New Iridium: Pioneering the Future of Sustainable Chemicals
June 12, 2025, 9:33 am
New Iridium
Total raised: $2.65M
In the heart of Denver, a quiet revolution is brewing. New Iridium, a sustainable chemical company, has just secured $2.65 million in seed funding. This financial boost is not just a number; it’s a stepping stone toward a greener future. The funding round was led by Radicle Growth and CIRI Ventures, with support from Evergreen Climate Innovations and Climate Insiders. These investors are not just backing a company; they are investing in a vision—a vision of low-carbon, sustainable chemical manufacturing.
Founded in 2020 by Dr. Chern-Hooi Lim, New Iridium is on a mission. The company aims to transform the chemical industry by creating a platform for low-cost, low-carbon chemical production. Think of it as a bridge connecting renewable resources to high-value chemicals. By integrating thermal and photocatalytic technologies with bio-based feedstocks and captured CO₂, New Iridium is turning waste into wealth. This innovative approach is like alchemy for the modern age.
The funds will accelerate the development of New Iridium’s flagship technology. It’s a platform designed to produce bio-based acetic acid and ethyl acetate—two essential chemicals that play a crucial role in various industries. From personal care products to paints and adhesives, these chemicals are everywhere. Yet, they are often derived from fossil fuels, contributing to environmental degradation. New Iridium’s products, however, are different. They are 100% bio-based, certified by the USDA BioPreferred® program. This certification is a badge of honor, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability.
The pilot facility, with a capacity of 50 metric tons per year, will be a game-changer. It will validate the scalability of New Iridium’s processes. Imagine a factory that not only produces chemicals but does so with minimal environmental impact. This facility will be a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets sustainability.
New Iridium’s technology leverages the vast resources of the U.S. corn and bio-ethanol industries. This is a strategic move. By utilizing domestically sourced bio-ethanol, the company is tapping into existing infrastructure while promoting local economies. It’s like planting seeds in fertile soil—ensuring growth and sustainability.
The chemical industry is a behemoth, with acetic acid ranking among the top ten highest-volume organic chemicals globally. Its applications are vast, spanning consumer goods and industrial uses. Ethyl acetate, too, is a heavyweight in the market. Together, these chemicals represent a multi-billion-dollar industry. New Iridium’s bio-based versions are not just alternatives; they are drop-in replacements for their fossil-derived counterparts. This means industries can transition to greener options without overhauling their existing systems. It’s a win-win.
The seed funding is not just a financial boost; it’s a validation of New Iridium’s potential. Investors see the promise in a company that is redefining chemical manufacturing. The backing from Radicle Growth, with its strong ties to the corn and bio-ethanol sectors, signals confidence in New Iridium’s model. This partnership is like a lighthouse guiding the way through the fog of uncertainty in the chemical industry.
New Iridium is not just about producing chemicals; it’s about creating a new paradigm. The company is focused on resilience and supply chain security. In a world where disruptions are common, having a localized supply chain is crucial. New Iridium’s modular and distributed manufacturing approach aligns with regional feedstock availability and renewable energy infrastructure. This strategy is akin to building a fortress—strong, adaptable, and ready to withstand challenges.
The company is also advancing a pipeline of CO₂-derived building block chemicals. These include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and methyl methacrylate ester. Each of these chemicals plays a vital role in various applications, from plastics to coatings. By developing these products, New Iridium is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable chemical production. It’s like being at the helm of a ship navigating toward uncharted waters.
As the world grapples with climate change, the need for sustainable solutions has never been more pressing. New Iridium is answering that call. The company’s innovative processes are designed for low-cost and low-carbon operation. This is not just about profit; it’s about responsibility. It’s about leaving a better world for future generations.
In conclusion, New Iridium is more than a company; it’s a movement. With its recent funding, the company is poised to make significant strides in the sustainable chemical landscape. The vision is clear: a future where chemicals are produced responsibly, without compromising the planet. As New Iridium embarks on this journey, it carries the hopes of many who believe in a greener tomorrow. The road ahead may be challenging, but with innovation as its compass, New Iridium is ready to lead the way.
Founded in 2020 by Dr. Chern-Hooi Lim, New Iridium is on a mission. The company aims to transform the chemical industry by creating a platform for low-cost, low-carbon chemical production. Think of it as a bridge connecting renewable resources to high-value chemicals. By integrating thermal and photocatalytic technologies with bio-based feedstocks and captured CO₂, New Iridium is turning waste into wealth. This innovative approach is like alchemy for the modern age.
The funds will accelerate the development of New Iridium’s flagship technology. It’s a platform designed to produce bio-based acetic acid and ethyl acetate—two essential chemicals that play a crucial role in various industries. From personal care products to paints and adhesives, these chemicals are everywhere. Yet, they are often derived from fossil fuels, contributing to environmental degradation. New Iridium’s products, however, are different. They are 100% bio-based, certified by the USDA BioPreferred® program. This certification is a badge of honor, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability.
The pilot facility, with a capacity of 50 metric tons per year, will be a game-changer. It will validate the scalability of New Iridium’s processes. Imagine a factory that not only produces chemicals but does so with minimal environmental impact. This facility will be a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets sustainability.
New Iridium’s technology leverages the vast resources of the U.S. corn and bio-ethanol industries. This is a strategic move. By utilizing domestically sourced bio-ethanol, the company is tapping into existing infrastructure while promoting local economies. It’s like planting seeds in fertile soil—ensuring growth and sustainability.
The chemical industry is a behemoth, with acetic acid ranking among the top ten highest-volume organic chemicals globally. Its applications are vast, spanning consumer goods and industrial uses. Ethyl acetate, too, is a heavyweight in the market. Together, these chemicals represent a multi-billion-dollar industry. New Iridium’s bio-based versions are not just alternatives; they are drop-in replacements for their fossil-derived counterparts. This means industries can transition to greener options without overhauling their existing systems. It’s a win-win.
The seed funding is not just a financial boost; it’s a validation of New Iridium’s potential. Investors see the promise in a company that is redefining chemical manufacturing. The backing from Radicle Growth, with its strong ties to the corn and bio-ethanol sectors, signals confidence in New Iridium’s model. This partnership is like a lighthouse guiding the way through the fog of uncertainty in the chemical industry.
New Iridium is not just about producing chemicals; it’s about creating a new paradigm. The company is focused on resilience and supply chain security. In a world where disruptions are common, having a localized supply chain is crucial. New Iridium’s modular and distributed manufacturing approach aligns with regional feedstock availability and renewable energy infrastructure. This strategy is akin to building a fortress—strong, adaptable, and ready to withstand challenges.
The company is also advancing a pipeline of CO₂-derived building block chemicals. These include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and methyl methacrylate ester. Each of these chemicals plays a vital role in various applications, from plastics to coatings. By developing these products, New Iridium is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable chemical production. It’s like being at the helm of a ship navigating toward uncharted waters.
As the world grapples with climate change, the need for sustainable solutions has never been more pressing. New Iridium is answering that call. The company’s innovative processes are designed for low-cost and low-carbon operation. This is not just about profit; it’s about responsibility. It’s about leaving a better world for future generations.
In conclusion, New Iridium is more than a company; it’s a movement. With its recent funding, the company is poised to make significant strides in the sustainable chemical landscape. The vision is clear: a future where chemicals are produced responsibly, without compromising the planet. As New Iridium embarks on this journey, it carries the hopes of many who believe in a greener tomorrow. The road ahead may be challenging, but with innovation as its compass, New Iridium is ready to lead the way.