In a strategic move towards sustainability, Chemovator, the venture arm of BASF dedicated to fostering innovation, has finalized an investment in Heartland, a trailblazing Detroit-based startup known for its natural fiber plastic additives. Heartland is now part of Chemovator’s Elevate program, which nurtures early-stage chemical startups with the potential for significant impact.
Heartland’s innovative approach assists manufacturers in lessening the environmental impact of plastic and rubber goods
Heartland has assembled an adept team that includes scientists, engineers, and technologists to create hemp-derived materials. These materials serve as additives for plastics, enhancing properties such as flammability, bonding, dispersion, and density. This breakthrough is making natural fibers a feasible option for reducing scope 3 carbon emissions across various industries.
“Our partnership with global brands and suppliers facilitates the reduction of plastics’ carbon footprint on a vast industrial scale,” stated Jesse Henry, Heartland’s CEO.
Funding enhances Heartland’s strategic alliance and market reach
The investment marks Chemovator’s first venture into the North American market and bolsters Heartland’s position in the Elevate program. The program provides startups with financial support, expert access, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs to catalyze growth.
“Heartland’s commitment to natural fiber additives is in line with our mission to shape the chemical industry’s future. This investment not only diversifies our portfolio but also reaffirms our dedication to sustainable innovation,” commented Gati Kalim, Head of Portfolio Management at Chemovator.
Heartland’s existing collaboration with BASF’s North America Open Research Alliance (NORA) is further fortified by this investment.
“Our strengthened partnership with Heartland is a testament to our collaborative efforts, particularly in the Performance Materials division, to provide sustainable solutions,” remarked Thomas Holcombe, Head of NORA at BASF Corporation. “The alliance with Heartland propels us towards our goal of minimizing scope 3 emissions and crafting chemistry for a sustainable future.”
Chemovator’s investment empowers Heartland to expand its collaborations within BASF, fostering greater innovation and sustainability.
*Scope 3 emissions reductions are attributed to the biogenic uptake of natural fibers.
About Heartland Industries Inc.
Heartland is a pioneering material science company that specializes in producing natural fiber reinforcements for plastic. Their expertise in high-performance natural fiber additives aids manufacturers in reducing their scope 3 emissions, cutting costs and the carbon footprint of everyday items through their Imperium masterbatch.
About Chemovator GmbH
Chemovator is BASF’s business incubator and early-stage investor. Established in 2018 in Mannheim, it complements BASF’s existing innovation ecosystem, providing a safe space for exploring and maturing new business concepts, products, or services into scalable models. Chemovator’s environment is conducive to creativity, offering venture teams comprehensive support from seasoned entrepreneurs and investors, from concept to market launch.
