Paebbl’s mission is bold yet simple: to turn carbon from a liability into a valuable resource. This deep-tech company, originally founded across Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands, is stirring up traditional industries from its base at RDM Rotterdam in Rotterdam, where it is developing cutting-edge technology to permanently store CO₂ in materials for the largest industry on the planet: construction.
Contributing to global climate goals
Operating at the intersection of climate tech and advanced materials, Paebbl has developed a proprietary process that mineralizes captured CO₂ into solid materials. These materials can be used in construction and later on other industries, effectively locking away carbon while creating sustainable alternatives to traditional materials. The company’s innovation is a prime example of developments in the carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) sector, a rapidly growing field critical to achieving global climate goals.
From Sweden to the Netherlands: a strategic move
While Paebbl’s roots lie in the Nordics, the company chose Rotterdam as the home for its R&D and operations. The decision to join the innovative Dutch chemicals ecosystem was driven by strategic access to talent, infrastructure, and proximity to Europe’s chemical process industry. “Rotterdam offered us a fast start,” says Julia Oomens-Meer, Strategic Business Relations Lead at Paebbl. “We were able to attract experienced engineers and operators from the local industry, which was crucial for building our pilot and demo plants.”
Today, more than 75% of Paebbl’s workforce operates from Rotterdam, making it the company’s operational heart and Centre of Excellence for technology development, materials research, and employee training.
Tapping into the strong connectivity and talent in the Netherlands
Rotterdam’s reputation as a city of action resonated with Paebbl’s ethos. “You get to work with people who live and breathe ‘just getting stuff done’,” says Andreas Saari, co-founder and co-CEO at Paebbl. “The city’s connectivity, talent and supplier pool, high level of English proficiency, and vibrant innovation ecosystem made it an ideal location for us a fast-growing international startup.”
Paebbl’s journey in the Netherlands has been actively supported by the Invest in Holland network, including the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), Rotterdam Partners and the Rotterdam International Center, who played key roles in helping the company navigate local procedures, secure suitable business locations, and connect with the broader ecosystem.
“Rotterdam Partners helped us keep landlords sharp and help them understand the complexity of start-up businesses.” Julia notes. “They also facilitated connections to city entities and supported us in bringing international talent to the Netherlands, both vital aspects for any growing business.”
Embedding in the innovative chemicals ecosystem
Paebbl is already deeply embedded in Rotterdam’s business and innovation landscape. The company collaborates with local suppliers for plant buildup and operations and has already completed two real-life construction projects in the city, one in Rotterdam’s port area and one in the city.
Quick scale-up path
Operating in Rotterdam has offered Paebbl a quick scale-up path. The company has had the opportunity to rapidly expand its operations and production capacity by leveraging local talent and infrastructure. The port’s logistics capabilities have provided a blueprint for future supply chain development, and the city’s openness to international professionals has helped build a diverse and capable team.
Paebbl’s ambitions are global. The company is preparing to build its first commercial-scale plant in Europe, with plans to expand and replicate the model in other regions. Rotterdam will remain the core of its innovation efforts, serving as the Centre of Excellence for future technology development and employee training.
Paebbl’s presence in the Netherlands is a testament to the country’s ability to attract transformative companies and help them expand their business. With its pioneering approach to carbon utilization, Paebbl is contributing to the innovative chemicals ecosystem in the Netherlands, while at the same time helping shape a more sustainable future for the world.
Source: Rotterdam Partners
