IonKraft

The firm's core business revolves around the production and sale of plasma coating machines that apply a recyclable, glass-like nanocoating to plastic containers. This technology, which uses a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process, creates a chemically inert, high-barrier layer on mono-material plastics that is less than 100 nanometers thick. The coating provides a protective barrier against gas and liquid diffusion, comparable to traditional multi-layer or fluorinated packaging, without compromising the container's recyclability. This process is a sustainable alternative to non-recyclable multi-layer plastics and fluorination, a process that produces per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and faces increasing regulatory restrictions.

IonKraft's business model targets packaging manufacturers across various industries, including chemicals, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, whose products require barrier solutions. The company's machines are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing production lines, allowing manufacturers to transition to fully recyclable packaging. The company validated its technology with industry partners and secured approvals for recyclability from Recyclass and the Association of Plastic Recyclers. IonKraft has received significant financial backing, including a €3.5 million equity round in late 2024 co-led by M Ventures and TechVision Fund, with participation from High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF). This funding is aimed at scaling production and preparing for a full market launch, with the first industrial coating system deployment scheduled by the end of 2024 and product launches set for 2025.