IonKraft, a German startup based in Aachen and a spin-off from RWTH Aachen University, has successfully completed its first equity funding round, raising 3.5 million euros. The round was co-led by M Ventures, the strategic investment arm of Merck, and TechVision Fund, with additional support from High-Tech Gründerfonds.
The company specialises in innovative plasma-based barrier coating technology, designed to replace non-recyclable materials currently used in packaging and enable a fully circular approach. The funds will be utilised to prepare for market entry and scale up production.
Revolutionising packaging through research
IonKraft was founded in 2021 by Dr Montgomery Jaritz and Benedikt Heuer. During his research at the Institute of Plastics Processing, Dr Jaritz identified a market opportunity for plasma coatings. This discovery led to the development of a patented high-barrier technology, offering chemical resistance comparable to glass while ensuring complete recyclability.
This innovation allows manufacturers to replace millions of tonnes of non-recyclable multilayer or fluorinated (PFAS) packaging, providing a sustainable alternative for applications in the food and cosmetics sectors.
From validation to market entry
Supported by the EXIST research transfer programme of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), IonKraft has developed machinery capable of applying coatings to a variety of containers and collaborated with numerous industrial partners to test and validate the technology.
In 2023, the company received additional funding from the European EIC Accelerator programme, which supports high-impact innovations. This funding enabled the completion of its first industrial coating system, scheduled to be operational by the end of the year. The market launch of the first products featuring IonKraft coatings is planned for 2025.
Setting a new standard for circularity
IonKraft’s mission is to transform the packaging industry by eliminating non-recyclable materials and offering environmentally friendly solutions that reduce both environmental impact and carbon footprint. The plasma-based technology also facilitates the inclusion of recycled materials in packaging for sensitive products such as food and cosmetics.
With this latest funding round, the German company aims to expand its team and scale up machinery production, solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable packaging innovation.
