Overview
ISC3 (International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre) is an international research and innovation hub headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, hosted by DECHEMA (Gesellschaft für Chemische Technik und Biotechnologie). Founded in 2019, ISC3 fosters the transition of the chemical and chemical-related industries to sustainable chemistry, promoting a circular economy and multifaceted sustainability at every product lifecycle step.
The organization serves as an innovation accelerator and network hub connecting researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders advancing sustainable chemical solutions, including significant work in bioplastics and bio-based materials.
Core Mission & Focus
Sustainable Chemistry Transition:
- Supporting chemical industry shift to sustainable practices
- Circular economy implementation
- Lifecycle sustainability assessment
- Environmental and social responsibility
Innovation Hub Activities:
- Startup incubation and acceleration
- Research project development and support
- Technology transfer and commercialization
- Knowledge sharing and networking
Bioplastics & Bio-Based Materials:
- Research support for bioplastic innovations
- Sustainable material development projects
- Circular economy material solutions
- Bio-based feedstock utilization research
ISC3 Innovation Hub
Startup Acceleration Program:
- Mentorship and business development support
- Funding connections and investor networks
- Technical expertise access
- Market entry guidance
Portfolio Companies & Projects:
- ZILA BioWorks: Bio-epoxy development from vegetable oils (hempseed, linseed oil)
- Plastale: Composite materials from plastic and crop waste (Egypt)
- Multiple other sustainable chemistry startups
Technology Focus Areas:
- Bio-based polymers and fibers
- Waste-to-value material conversion
- Composite materials from renewable sources
- Sustainable manufacturing processes
ZILA BioWorks (Portfolio Company)
Overview: American startup transforming manufacturing with greener chemistry
Technology:
- Vegetable oil-derived bio-epoxy formulations
- High-performance drop-in replacement for conventional epoxy
- Applications: Composites, adhesives, coatings
- Sustainable alternative to petroleum-based epoxy
Market Impact:
- Enabling cleaner manufacturing chemistry
- Reducing chemical industry environmental impact
- Performance-equivalent sustainable alternative
Plastale (Portfolio Company)
Overview: Egyptian startup producing bio-composite materials
Technology:
- Local plastic and crop waste utilization
- Energy and cost-efficient recycling process
- Composite material production from waste streams
- Circular economy implementation at local level
Impact:
- Waste valorization
- Local economic development
- Sustainable material production
- Resource-efficient manufacturing
Organizational Structure
Host Organization: DECHEMA
- German chemical technology association
- Represents chemical and biotechnology industries
- Supports research and innovation
Network Reach:
- International collaboration network
- Academic and research partnerships
- Industry relationships across chemical sectors
- European and global sustainability initiatives
Key Activities
Startup Support:
- Business model development
- Technology validation
- Funding and investment connections
- Market access facilitation
Knowledge Transfer:
- Research-to-industry translation
- Best practice sharing
- Industry-academia collaboration
- Sustainability guidance and standards
Advocacy & Policy:
- Sustainable chemistry promotion
- Policy recommendations to governments
- Industry leadership on sustainability transitions
- Circular economy advancement
Research & Innovation Focus
Bioplastics Development:
- Bio-based polymer research support
- Sustainable feedstock utilization
- Circular end-of-life solutions
- Performance and cost optimization
Composite Materials:
- Bio-reinforced composites
- Sustainable fiber utilization
- Lightweight and durable alternatives
- Multi-material circular systems
Circular Economy Solutions:
- Waste-to-value pathways
- Material recycling innovation
- Closed-loop system design
- Industrial symbiosis development
Mission Impact
ISC3 facilitates:
- Industry Transition: Supporting chemical companies’ shift to sustainability
- Startup Success: Accelerating sustainable innovation commercialization
- Supply Chain Innovation: Building circular economy value chains
- Knowledge Advancement: Advancing sustainable chemistry science and practice
- Market Creation: Enabling sustainable chemistry product markets
International Positioning
- Frankfurt Hub: Central European location for chemical industry engagement
- German Industry Context: Supporting Europe’s chemical transition
- Global Network: International partnerships in sustainable chemistry
- Research Community: Bridging academia and industry innovation
Last updated: February 27, 2026