Information about the startup

Nettle TOC BV is a start-up founded by Natalia Lips. Since autumn 2019, this company has been located at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen. However, Nettle TOC BV is currently based in Breda. From 2017 onwards, Natalia spent two years researching polymers and composites in the chemical sector. The result (a combination of natural fibres and polymers) formed the basis for the company. Nettle TOC is engaged in the development of biocomposites based on nettles, which can be used in the form of granules (injection moulding) and filaments (3D printing) as a sustainable replacement for existing petroleum-based materials.

In 2019, this company was selected for the Brightlands Innovation Factory's “Redefining Chemistry” incubation programme at the Chemelot Campus. This programme prepares early-stage start-ups in the field of sustainability and materials to give their business a flying start. After completing the programme, Nettle TOC successfully applied for a feasibility grant from the LBDF (LIOF) Proof-of-Principle fund. During this feasibility study, the company also worked closely with CHILL Labs: a centre of expertise for chemistry based on the campus, which collaborates closely with major players such as DSM, SABIC and educational institutions in the region.

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In December 2020, the Nettle TOC team expanded with the arrival of a co-founder: Tatiana Dubovskaia. Tatiana has been active in start-ups and innovation projects in the field of urban farming for the past 10 years. At Nettle TOC, she is responsible for the commercial side of the business. Delphine Rompelberg completes the Nettle TOC team as CTO. Delphine first became involved with Nettle TOC as an intern during her applied natural sciences studies at Fontys University of Applied Sciences in Eindhoven, and then joined the company in 2021 as co-founder and CTO.

At first glance, it seems that the team's experience mainly relates to biocomposites. But that is not entirely true. The main idea behind the innovation is fibre processing. The fibre is processed in such a way that the quality and microelement composition of nettle fibres can be controlled. Research into the extraction process of nettles has always been fundamental, but the liquid extract itself was considered a by-product and the fibre was primary.

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For example, in 2023-2024, the MIT R&D project Industrial fermentation of nettle fibres for the production of new biocomposites was carried out. In this project, Nettle TOC investigated the effect of a fermentation process on the properties of the final composite.

A CKP project on the localisation of nettle fibres based on bioplastics in the textile industry was also carried out in 2023-2024. In collaboration with CompasAgro, nettle extract was used as a crop protection product. The first TSE was then implemented. Nettle TOC carefully studied the markets and prospects for various nettle-based products. The company focused on its main product: liquid crop protection products. And as an innovative sustainable by-product: a substrate substitute and a dry filler for composites.