Alkivio

Alkivio Srl Società Benefit operates in the sustainable materials sector, positioning itself as a key player in the circular economy. The company was established in 2022 as a spin-off from a joint research lab between the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Novacart, a global leader in paper baking molds. This collaboration, initiated in 2016, was backed by a significant €2 million investment from Novacart to launch the startup.

The core of Alkivio's business is the transformation of paper production waste into a proprietary biocomposite material named AlkiPaper®. This patented technology converts residual paper, cardboard, and cellulose from Novacart's operations into biodegradable and compostable biopellets. These pellets serve as a direct substitute for traditional plastics and are compatible with standard industrial manufacturing processes like injection molding, extrusion, thermoforming, and 3D printing, eliminating the need for companies to modify their existing machinery. Alkivio has developed over 90 different formulations of AlkiPaper®, each with distinct physical and mechanical properties to meet diverse client needs.

Alkivio's revenue model is twofold. The company engages in the direct production and sale of its AlkiPaper® biocomposites to industrial clients. It also provides prototyping and technology consulting services for businesses aiming to integrate more sustainable materials into their production lines. The target market includes any company currently using traditional plastics across a wide range of sectors such as packaging, agriculture, consumer goods, and design. A notable milestone in 2024 was a collaboration agreement with Novatex, a multinational producer of agricultural nets, to develop a biodegradable alternative for forage protection, marking a significant entry into the agritech market.

The founding team includes CEO Fulvio Puzone, who transitioned from IIT's Technology Transfer department, alongside former IIT researchers and materials experts Malena Oliveros, Maria Genovese, and Alexander Davis, who now lead product development. The company's strategic location at Novacart's headquarters enables a "zero-kilometer" production cycle, converting waste into a high-value resource on-site, which exemplifies its commitment to industrial symbiosis and cost-efficiency.

Keywords: biocomposites, bioplastics, sustainable materials, circular economy, paper waste valorization, AlkiPaper, biodegradable materials, compostable pellets, plastic alternatives, green technology, industrial symbiosis, agritech, sustainable packaging, injection molding materials, extrusion materials, sustainable manufacturing, Novacart, Italian Institute of Technology, Fulvio Puzone, materials science