoEnergy's commitment to supporting innovative solutions that may intersect with the polymeric materials industry.


4. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Among their notable transactions, CVC acquired Taminco, a company involved in specialty chemicals, for over $1 billion in 2007. They also acquired a 25.01% stake in Evonik Industries, a major player in the chemical sector, in 2008. In 2018, CVC acquired AOC, a resin company that specializes in resin chemistries for various applications, further solidifying their presence in the polymeric materials market. Additionally, their acquisition of Armacell, a company known for its insulation materials, also ties into the polymeric materials sector, showcasing CVC's diverse yet relevant investment portfolio.


5. Azelis

  • Website: azelis.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: azelis

Azelis is a corporate investor based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, specializing in the distribution of specialty chemicals and providing innovation services. Founded in 2001, Azelis serves over 63,000 customers across the life sciences and industrial sectors, focusing on high-quality raw materials and innovative formulations. In recent years, Azelis has made significant acquisitions to enhance its market presence in the polymeric materials sector. Notably, they acquired Chemiplas, a distributor of specialty chemicals and plastic raw materials in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, which significantly expands their footprint in the polymeric materials market. Additionally, their acquisition of WhitChem, a UK-based distributor specializing in coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers, and CPS Chemicals, a distributor in South Africa, further solidifies their commitment to the polymeric materials industry. These strategic moves highlight Azelis's focus on enhancing their offerings in segments that are crucial to the polymeric materials market.


6. Fashion for Good

  • Website: fashionforgood.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: fashionforgood

Fashion for Good is a not-for-profit organization based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2017. It is dedicated to promoting sustainable innovation in the fashion industry by connecting innovators with brands, retailers, and manufacturers. The organization provides support, mentorship, and resources to empower its network in adopting sustainable practices. Notably, Fashion for Good has been involved in several significant transactions related to polymeric materials, including investments in Mango Materials, which focuses on producing biodegradable materials from waste, and Kintra Fibers, which develops sustainable fiber alternatives. Additionally, they have supported Natural Fiber Welding, a company that creates sustainable materials from natural fibers. These investments highlight Fashion for Good's commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the fashion industry through innovative material solutions.


7. Mutares Benelux

  • Website: mutares.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: mutares-benelux

Mutares Benelux is a private equity firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2021. It specializes in acquiring and managing companies in transition, providing operational support and consulting services to enhance profitability and growth across various sectors, including automotive, technology, and retail. Mutares has been actively expanding its portfolio, with notable transactions in the polymeric materials sector. For instance, they acquired Elastomer Solutions in July 2020, which focuses on elastomeric materials, and signed an agreement to acquire Cikautxo Rubber & Plastic Components in June 2024, further strengthening their position in the automotive and mobility segment. These acquisitions reflect Mutares' strategy to enhance its footprint in the polymeric materials industry, particularly in applications relevant to automotive and mobility.


8. dsm-firmenich

  • Website: dsm-firmenich.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: dsmfirmenich

dsm-firmenich is a for-profit venture capital firm based in Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands, with a strong presence in the nutrition, health, and beauty sectors. The company offers a diverse range of products, including fragrances, nutritional supplements, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. As an investor, dsm-firmenich has been involved in several notable transactions relevant to the polymeric materials industry. For instance, they co-led a Series A funding round for Adaptive3D, a company specializing in advanced polymeric materials for 3D printing, which highlights their commitment to innovative material solutions. They also invested in Chromatic 3D Materials, which focuses on developing materials for additive manufacturing. These investments demonstrate dsm-firmenich's strategic interest in the polymeric materials sector, particularly in applications that enhance sustainability and innovation.


9. Invest-NL

  • Website: invest-nl.nl
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: invest-nl

Invest-NL is an impact investment firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2020. The firm focuses on financing sustainable and innovative projects, particularly in the energy and technology sectors, with the aim of contributing to a more sustainable economy. In 2024, Invest-NL has been active in the polymeric materials sector, participating in significant transactions such as the seed round investment in Paques Biomaterials, which raised over $15 million to develop sustainable biomaterials. Additionally, they co-invested with LyondellBasell in PRYME BV, contributing to a €13 million funding round aimed at reducing plastic waste through advanced pyrolysis technology. Their involvement in Black Bear Carbon further highlights their interest in sustainable materials, as the company specializes in producing carbon black from recycled materials. These transactions illustrate Invest-NL's commitment to supporting innovations that align with their mission of promoting sustainability in the polymeric materials industry.


