Shortly after port F was founded in January 2021, initial talks began with Biofiber Tech Sweden AB (BFT for short) to evaluate a possible strategic collaboration, including investment options. BFT is a successful greentech start-up that offers innovative solutions in the field of bio-based raw materials for various plastics applications. Due to shared visions and numerous overlaps between the start-up and the operational business areas of the Feddersen Group, the discussions quickly became concrete. In June 2022, the investment contracts were signed on both sides.
"The cooperation with BFT is not just about a pure equity investment, but in particular about the strategic cooperation between BFT and the subsidiaries of K.D. Feddersen Holding GmbH," explains Silke Hamm, responsible for business development at port F, and goes on to explain, "It is a win-win situation for us.
The Feddersen Group provides the start-up with operational support in the areas of sales, production and R&D. In return, we get access to a high-quality bio-based material for technical applications."
port F coordinates the strategic cooperation between BFT and the business areas of the Feddersen Group. Specifically, this includes sales & marketing for FibraQ and the FibraQ compounds, toll compounding and R&D projects with the K.D. Feddersen distribution companies, Akro-Plastic and Bio-Fed, among others. FibraQ are chemically modified wood fibres and wood fibre compounds that provide optimal compatibility with plastics to achieve the best possible properties in technical applications in injection moulding, extrusion, thermoforming and 3D printing. "The Feddersen Group is an excellent fit as a strategic investor, as the operating companies can help scale our business on different levels, says Sara Georgsson Business Development, Sales & Brand Management at BFT, adding "It is the perfect partner for us".
From left to right: Eric Zhang, Founder & Managing Director of Biofiber Tech Sweden AB, Volker Scheel, Managing Director of K.D. Feddersen Holding GmbH, Luis Valencia, Material Development and Application Biofiber Tech Sweden AB, Christian Gref, Director port F, Sara Georgsson, Business Development, Sales & Brand Management Biofiber Tech Sweden AB and Silke Hamm, Business Development port F.
port F was founded in January 2021 to be the Feddersen Group's Corporate Innovation Lab, driving innovation in the circular economy within the group. This is done through collaboration with players along the entire plastics value chain and through strategic cooperation with and investments in start-ups that have a high degree of overlap with the Feddersen Group's operational fields of activity.
With the internationally active Feddersen Group, port F has a strong backing. The group's core competencies lie in the development, production and distribution of engineering plastics as well as in mechanical engineering and trading in machinery for plastics processing. Engineering services and wholesale and foreign trade in stainless steel, other raw materials and technical products are also important pillars of the corporate group.
port F and the Feddersen Group look forward to supporting Biofiber Tech in the further development of FibraQ as well as in the successful development of new applications and geographical markets in the long term.
FibraQ® 3D compounds are used in a one-piece 3D printed kayak.
