Outlander Materials: the future of circular biotech in Rotterdam

Based at BlueCity in Rotterdam, this industrial biotech and materials science company uses a fully biobased fermentation process to convert low-value agricultural streams into versatile fermented cellulose, called BNC (Bacterial NanoCellulose). This cellullose serves as a foundational technology  that can be further converted into numerous highly functional and valuable applications, including textiles, packaging, medical products, and cosmetics.

Founded by Lori Goff, Outlander Materials is part of a new generation of companies that are not only rethinking materials but also reimagining the systems that produce them. “We’re building a foundational technology,” says Lori, “one that can be adapted across industries and geographies to support a truly circular economy.”

For Outlander Materials, Rotterdam is more than just a location, it’s a launchpad. The city’s strong sustainability-driven ecosystem, bolstered by hubs and initiatives like BlueCity and the Upstream Festival, aligns closely with the company’s mission. “Rotterdam has a ‘make it happen’ mindset,” Lori explains. “This city doesn’t just support innovation, it actively clears the way for it.”

The decision to base their headquarters and R&D operations in Rotterdam was also strategic. With its central location, excellent public transport, and proximity to leading research institutions, the city offers access to both talent and ideas. “It’s a magnet for international talent,” Lori adds, “which makes building a strong, diverse team that much easier.”

Outlander Materials found its first home in BlueCity, a circular economy hub housed in a former tropical swimming pool. Lori was the first to rent lab space in the newly launched BlueCity Lab back in 2018. “I was looking for an affordable lab to explore an idea,” she recalls. “BlueCity had just opened their lab, and I’ve been here ever since.”

The collaborative spirit of BlueCity has been instrumental in Outlander’s growth. “Everyone here is working on sustainability from their own angle,” says Lori. “There’s a strong sense of community. People share tools, knowledge, and even staff. When one of us succeeds, it pushes the whole movement forward.”

Outlander regularly collaborates with fellow BlueCity residents like BlueCity Lab, Vet & Lazy, and has benefited from initiatives like the Circular Factory programme, which supports circular startups in scaling their operations.

Outlander’s journey in Rotterdam has been shaped by close collaboration with the municipality and local partners. A key milestone came in 2019, when the company received a CityLab010 grant. “It was a life-giving moment,” says Lori. “It allowed us to open our first office and lab, hire our initial team, and lay the foundation for our research.”

Since then, the City of Rotterdam has remained a committed partner, helping Outlander navigate funding opportunities like the Duurzaam Transitie Budget (Sustainable Transition Budget) and offering support across departments and agencies. “The municipality is very approachable,” Goff notes. “They genuinely want startups to succeed.”

Looking ahead to the next 5 to 10 years, Outlander Materials is preparing to scale up, with plans to establish its first production facility near Rotterdam and expand into international markets. While finding suitable production space locally remains a challenge, the company continues to work closely with the city to explore solutions. 

For Outlander, Rotterdam offers more than just infrastructure. It provides a community, a shared ambition, and a city-wide commitment to circularity. It’s this combination that makes it a compelling base for entrepreneurs and investors who want to build businesses that are both innovative and impactful.

^{Header photo by Sophie de Vos}