Deep-tech materials company altM has announced a significant step in its mission to replace fossil-fuel-based chemicals with the launch of its fully integrated biorefinery pilot plant in Bengaluru. This new facility marks the company's crucial transition from laboratory research to pilot-scale manufacturing of sustainable industrial materials. The plant is designed to validate the production of bio-derived materials that are fully compatible with existing manufacturing systems.
Bridging the Gap to Industrial Scale
Operating at a capacity of 15 to 50 tons per annum, the pilot plant enables altM to scale its output from kilograms to tons. This phase is critical for testing and optimizing key metrics such as throughput, yield, quality, and unit economics under real-world industrial conditions. The facility serves as a tangible proof point for the company's innovative production processes before committing to full commercialization.
High-Performance Bio-Materials for Key Industries
The initial materials produced at the Bengaluru facility are already undergoing evaluation in some of the most performance-sensitive sectors. These industries, including cosmetics, wood adhesives, and construction, have historically been heavily dependent on petrochemical inputs. altM aims to provide viable, high-performance alternatives that meet the rigorous demands of these markets.
altM's integrated biorefinery platform is engineered to produce multiple functional materials from a single system, maximizing the value of agricultural residue feedstock. Key products include a cellulose-based rheology modifier, a completely formaldehyde-free lignin wood adhesive, and a lignin-based UV blocker. This approach of utilizing all biomass fractions significantly improves yields, unit economics, and overall scalability.
A Vision for Manufacturable Sustainability
Apoorv Garg, CEO and Co-Founder of altM, emphasized that the pilot plant's purpose is to prove that bio-based materials can meet industrial performance and commercial needs at scale. He stated that the focus is on creating manufacturable materials that integrate seamlessly into existing value chains, making sustainable alternatives economically viable. Garg believes the climate transition depends on sustainable materials outperforming incumbents on both cost and scalability.
Yugal Raj Jain, the company's COO and Co-Founder, highlighted that execution at scale is the primary challenge for bio-based materials. He explained that the pilot facility allows the team to stress-test operations, refine process controls, and build the manufacturing discipline required for commercial deployment. The plant's design prioritizes capital efficiency, repeatability, and operational robustness under real-world conditions.
Commercial Roadmap and Future Growth
With the pilot facility now operational, altM is on a clear path toward commercialization, anticipating early revenue generation by the first quarter of 2026. The company plans to commission its first commercial manufacturing plant, with a capacity of 1,500 to 2,000 tons per annum, in 2027. Its long-term roadmap includes scaling to 10,000 tons per annum within five years through a decentralized production model.
The launch of altM's pilot biorefinery represents a pivotal moment for the sustainable materials sector, demonstrating a viable pathway from research to industrial-scale production. Backed by a $3.5 million seed round, the company is well-positioned to challenge the dominance of petrochemicals in key industries. This development signals a promising future where high-performance, bio-based chemistry can be both environmentally and economically sustainable.