GuaTecs

Natural rubber was classified in 2017 as a European Critical Raw Material. Without latex, there would be no gloves, and without rubber, no tires. A first European Project, EU-PREALS: EU-based Production and Exploitation of Alternative Rubber and Latex Sources, was launched with especially CIRAD partner. The EUDR, the EU Deforestation Regulation, now targets Hevea.

GuaTecs is producing natural latex & rubber from guayule biomass through a water-based (CIRAD patented) extraction process, together with coproducts (materials and bioactive resin) from the remaining bagasse, under eco-extraction and bio-refinery strategies (no solvent, no waste). 

Guayule, a perennial bush native to the Mexican desert, now cultivated in Southern France by farmers contracted by GuaTecs, is a perfect solution to climate warming in Southern Europe. 

GuaTecs, launched by CIRAD senior experts in green processing of natural products, is a Deep Tech Start-Up, and recognized by the French Ministry of Research through a i-Lab award.

The latex is starting to be sold, currently at a low scale to glove producers who are seeking locally sourced natural latex and rubber. The manufactured medical gloves are nonallergenic, stronger, and softer compared to those from current sources, Hevea and petrosourced.

The quality of our products has been validated at a pilot scale. 2024 turnover has been 260 000 euros, with a staff of ten. GuaTecs is fundraising to reach the demo scale. 

This new and highly innovative agro-industry production chain is good for the planet, the people and for business. Guayule latex has been labeled as an efficient solution by the Solar Impulse Foundation and GuaTecs has been awarded by CleanTech Open France. 

GuaTecs is a partner of the MIDAS project funded by EU: Marginal lands and industrial crops for the European bioeconomy. Guayule crop is possible in marginal lands, with no or low irrigation, no pesticides.

We already identified follower investors, and are now scooting for a leader investor to close a 3Meuros fundraising. The French Organizations BPI and ADEME will then input 6 Meuros additional subsidies.