What Novamont Is All About
Novamont stands out as a certified B Corporation and a key international player in the world of biodegradable and compostable bioplastics. But it’s not just about plastics — they’re deeply involved in developing bioproducts and biochemicals derived entirely or partially from plant sources. The company’s roots trace back nearly thirty years to the Montedison School of Materials Science, where a group of researchers kicked off an ambitious project blending chemistry, environment, and agriculture under the inspiring motto: “Living chemistry for the quality of life.” Fast forward to today, Novamont operates as part of Versalis (Eni), boasting five production sites across Italy and Estonia, three research centers including the Matrìca Research Center in joint venture with Versalis, plus three technological hubs. Their reach extends globally with commercial offices in Germany, France, Spain, and the United States, and a distribution network spanning over forty countries.
Main Benefits and Key Facts
Novamont’s journey is marked by innovation and scale, bringing to life 13 proprietary technologies, including four groundbreaking firsts in bioplastics and bioproducts production. Here’s a quick snapshot:
- 5 production sites (4 in Italy, 1 in Estonia)
- 3 research centers, including a JV research hub with Versalis
- 3 technological hubs equipped from lab scale to pilot plants
- Distribution network in over 40 countries worldwide
- 13 proprietary technologies developed, 4 of which are industry firsts
- Focus areas include bioplastics, biotechnology, agronomy, organic chemistry, and product ecology
Driving the Circular Bioeconomy
Novamont is more than a company making bioplastics — it’s a pioneer promoting the shift from a traditional product economy to a system economy. This means enhancing local territories through a circular bioeconomy approach. The goal? To rethink how materials and applications are produced, consumed, and disposed of, sparking virtuous local supply chains. Their bioplastics and bioproducts are designed to biodegrade in various environments — compost, soil, water — helping protect ecosystems and natural capital. This circular model is deeply embedded in their DNA, from repurposing disused industrial sites to fostering integrated agricultural supply chains and crafting products that tackle real environmental, economic, and social challenges.
Protecting Soil and Water: The Novamont Model
At the heart of Novamont’s mission lies a commitment to safeguarding two vital natural resources: soil and water. Their compostable bioplastics are specifically designed to divert organic waste from landfills, turning it into compost — a valuable soil amendment and a powerful tool against land degradation. Meanwhile, their biodegradable plastics intended for soil applications address scenarios where environmental dispersion is a risk. Beyond plastics, Novamont’s plant protection products, biolubricants, and cosmetic ingredients are crafted for ready biodegradability, significantly cutting down pollutants in soils and waters, especially in sectors where environmental dispersion is unavoidable.
Commitment to Ethical Reporting and Human Rights
Novamont takes transparency seriously, ensuring a robust Reporting Management System that handles all reports — anonymous or not — from the company and its subsidiaries. This commitment aligns with Eni’s broader stance on human rights, emphasizing the prevention of modern slavery and human trafficking. Eni’s 2024 statement underscores the dignity of every individual and the company’s responsibility to foster well-being in communities impacted by its operations. This ethical foundation supports Novamont’s sustainable and socially responsible business practices.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 15: Life on Land
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Innovating for a Greener Tomorrow
Novamont’s story is one of innovation meeting responsibility. By integrating chemistry, biotechnology, and agronomy, they’re crafting solutions that don’t just serve markets but also nurture the planet. Their circular bioeconomy model isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a practical framework that transforms waste into resources, supports local economies, and reduces environmental footprints. With a global presence and a clear mission, Novamont exemplifies how industry can evolve to meet the challenges of sustainability head-on, proving that chemistry and ecology can indeed go hand in hand.
