Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon
Develops fully recyclable, water-based 3D printing ink from upcycled lignin for room-temperature direct ink writing, enabling sustainable, circular manufacturing.
- CEO / Founder
- Oliver Zielinski
- Team Size
- 1001-5000
- Stage
- Established
- Total Funding
- $100M
- Latest Round
- Grant
- Key Investors
- German Federal Government; State of Schleswig-Holstein; Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg; State of Lower Saxony; State of Brandenburg; European Union
Technology & Products
Key Products
High-performance materials, processes, and environmentally friendly technologies for mobility and new energy systems. Specific projects include EarlyCorr (corrosion detection), DigiPass (advanced materials ecosystems), NESSHY (solid hydrogen storage), COSY (solid state reactions for energy efficiency), OntoTRANS (ontology driven translation environment), MARINAL (aluminium in marine constructions), MACBETH (membranes and catalysts for CO2 applications).
Technological Advantage
Proprietary formulation achieves technical performance comparable to fossil-based materials while offering superior sustainability; process is energy-efficient and supports circular economy.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Reduces environmental impact by using industrial waste (lignin) to create 100% recyclable printing materials that eliminate fossil-based inputs and enable closed-loop production cycles.
How They Differentiate
Unlike conventional petroleum-based 3D printing materials, offers a fully recyclable, bio-based alternative with room-temperature processing and waste-derived composition.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Industrial manufacturers, research institutions, and companies seeking sustainable additive manufacturing materials
Industry Verticals
Industrial Manufacturing; Consumer Goods; Prototyping; Sustainable Technology
Competitors
Springer Nature; Frame Pharmaceuticals BV; OrbiMed Advisors LLC
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Approximately 1,100 employees; €83 million in basic funding (approximately $100M USD); 22 registered patents; Member of Helmholtz Association with €6.19 billion annual budget
Major Milestones
1956: Founded as GKSS; 2021: Renamed to Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon; 2024: Developed recyclable lignin-based 3D printing ink
Notable Customers
TUI Cruises; Industrial Partners in HI-ACTS Platform; French Companies