Delft-based Foamlab raises €3 million to replace fossil-based plastics with bacterial cellulose foam materials

The round was led by ICOS Capital, with participation from Value Factory Ventures, DOEN Ventures, Capricorn Industrial Biotech Fund, and TTT Green Tech, managed by SHIFT Invest.

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“We are very proud to bring together such a strong group of impact investors. We see growing demand for our bacterial nanocellulose foams across multiple industries. This funding enables us to scale production, serve early customers, and accelerate our path to market. Beyond capital, our investors bring hands-on support and valuable networks,” said Jeroen van Rotterdam, CEO of Foamlab.

Founded in 2024 by Professor Elvin Karana (Scientific Advisor) and Jeroen van Rotterdam, Foamlab uses microorganisms to develop bio-based foams that are lightweight, durable, and fully compostable. The company aims to replace traditional oil- and mineral-based foams across industries such as construction, furniture, fashion, and packaging.

Foamlab originated from research at the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering at Delft University of Technology. It is developing a new generation of sustainable foam materials made from bacterial cellulose, a natural and renewable substance produced through fermentation.

The company’s bacterial cellulose foams offer a sustainable alternative because they are bio-based, compostable, and highly customizable. Ranging from soft, textile-like materials to more rigid structural applications, Foamlab says its materials can support high-performance use cases while significantly reducing environmental impact.

“What sets Foamlab apart is our control over structure at the nanoscale, made possible by microbial biofabrication,” the company mentioned. This allows it to fine-tune mechanical, acoustic, and aesthetic properties with precision, while maintaining biodegradability and low-impact production.

Peter van Gelderen, Managing Partner at ICOS Capital, said, “We are very pleased to support Foamlab in their next, exciting scale-up phase. Their robust production technology for bacterial nanocellulose foam provides sustainable alternatives for fossil-based materials, for construction insulation, high-end packaging, and fashion, thus addressing a major materials transition with a scalable and sustainable solution.”

About Foamlab

Foamlab is a Netherlands-based materials science startup founded in 2024 in Delft. It develops sustainable, bio-based foams made from bacterial cellulose, a natural material produced through fermentation using microorganisms. The company aims to replace traditional fossil fuel–based plastics and foams with environmentally friendly alternatives that are lightweight, durable, compostable, and customisable. Originating from research at Delft University of Technology, Foamlab focuses on applications across industries such as packaging, furniture, construction, and fashion, offering scalable materials designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high performance.