altM Launches Biorefinery Pilot Plant in Bengaluru for Sustainable Materials
AltM, a deep-tech materials company, has launched its integrated biorefinery pilot plant in Bengaluru, India. This facility marks altM's transition from lab R&D to pilot-scale manufacturing, producing industrial-grade, bio-derived materials. Operating at 15-50 tons per annum, the plant aims to validate sustainable alternatives to fossil-derived chemicals for sectors like cosmetics and construction. The initiative seeks to prove the commercial viability and scalability of bio-based materials, with early revenue projected from Q1 2026 and a commercial plant planned for 2027.
AltM, an innovative deep-tech materials company, has inaugurated its fully integrated biorefinery pilot plant in Bengaluru, India, on February 9. This strategic move signifies the company's shift from laboratory research and development to practical pilot-scale manufacturing of sustainable, bio-derived materials. The new facility is designed to validate the production of industrial-grade alternatives to fossil-derived chemicals, ensuring drop-in compatibility with existing manufacturing systems.The pilot plant boasts a production capacity of 15-50 tons per annum, allowing altM to scale production from kilograms to tons while rigorously testing throughput, yield, quality, and unit economics under real industrial conditions. Initial materials, including a cellulose-based rheology modifier, a 100% formaldehyde-free lignin wood adhesive, and a lignin-based UV blocker, are already undergoing evaluation across performance-sensitive sectors such as cosmetics, wood adhesives, and construction.Apoorv Garg, CEO & Co-Founder, emphasized that the pilot aims to demonstrate that bio-based materials can meet industrial performance and commercial requirements at scale, seamlessly integrating into value chains. COO Yugal Raj Jain added that the plant allows them to stress-test operations and refine process controls for robust commercial deployment. AltM anticipates generating early commercial revenue from Q1 2026, with plans to commission its first commercial manufacturing plant (1,500-2,000 TPA) in 2027, eventually scaling to 10,000 TPA within five years through a decentralized production model. The company utilizes agricultural residue as feedstock and successfully raised $3.5 million in a seed round in August 2023.
