UBE invests in UK startup Immaterial to advance monolithic MOF carbon capture technology, supporting cost-effective industrial decarbonization and growth.
UBE Corporation has announced a strategic investment in Immaterial Ltd. as part of the company’s A2 funding round extension. The move underscores UBE’s continued commitment to advancing next-generation environmental technologies and accelerating the global transition toward industrial decarbonization. Immaterial, an early-stage climate technology venture based in the United Kingdom, is focused on commercializing advanced carbon dioxide capture solutions built on densified monolithic Metal-Organic Frameworks (m-MOFs).
Immaterial originated as a spin-out from the University of Cambridge and has since developed proprietary capabilities in the design, manufacturing, and engineering integration of MOF-based systems for gas separation and storage. The company holds patented technology enabling the formation of MOFs in a densified monolithic structure — a significant technical breakthrough that distinguishes it globally. Unlike conventional powdered MOFs, monolithic configurations allow higher volumetric efficiency, improved structural stability, and superior gas flow dynamics, resulting in enhanced performance for carbon capture applications.
By combining materials science innovation with engineering optimization, Immaterial aims to deliver carbon capture systems that significantly reduce both capital expenditure (capex) and operational expenditure (opex). Lower upfront infrastructure costs and improved energy efficiency make the technology particularly attractive to hard-to-abate industries such as cement, steel, chemicals, and energy-intensive manufacturing. Many of these sectors operate under financial constraints and require cost-effective decarbonization pathways to remain competitive while meeting tightening emissions regulations.
The global push toward carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions targets has intensified demand for scalable, economically viable CO2 capture technologies. Governments, investors, and industrial players are increasingly seeking solutions that not only demonstrate technical feasibility but also offer commercially realistic deployment models. Immaterial’s m-MOF platform is designed to address these requirements by delivering high selectivity, strong adsorption capacity, and improved system productivity within compact footprints.
For UBE, the investment aligns with its corporate strategy centered on open innovation and the development of technologies that serve as sustainable sources of competitive advantage. The company has prioritized research and development initiatives that create new specialty chemical businesses while contributing to environmental sustainability. By collaborating with innovative startups like Immaterial, UBE aims to leverage emerging scientific advancements and translate them into scalable industrial solutions.
Through this partnership, UBE intends to support Immaterial’s continued technological refinement, pilot-scale validation, and commercial expansion. The collaboration is expected to accelerate market readiness and broaden adoption of advanced carbon capture systems across Europe and beyond. At the same time, the investment presents strategic growth opportunities for UBE, enabling the company to strengthen its position in sustainable materials and environmental technology markets.
Ultimately, the backing of Immaterial reflects a shared ambition to address one of the most pressing challenges facing global industry: reducing carbon emissions without compromising economic resilience. By integrating cutting-edge materials innovation with industrial expertise and financial support, both companies aim to contribute meaningfully to the worldwide decarbonization agenda.
