Starbons Limited

Starbons Limited is a chemical manufacturing company that develops patented, bio-based mesoporous materials known as Starbons. These materials are derived from biorenewable polysaccharides, such as starch, alginic acid, and pectin, through a carbonization process that fixes their structure and enables a long shelf life. Often described as a solid sponge, these materials possess high surface areas and tuneable surface functionalities, ranging from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. This technology allows for the selective capture and release of specific compounds, offering a sustainable, biodegradable, and non-toxic alternative to conventional separation systems.

The company provides tailored technical solutions to meet specific customer separation needs across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, home and personal care, and environmental management. Applications range from isolating active pharmaceutical ingredients from complex mixtures to metal extraction, de-odourization, and toxic gas capture. By working closely with customers to customize surface properties, Starbons aims to simplify complex industrial processes, such as the efficient extraction of cannabinoids. Originally established in 2012 as a spin-out from the University of York’s Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence, the company transitioned into an independent, privately-owned business in 2017.