Paebbl: pioneering carbon transformation in Rotterdam
Paebbl is quietly revolutionising the way the world thinks about carbon. This deep-tech company, originally founded across Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands, is stirring up traditional industries from its base at RDM Rotterdam in Rotterdam, where it is developing cutting-edge technology to permanently store CO₂ in materials for the largest industry on the planet: construction. Paebbl’s mission is bold yet simple: to turn carbon from a liability into a valuable resource.
Turning carbon into opportunity
Operating at the intersection of climate tech and advanced materials, Paebbl has developed a proprietary process that mineralises captured CO₂ into solid materials. These materials can be used in construction and later on other industries, effectively locking away carbon while creating sustainable alternatives to traditional inputs. The company’s innovation is a prime example of developments in the carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) sector, a rapidly growing field critical to achieving global climate goals.
From Sweden to Rotterdam: a strategic move
While Paebbl’s roots lie in the Nordics, the company chose Rotterdam as the home for its R&D and operations. The decision was driven by strategic access to talent, infrastructure, and proximity to Europe’s chemical process industry. “Rotterdam offered us a fast start,” says Julia Oomens-Meer, Strategic Business Relations Lead at Paebbl. “We were able to attract experienced engineers and operators from the local industry, which was crucial for building our pilot and demo plants.”
Photo: Julia Oomens-Meer
Today, more than 75% of Paebbl’s workforce operates from Rotterdam, making it the company’s operational heart and Centre of Excellence for technology development, materials research, and employee training.
“In Rotterdam we were able to attract experienced engineers and operators from the local industry, which was crucial for building our pilot and demo plants.”
City that gets things done
Rotterdam’s reputation as a city of action resonated with Paebbl’s ethos. “You get to work with people who live and breathe ‘just getting stuff done’,” says Andreas Saari, co-founder and co-CEO at Paebbl. “The city’s connectivity, talent and supplier pool, high level of English proficiency, and vibrant innovation ecosystem made it an ideal location for us a fast-growing international startup.”
Photo: Andreas Saari.
Paebbl’s journey in Rotterdam has been actively supported by Rotterdam Partners and the Rotterdam International Center, who played key roles in helping the company navigate local procedures, secure suitable business locations, and connect with the broader ecosystem. “Rotterdam Partners helped us keep landlords sharp and help them understand the complexity of start-up businesses.” Julia notes. “They also facilitated connections to city entities and supported us in bringing international talent to the Netherlands, both vital aspects for any growing business.”
“The city’s connectivity, talent and supplier pool, high level of English proficiency, and vibrant innovation ecosystem make Rotterdam an ideal location for us.”
Building local connections
Paebbl is already deeply embedded in Rotterdam’s business and innovation landscape. The company collaborates with local suppliers for plant buildup and operations and has already completed two real-life construction projects in the city, one in Rotterdam’s port area and one in the city. Paebbl is also an active participant in the Upstream Festival, a key event in the region’s innovation calendar.
Speed to scale and lessons learned
Operating in Rotterdam has offered Paebbl a quick scale-up path. The company has had the opportunity to rapidly expand its operations and production capacity by leveraging local talent and infrastructure. The port’s logistics capabilities have provided a blueprint for future supply chain development, and the city’s openness to international professionals has helped build a diverse and capable team.
“Rotterdam Partners facilitated connections to city entities and supported us in bringing international talent to the Netherlands, vital aspects for any growing business.”
Looking ahead
Paebbl’s ambitions are global. The company is preparing to build its first commercial-scale plant in Europe, with plans to expand and replicate the model in other regions. Rotterdam will remain the core of its innovation efforts, serving as the Centre of Excellence for future technology development and employee training.
Paebbl’s presence in Rotterdam is a testament to the city’s ability to attract transformative companies and help them expand their business. With its pioneering approach to carbon utilisation, Paebbl is contributing to Rotterdam’s innovation ecosystem, while at the same time helping shape a more sustainable future.
Rotterdam for your business
Starting up or expanding your business abroad comes with challenges. Rotterdam makes it easy for you. Our city, the Gateway to Europe, is perfectly located, offering top connectivity and infrastructure, a fast growing innovation ecosystem, talent and an ambitious, future-focused mindset.
