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Insights - 28.02.25
Holiferm is pioneering a shift in the chemical industry through its innovative fermentation-based approach to manufacturing surfactants. Managing director Richard Lock and his team have a bold vision: to replace petrochemical-based products with sustainable, cost-effective alternatives without compromising on performance.
At its core, Holiferm operates much like a brewery – but instead of beer, the company brews chemicals using a natural fermentation process. This enables the production of biosurfactants, which are used in a wide range of applications, from personal care products to household cleaning solutions and even agriculture. Unlike traditional surfactants, Holiferm’s solutions are not only biodegradable but also inherently gentle on both skin and the environment.
“We use a process that has existed in nature for millions of years,” explains Lock. “It allows us to create 100% green and sustainable chemicals at price points that can compete with – and even outperform – fossil fuel-based alternatives.”
Navigating economic turbulence has been a challenge for many businesses, but Holiferm has found itself in a unique position. While large chemical manufacturers have struggled with declining demand post-COVID, Holiferm has thrived by aligning itself with consumer-driven trends toward sustainability.
“Consumers are becoming more conscious about what they buy,” says Lock. “There’s a growing preference for indie brands that prioritise ethical sourcing and sustainability. Larger companies are now taking notice, and that’s creating opportunities for us.”
Despite this momentum, talent acquisition remains a hurdle. The UK’s industrial biotech sector lacks a deep talent pool, making it difficult to find skilled professionals who understand the nuances of fermentation and disruptive technology.
“In the UK, we’re great at pharma and biotech, but industrial biotech is still in its infancy,” says Lock. “We need more risk-takers – people willing to embrace the unpredictability that comes with scaling a disruptive technology.”
Lock is passionate about the UK’s need to establish regional biochemical hubs to support the growth of industrial biotechnology. He argues that rather than concentrating research and development in a few large centres, the government should focus on creating a network of smaller, more agile facilities across the country.
“The North can play a key role in the next Industrial Bio-Revolution,” he states. “If we want to stay competitive, we need hubs in regions like Liverpool, Manchester, Teesside, and the South West, where businesses can access the infrastructure and expertise they need to scale up. Centralised mega-centers aren’t the answer – we need a spider web of innovation hubs that allow startups and scale-ups to thrive.”
Lock envisions these hubs as spaces where emerging biotech firms can conduct pilot-scale operations, access shared resources, and receive support for commercialisation. “Right now, the UK is great at getting biotech to the proof-of-concept stage, but we struggle with scaling it beyond that,” he explains. “If we really want to lead in this field, we need to de-risk investment in scaling up by providing the right infrastructure.”
With international backing from investors in the UK, Europe, and the US, Holiferm is gearing up for major expansion. Lock envisions a future where the company operates multiple large-scale manufacturing facilities across different regions, reducing transportation emissions and further embedding sustainability into its supply chain.
“In three years, we’ll have a multi-kiloton plant operational and a second facility either nearing completion or fully built,” he reveals. “We’re not just a biosurfactant company – we’re a fermentation powerhouse.”
Holiferm’s growth journey is a testament to the power of innovation and resilience. By leveraging cutting-edge fermentation technology, securing international investment, and tapping into shifting consumer demands, the company is well on its way to redefining the chemical industry.
As Lock puts it, “We’re not just creating greener products – we’re changing the way the world thinks about chemistry.”