10. Triton Partners


Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm founded in 1997, based in Luxembourg. The firm specializes in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses, focusing on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare. Triton provides operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock their full potential, partnering with management teams to address challenges and drive growth. Notably, Triton has made significant acquisitions in the polymeric materials context, including Battenfeld-cincinnati, which specializes in machinery for the plastics and polymer processing industry. This acquisition highlights Triton's strategic interest in the polymeric materials sector, alongside their other investments in various industries.


11. Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)


Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM) is a venture capital development agency based in Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands, founded in 1983. BOM supports startups and scale-ups in the Brabant region by offering various programs aimed at enhancing business growth, including readiness programs for venture capital and innovation in sustainable sectors. They provide funding, expertise, and networking opportunities to facilitate success in competitive markets. Notably, BOM has been involved in several transactions relevant to the polymeric materials industry, including their investment in Rodenburg Biopolymers, which focuses on biopolymers. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for companies like Vivolta, which, while not exclusively focused on polymeric materials, indicates BOM's engagement in innovative sectors that may intersect with polymer applications. Their diverse investment portfolio suggests a willingness to support advancements in materials science, including polymers.


12. Capricorn Partners


Capricorn Partners is an investment management firm based in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium, specializing in venture capital, growth capital, and quoted equity funds. Founded in 1993, the firm focuses on innovative companies across various sectors, including digital technologies, health, and clean technologies. Notably, Capricorn Partners has invested in companies like Avantium, which raised significant funding for its development of bioplastics and renewable chemical technologies, and FRX Innovations, which specializes in advanced polymer technologies. Their investment in FRX Polymers, Inc. highlights their commitment to supporting the construction of commercial-scale production facilities for innovative polymer solutions. Capricorn Partners operates with a commitment to responsible investing, aiming to create both financial returns and strategic value for its clients.


13. AkzoNobel

  • Website: akzonobel.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1792
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: akzonobel

AkzoNobel N.V. is a prominent corporate investor based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, with a rich history dating back to 1792. As a leading manufacturer of paints and coatings, AkzoNobel provides innovative and sustainable solutions for both industrial and consumer markets. The company serves a diverse customer base, including businesses in construction and automotive industries, as well as individual consumers. In recent years, AkzoNobel has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its portfolio in the coatings sector, including the acquisition of Stahl Performance Powder Coatings, which focuses on low-curing technology for heat-sensitive substrates, and the alloy wheel liquid coatings business of Lankwitzer Lackfabrik GmbH, aimed at improving their offerings for wheel manufacturers. These transactions highlight AkzoNobel's commitment to expanding its capabilities in polymeric materials and sustainable solutions, reinforcing its position in the market.


14. Syensqo Ventures

  • Website: solvay-ventures.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn:

Syensqo Ventures is a corporate investor based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in chemical manufacturing, focusing on advanced materials and solutions for various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. With a commitment to research and development, Syensqo Ventures aims to meet the evolving demands of its diverse market. In 2024, they participated in several notable transactions, including a $2.1 million investment in Bioeutectics, which develops green solvents, and involvement in Autonomic Materials, a company known for its self-healing smart coatings. These investments highlight Syensqo's active role in supporting innovative solutions within the polymeric materials space, reinforcing their relevance in this sector.


15. Astorg

  • Website: astorg.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: astorg

Astorg is a private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 1998, with a focus on investing in global B2B companies. With €22 billion in assets under management, Astorg specializes in providing capital, strategic guidance, and governance to management teams across various sectors, including healthcare, technology, and business services. Notably, Astorg has made significant investments in the polymeric materials industry, including the acquisition of IGM Resins, a company specializing in resin products, and ARMOR-IIMAK, which is involved in the production of labels and packaging materials. These transactions highlight Astorg's commitment to enhancing growth and market position in the polymeric materials sector, making them a relevant player in this industry.



Polymeric Materials Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
InnoEnergyEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands201-500201052
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
AzelisAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium1001-500020015
Fashion for GoodAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020173
Mutares BeneluxAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202116
dsm-firmenichMaastricht, Limburg, Netherlands10001+3
Invest-NLAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202017
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands51-200198310
Capricorn PartnersLeuven, Flanders, Belgium11-5019935
AkzoNobelAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+17920
Syensqo VenturesBrussels, Brussels, Belgium1-1020164
AstorgLuxembourg51-20019988


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