Dutch climate technology company Vertoro has secured €17 million (approximately US$19.7 million) in its first Series B funding round to accelerate the commercialization of its renewable oil technology derived from plant-based waste.
- Vertoro’s Renewable Oil Technology Targets Hard-to-Abate Sectors
- Initial Focus on Sustainable Chemicals and Industrial Materials
- Supporting Maritime Decarbonization
- Advancing Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production
- Strong Investor Support for Climate Innovation
- Airbus and Qantas Back SAF Innovation
- Growing Demand for Low-Carbon Fuel Alternatives
The funding will support the company’s efforts to scale production and expand the deployment of its technology, which converts lignin-rich biomass into a renewable feedstock that can replace fossil-based oils in fuels, chemicals, and industrial materials.
Vertoro’s Renewable Oil Technology Targets Hard-to-Abate Sectors
Founded in 2017 in the Netherlands, Vertoro focuses on transforming lignin, a major component of plant biomass, into a liquid renewable oil that can serve as a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuels and petrochemical feedstocks.
Unlike many traditional biofuel production methods, Vertoro’s process operates at relatively low temperatures and pressures and does not require catalysts. According to the company, this approach can help reduce production costs while enabling wider adoption across multiple industries.
The technology is designed to support decarbonization efforts in sectors where emissions reductions remain challenging, including aviation, maritime transport, chemicals, and advanced manufacturing.
Initial Focus on Sustainable Chemicals and Industrial Materials
Vertoro plans to initially target higher-value chemical applications where renewable feedstocks can replace fossil-derived raw materials.
Its renewable oil can be used in the production of thermoplastics, industrial chemicals, and other materials, helping manufacturers reduce the carbon footprint of their products while meeting growing sustainability requirements.
The company believes this strategy will generate near-term commercial opportunities while supporting long-term scaling of its technology.
Supporting Maritime Decarbonization
In addition to chemicals, Vertoro’s renewable oil can be utilized as a drop-in fuel solution for the maritime shipping industry.
Shipping remains one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonize due to its reliance on heavy fossil fuels and the limited availability of commercially viable low-carbon alternatives.
By offering a renewable fuel option that can be integrated into existing infrastructure, Vertoro aims to help shipping companies reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining operational efficiency.
Advancing Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production
The company is also developing technologies to upgrade its renewable oil into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a critical solution for reducing aviation emissions.
As governments, airlines, and aircraft manufacturers intensify efforts to decarbonize air travel, SAF is increasingly viewed as one of the most practical pathways for lowering lifecycle carbon emissions in the aviation sector.
Vertoro noted that its renewable oil is compatible with existing refinery infrastructure, potentially allowing for faster adoption without requiring major changes to current fuel supply chains.
Commenting on the company’s vision, Dirk den Ouden, incoming CEO of Vertoro, said:
“Vertoro is building a bridge between sustainable biomass and the global fuel system. By creating a renewable oil that can serve multiple industries, from chemicals to shipping to aviation, we can scale faster and deliver meaningful emissions reductions sooner.”
Strong Investor Support for Climate Innovation
The Series B funding round consists of €10 million in new equity investment and €7 million in converted loan notes.
The financing was co-led by Maersk Growth and Invest-NL, with participation from:
- Climate Tech Partners
- Energietransitiefonds Rotterdam (ETFR)
- LIOF
- SHIFT Invest
- Brightlands Venture Partners (BVP)
The investment highlights growing interest in technologies that can accelerate industrial decarbonization while improving energy security and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Airbus and Qantas Back SAF Innovation
Climate Tech Partners participated in the funding round through support from the Airbus-Qantas Sustainable Aviation Fuel Partnership.
Launched in 2022, the initiative aims to accelerate the development of sustainable aviation fuel production capacity and support the aviation industry’s transition toward lower-carbon operations.
The partnership reflects increasing collaboration between airlines, aircraft manufacturers, investors, and technology companies to scale next-generation SAF solutions.
Commenting on the role of renewable fuels in aviation decarbonization, Julien Manhes, Airbus Head of Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Carbon Dioxide Removal, said:
“SAF has the potential to reduce aviation emissions by up to 80% on a thru-life basis. Renewable energy companies like Vertoro are helping make this a reality while addressing the need to fast-track fuel security by bringing production closer to the source of feedstocks.”
Growing Demand for Low-Carbon Fuel Alternatives
The funding comes as demand for sustainable fuels and renewable feedstocks continues to increase globally.
Governments and industries are seeking scalable solutions that can reduce emissions across sectors while strengthening energy resilience and supporting climate targets.
With applications spanning chemicals, shipping, and aviation, Vertoro’s renewable oil technology positions the company to play a growing role in the transition toward a lower-carbon and more sustainable global economy.
As investment in climate technology accelerates, innovations that can leverage existing infrastructure while reducing lifecycle emissions are expected to attract increasing attention from both investors and industry stakeholders.
