The Power of the Plant
Using plants to extract nickel from soil and then turning that nickel into stainless steel may sound like science fiction, but that’s exactly what Botanickel is doing.
Read moreOur Vision
It Starts with a Plant…
In order to survive in naturally metal-bearing soils, certain plants have developed, over the course of evolution, the incredible ability to hyperaccumulate metals by extracting them from the soil through their roots. Long considered anecdotal, the cultivation of these plants is now a credible and responsible alternative for producing nickel to supply the stainless steel industry.
Thus, driven by a strong raison d’être, Botanickel wishes to become the reference in the production of bio-sourced nickel through the development of a complete value chain, from the plants to the production of stainless steels, and carried out with complete respect for co-development, biodiversity and the climate.
Our Approach
Bio-Sourced Nickel Done Right
Botanickel’s activity is designed to meet the needs and challenges of a world well-aware of the limits of its planetary resources, around a value chain that is innovative, is environmentally friendly and creates shared values over the long-term.
- Remediation and improvement of land with low agricultural yields due to the presence of nickel
- Production of renewable energy from the harvested biomass
- Recovery and upgrading of extracted nickel for use in the production of stainless steel
- Production of bio-based fertilisers
in close collaboration with local populations and communities.
A Joint-Venture
A Shared Goal
with Aperam’s industrial and operational excellence.
Aperam is a world-class producer of stainless steel and brings its expertise and rigour to the management of industrial tools. Firmly committed to sustainable development, this association demonstrates Aperam’s ambition to integrate all CSR components into its long-term industrial strategy.
The Botanickel joint venture complements Aperam’s commitment to maximising the recycling of raw materials.
Coming from the academic world and recognised as the world reference on these subjects, Econick brings to the joint venture its extensive knowledge about the targeted plant varieties, its holistic approach to the sector, and its commitment to the environment and sustainable development.
Our Commitments
Respecting the environment, reducing carbon emissions, supporting the circular economy, and empowering local communities – Botanickel takes sustainable stainless to a whole new level.
Reference
A pioneer in using plants to extract nickel, Botanickel aims to become a reference in the production of biosourced nickel and, in doing so, bring an unprecedented level of circularity and sustainability to the production of stainless steel.
Co-development
Involving local communities across the entire value chain is at the heart of Botanickel’s strategy. We will develop opportunities in research, education, training, employment and energy production that are aligned with local priorities.
Biodiversity
Native hyperaccumulator plants, cultivated in accordance with the principles of agroecology, will improve soils that are naturally inhospitable to common crops while also preserving the local environment and protecting biodiversity.
Climate
Driven by an urgent need to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), Botanickel will have the potential to massively reduce the CO2 emissions associated with the production of ferronickel and thus Aperam’s stainless steels (Scope 3).
Contact us
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