KSE, Inc.

KSE, Inc. is a research and technology development firm that specializes in catalytic conversion processes for the chemical industry. Founded in 1977, the company focuses on advancing sustainable, bio-based innovations, including the transformation of biomass, waste streams, and captured CO2 into high-value building block chemicals. Operating from a 11,000-square-foot purpose-built facility in Sunderland, Massachusetts, KSE utilizes proprietary technologies such as integrated catalytic and reactive distillation (iCARD) to develop alternatives to traditional petroleum-based products. Their technical capabilities span chemical reaction engineering, separations, and forensic analysis, supported by pilot-scale manufacturing and analytical laboratory infrastructure. The firm holds numerous patents in heterogeneous catalyst design and application, with historical success in securing over 70 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs to advance these technologies.

The company serves as a partner to industries seeking to reduce carbon intensity and environmental impact by replacing legacy petroleum feedstocks with renewable, bio-based materials. Their solutions address key market needs in sectors such as plastics, polyesters, coatings, and adhesives, offering products like sustainable FDCA and acrylic acid derived from waste glycerin. By leveraging renewable feedstocks and circular carbon strategies, KSE helps clients improve process efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the thermo-mechanical and environmental performance of end materials. Their expertise is utilized in research development, process demonstration, and market testing, providing a bridge from bench-scale innovation to commercial feasibility for chemical process industries.