Polykey, the startup from Donostia – San Sebastian —one of the most important cities in the Basque Country— produces polymers obtained from renewable resources (bio-based) and develops technologies for the chemical recycling of plastics. (Autor: Gonzalo Alonso de Carlos)
The natural polymers come from renewable and sustainable material sources, such as plants or waste products. Taking advantage of their sustainable component is the main objective of the San Sebastian start-up Polykey, which develops technology that allows polyurethane manufacturers to have natural materials for their production chain.
‘We offer personalised services that help to move from the linear production of plastics to a circular and sustainable economy’, explain Andere Basterretxea Gorostiza and Coralie Jehanno, its promoters.
The startup born in 2020, produces biodegradable polymers for companies specialising in the manufacture of polyurethane. ‘Our technology makes it possible to produce polymers that can be derived from biomass. They offer good mechanical properties and resilience at high temperatures’, they emphasise. This line of business is joined by the development of systems for the chemical recycling of plastics, an emerging sector but one that is increasingly attracting the attention of the waste industry.
In addition to this range of products, the company offers sustainable solutions for the development of next-generation batteries. In particular, it is developing a production line focused on polymers suitable for improving the performance of batteries and bioelectronic devices.
In addition to providing technology to improve sustainability to companies involved in the manufacture and recycling of plastic polymers, Polykey participates in research projects with European partners to produce innovative eutectogels for bioelectronic applications, smart sensors for battery longevity with recyclability and synthesis of sustainable polymers with innovative catalytic strategies, among other lines of research.
Entities such as BIC Gipuzkoa, the POLYMAT Institute, the Basque Government and the UPV/EHU have collaborated from the outset with this innovative startup that is an international benchmark in its field of research and which, among its achievements, stands out for having received the ‘Toribio Echevarría New Business Award’ four years ago. Likewise, this year Polykey has received the ‘TOP101’ award, given to several Basque startups in recognition of their trajectory.
