IonKraft receives 3.5 million euros

Green light for sustainable packaging: IonKraft secures €3.5 million in funding to bring plasma-based coatings to market

Achen, November 18, 2024 - Aachen-based startup IonKraft GmbH has successfully closed a first financing round of 3.5 million euros. The round was led by M Ventures, Merck's strategic investment fund, and TechVision Fonds (TVF), with support from High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF). The capital will be invested in the scaling of production and the market launch of the innovative, plasma-based barrier coatings.

Barrier coatings for a sustainable packaging industry

IonKraft was founded in 2021 as a spin-off of RWTH Aachen University by Dr. Montgomery Jaritz and Benedikt Heuer. The patented technology offers an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional barrier packaging, which is difficult to recycle. IonKraft's plasma-based coatings replace multilayer materials and PFAS-containing solutions and enable fully recyclable packaging with a high barrier effect - comparable to glass, but chemically resistant and shatterproof.

Our technology can help packaging manufacturers replace millions of non-recyclable materials with environmentally friendly alternatives

Benedikt Heuer, Co-Founder IonKraft

The coatings also make it possible to use recycled plastics for sensitive products such as food or cosmetics.

Successful milestones and broad market growth

IonKraft has made significant technological progress thanks to funding programs such as the EXIST research transfer and the EU's EIC Accelerator. The first industrial coating system will be put into operation at a customer by the end of 2024. Products with IonKraft coatings are planned for 2025.

IonKraft offers a market-ready solution that can be easily integrated into existing production lines and significantly advances the circular economy

Björn Lang, Partner at TVF Management

Mission: Circular economy in the packaging industry

The financing round enables IonKraft to accelerate production and market launch.

IonKraft's coating offers an alternative to regulated substances such as PFAS and convinces with its versatility in recyclable packaging. The technology could set a new industry standard.

Owen Lozman, Managing Director of M Ventures

IonKraft aims to revolutionize the global packaging industry and provide fully recyclable packaging solutions. The technology enables companies to significantly lower their environmental impact and reduce the carbon footprint of their products. With the new funding, IonKraft plans to expand its team, scale the production of coating machines and convince other industries of the benefits of its technology.