Låkril Technologies Achieves Major Milestone: Startup of First Continuous Pilot Plant for Bio-Based Acrylic Acid Production

Låkril’s proprietary catalyst and process technology converts low-cost lactic acid (from renewable sugars like corn, cane, beet, etc.) into a molecule-for-molecule drop-in acrylic acid with >90% selectivity

© Låkril Technologies

Låkril Technologies announces a key advancement in scaling its catalytic process for 100% bio-based acrylic acid (bio-AA). The company’s fourth plant – and first fully continuous pilot plant – was commissioned in December 2025. This plant is designed to produce samples for customers, advancing toward commercial scale sustainable, drop-in replacements for petrochemical chemicals.

Låkril’s proprietary catalyst and process technology converts low-cost lactic acid (from renewable sugars like corn, cane, beet, etc.) into a molecule-for-molecule drop-in acrylic acid with >90% selectivity. This enables true price parity with petroleum-based methods while achieving 80%+ CO2 reduction.

Acrylic acid is essential for paints, coatings, adhesives, superabsorbent polymers, and more—markets exceeding $12 billion globally. Låkril’s bio-AA offers a true drop-in solution that maintains performance, helping manufacturers meet demand for net-zero materials.

The technology has rapidly evolved since Låkril was founded, building strong barriers to entry. This fourth pilot plant progresses the process from batch/lab-scale to a fully integrated continuous system producing on-spec bio-AA at kilogram scale. Digital twins of the process are in place, with detailed engineering rapidly progressing.

“Our catalytic dehydration overcomes key challenges in the lactic-to-acrylic pathway with superior yields and economics,” said Chris Nicholas, CTO of Låkril Technologies. “This first continuous pilot – our fourth facility – delivers integrated production for customer samples and de-risks commercial scaling.”

Supported by Låkril’s team with ≈200 industry-related patents, the approach transforms agricultural resources, like corn, into high-value chemicals. Låkril is accelerating commercialization, capacity expansion, and technology licensing. This milestone underscores Låkril’s commitment to sustainable, cost-competitive bio- based acrylics that drive the green materials market and a lower-carbon future.

About Låkril Technologies

Låkril Technologies develops advanced catalysts and process technology to enable the drop-in replacement of petroleum with bio-based agricultural feedstocks for chemical production. Founded to advance the energy transition and strengthen feedstock security, the company delivers scalable, eco-friendly solutions that support industries worldwide. Learn more at lakril.com.

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