Koppert Cress backs Amsterdam’s climate tech startup Skytree to cut CO2 emissions in horticulture

Amsterdam-based Skytree, a climate tech company specialising in carbon utilisation and removal solutions, has secured investment from Division Q, Koppert Cress’ innovation arm.

DivisionQ is investing in Skytree as part of a larger Series A funding round that also includes support from Horticoop, a cooperative of 280 Dutch greenhouse growers.

“The Netherlands is an international leader in innovations for greenhouse horticulture, often with a focus on energy and sustainability. Our mission is to support startups by providing guidance and capital while facilitating practical testing through Koppert Cress. Skytree’s Direct Air Capture system will be integrated into our greenhouses to supply CO2 sustainably, aligning with our goal of moving away from fossil fuels. This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to the fight against climate change,” says Bart van Meurs, Director of Division Q.

This partnership helps improve communication between the horticulture industry and DAC technology providers, promoting a sustainable approach to horticulture.

The announcement comes four months after acquiring ReCarbn, a Dutch startup specialising in direct air capture (DAC) technology.

Implementing DAC technology 

Based out of Westland, Koppert Cress develops cresses – young, edible plants – and other flavourful specialties.

With a strong focus on sustainability, health, and taste experience, Koppert Cress strives to bring food and experience together in an innovative way.

Koppert Cress, renowned worldwide for its natural culinary ingredients, aims to achieve climate-positive operations by 2026.

To realise this goal, Division Q was founded in 2022 to spearhead sustainability initiatives and incorporate technical innovations from greenhouse tech startups.

As a result, Koppert Cress intends to implement Skytree’s cutting-edge DAC technology in its new greenhouse in Monster, South Holland, as well as in its existing greenhouses.

“At Koppert Cress, we firmly believe that horticulture offers many solutions to today’s global challenges. As pioneers in the industry, we are committed to driving innovation and sustainability forward. Horticulture can play a vital role in addressing critical issues such as climate change, energy efficiency, and preventive health on a global scale,” according to Stijn Baan, CEO of Koppert Cress.

Skytree: Carbon removal and utilisation

Founded in 2014, Skytree develops Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology for carbon removal and utilisation.

Built on European Space Agency expertise, the company delivers scalable, plug-and-play systems tailored for both decentralised installations and large-scale DAC Parks.

Skytree offers two modular DAC solutions: Skytree Cumulus, which captures up to 30kg of CO2 per day for small-scale applications like carbonating drinks and growing food in vertical farms, and Skytree Stratus, which captures up to 1000kg of CO2 per day for larger projects such as greenhouses, e-fuel production, and carbon storage. 

Its project pipeline exceeds 2 million tons of CO2 annually, supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Skytree helps industries meet sustainability targets by either removing or reusing CO2, transforming it into a valuable resource, or storing it long-term. 

By capturing CO2 onsite, companies can reduce operational costs and avoid reliance on the fossil fuel-based CO2 supply chain, which is prone to disruptions and price fluctuations. 

“While greenhouse horticulture currently depends on fossil-derived CO₂ for optimal crop growth, our technology offers a game-changing alternative. By directly capturing CO₂ from the air at the greenhouse location, we provide growers with long-term CO2 supply security at stable price levels. On top of that, we enable more sustainable horticulture in The Netherlands and other countries by switching away from fossil fuel CO₂ sources, potentially eliminating many millions of tons of CO₂emitted to the atmosphere by greenhouses annually,” says Rob van Straten, CEO at Skytree.