This document discusses CH-Bioforce Oy, a startup founded in 2016 that aims to commercialize a biomass fractionation process called BLN. The startup is headquartered in Espoo, Finland and conducts R&D and piloting in the Smart Chemistry Park in Raisio. The BLN process fractionates biomass into its main constituents - hemicellulose, lignin, and cellulose - which can then be used to create various bioplastics, composites, fibers, and other biomaterials as renewable and fossil-free alternatives. Building a successful bio-based business as a startup presents challenges such as high capital costs for piloting, lack of revenue streams, and competing with larger established enterprises

1. Startup`s point of view – building
up a bio-based business
Lari Vähäsalo, PhD

2. CH-Bioforce Oy
Founded in 2016 (Startup)
Commercialize the BLN
biomass fractionation
process
Head office in Espoo
R&D and piloting in Smart
Chemistry Park, Raisio

3. Biomass
main constituents
Hemicellulose
30 %
Lignin
22 %
Cellulose
42 %
Others
6 %
BIOMASS
Cellulose
Hemicellulose
Lignin
Others
• Extractives
• Salts

4. Natural renewable
fossile-free
biopolymers for
”Plastic” bags
Composites
Glues
”Carbon” fibers
Medicine and nutraceuticals
“Asphalt” roads
Emulsion
Paints
Fat barriers
3D-printer filaments
Textiles
………..

5. CH-Bioforce
process
Hemicellulose
30 %
Lignin
22 %
Cellulose
42 %
Others
6 %
CH-BIOMASS FRACTIONATION
Fractionate biomass to 100%
Main chemicals used
• Water
• Lye (NaOH)
Works on any biomass
Hardwood Softwood Straw Bamboo
TRADITIONAL PULPING

6. Building up a bio-based business
Road to success
• Superior technology
• Solid IPR strategy
• EPO vs USPTO a problem for
Startup’s in EU
• Dream team
• Patient financier
• Regulatory and/or consumer
awareness
• Marketing

7. Building up a bio-based business
Challenges for a Startup
• Chemical and process industry are extremely capital intensive
• Proof-of-concept piloting costs millions
• How to carry over the Valley of Death?
• Often without a revenue stream
• Without the loss of decision making
• Without converting from entrepreneur to employee
• Competitors usually large enterprises
• Basic operations pay for R&D costs
• → disproportionate financial advantage, yet on the same
line for public funding

8. Thank you!
lari.vahasalo@ch-bioforce.com
www.ch-bioforce.com