Trillium Renewable Chemicals

Alabama-based Trillium is a startup that uses a patented, two-step process to produce bio-based acrylonitrile (bio-ACN), which is used to manufacture toys, personal care products, apparel, and food. Trillium’s bio-ACN is produced with a lower carbon footprint as it uses plant-based feedstocks, such as glycerol. Founded in 2021, the company notes that it took seven years of research and development and pilot testing to be ready to scale commercial production.

In December 2022, the company reported that it is building a bio-based acrylonitrile demonstration plant (capacity undisclosed) with its development partner, Matric, which will accelerate the commercialization of Trillium’s process to manufacture bio-ACN to be supplied to Solvay .

Key customers and partnerships

Trillium had been working together with Solvay, a Belgium-based science and technology company supplying raw materials and chemicals, on developing the bio-ACN manufacturing processes since 2014. Trillium develops and supplies bio-ACN to Solvay, who will then use it to check its compatibility for carbon-fiber production and use in applications such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and consumer goods. Trillium has also signed development agreements with Hyosung, an investor who took part in the funding round, to supply its products for the production of carbon fiber.

Funding and financials

In December 2022, the company raised USD 10.6 million in a Series A funding round to build a demonstration-scale plant for its catalytic bio-ACN process. The company also received USD 2.5 million in grant funding from the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Advanced Manufacturing Office to support building its plant.