01.06.2026 • Product

ReduCO₂: FLTMC Finalist

ReduCO₂ is one of the finalists for the From Lab to Market Challenge.

Public Voting

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Co-Founders
L-R: Andreas Hettmann, Stefan Pitsch, and Lotta Ternieten, Co-Founders, ReduCO₂
© ReduCO₂

We spoke with Lotta Ternieten, Stefan Pitsch, and Andreas Hettmann (Co-Founders) about ReduCO₂, one of the finalists in the From Lab to Market Challenge. 

CHEManager: What is your technology, and what makes it work?

Lotta Ternieten, Stefan Pitsch, & Andreas Hettmann: ReduCO₂ transforms industrial CO₂ and hydrogen into high-purity graphite using a reactor process inspired by natural graphite formation. By replicating geological carbon crystallization under controlled conditions, we selectively grow battery-grade graphite while avoiding mining, toxic precursors and rare catalytic metals. The result is a scalable, cleaner and locally producible critical raw material.

What problem does your technology solve, and what is the business potential?

L. Ternieten, S. Pitsch, & A. Hettmann: ReduCO₂ addresses the growing shortage of high-purity graphite, a critical raw material for batteries and clean technologies. Today, over 90% of refined graphite is produced in China, creating supply risks and geopolitical dependence, while conventional production is highly polluting. We offer a scalable, local and cleaner alternative for a global graphite market projected to exceed USD 20 billion by 2030 as demand increasingly outpaces supply.

What's the next milestone your team is working towards?

L. Ternieten, S. Pitsch, & A. Hettmann: ReduCO₂ addresses the growing shortage of high-purity graphite, a critical raw material for batteries and clean technologies. Today, over 90% of refined graphite is produced in China, creating supply risks and geopolitical dependence, while conventional production is highly polluting. We offer a scalable, local and cleaner alternative for a global graphite market projected to exceed USD 20 billion by 2030 as demand increasingly outpaces supply.


Special Issue

Circular Plastics Economy
Explore the Future of Plastics

Circular Plastics Economy

This special CHEManager issue explores the industry’s pivotal shift towards a more sustainable, circular plastics value chain. Readers will find expert analysis and real-world solutions for today’s most pressing recycling and regulatory challenges.

From Lab to Market Challenge

Vote Now: Germany's Most Promising Chemistry Start-ups
Choose your favourite among the finalists

Vote Now: Germany's Most Promising Chemistry Start-ups

The "From Lab to Market Challenge" brings together the most promising founders from chemistry, materials science, and industrial biotechnology. Starting June 1st, you can cast your public vote for the finalists on CHEManager.com — before the award ceremony with €10,000 in prizes takes place on June 25th.

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