Designed for scalability and versatility, the multi-purpose installation supports a wide array of tightly controlled treatments essential for producing advanced zeolites. These materials offer significant economic advantages in catalytic processes such as FCC, hydrocracking, dewaxing, petrochemical conversions and many circular applications. With an annual production capacity valued at approximately €25 million, the facility positions Zeopore for its next phase of industrial expansion.
“We are proud to have transitioned from pilot to semi-industrial production, following the completion and commissioning of the facility late last year,” said Leen Spooren, Operations Manager of Zeopore. “This new capability allows us to serve global partners with bigger volumes, premium-quality materials, and greater flexibility for joint development. It also enables a key step in the industrialisation of our high-performance products.”
Scaling up from lab-scale to semi-industrial processes is a challenging yet rewarding endeavour. The hands-on experience of assembling and operating the unit provided critical insights into process intensification. Key technological features — including a central valve system for precise mesoporisation control and Zeopore’s proprietary filtration processing — ensure both quality and cost-efficiency. Our processes start from low-cost, non-optimised parent zeolites, and result in high-performance, cost-effective zeolites and catalysts. In addition, mesoporous zeolites can be outfitted with both base metal and noble metal components as part of the catalyst recipe. Final products are collected, dried, packaged, and shipped directly to customers worldwide.
The Belgium-based semi-industrial facility aims to demonstrate safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible production. Zeopore’s premium catalysts not only enhance performance in traditional refining and petrochemical operations but also boost the economic feasibility of sustainable and circular catalytic applications.
“Zeopore’s modified zeolites are being produced at scale and will be delivered to multinational customers active in major markets,” added Kurt Du Mong, CEO of Zeopore. “Our materials are supporting cleaner, more energy-efficient catalytic processes and enabling the industry’s transition to renewable feedstocks, biofuels, biochemicals, CO2 valorisation, and chemical recycling of plastics.”
“Our products have been positively tested in advanced processes by leading global industry players. We are currently executing production runs from our Leuven facility,” said Du Mong. “With our proprietary technologies, Zeopore aims to become a supplier of choice in the zeolite catalyst industry and is targeting mid-term revenues of €200 million, with attractive profitability. Our ambition is to firmly anchor Zeopore as a key contributor to the future of the chemical industry.”