Airhive Acquires Carbyon to Form Leading Anglo-Dutch DAC Developer

Airhive, headquartered in London, has completed the acquisition of Carbyon, a Netherlands-based direct air capture (DAC) technology company founded in 2019. The transaction unites two European innovators in solid-sorbent DAC technology, combining Airhive’s industrially adapted sorbent approach with Carbyon’s patented ultra-fast capturing materials. The deal was announced on July 14, 2026.

The combined company will operate under the Airhive name, integrating teams and research and development efforts across the UK and the Netherlands. Early-stage R&D will be centralized at the High Tech Campus Eindhoven, where Airhive’s next-generation “Cascade” DAC technology will be further developed to achieve additional cost reductions.

Neither party disclosed financial terms of the deal. Airhive acquires 100% ownership of Carbyon, aiming to leverage complementary technologies and operational expertise to accelerate deployment of low-cost DAC systems at scale.

Airhive specializes in fluidized bed DAC systems emphasizing energy efficiency and modular design. It has demonstrated a 1,000-tonne-per-year system in Alberta, Canada, and operates a pilot R&D facility in northeast England. The company is also a co-developer of a 60,000-tonne-per-year DAC project at Teesside, UK, alongside partners Mission Zero and Progressive Energy.

Carbyon, a spin-off from Dutch research institute TNO, uses a patented sorbent with high kinetics to capture atmospheric CO2 rapidly and cost-effectively. The company won the $1 million Milestone Award from the XPRIZE Carbon Removal competition and is recognized for its promising scalable DAC technology.

The acquisition aims to combine Airhive’s proven execution capabilities and de-risked technology with Carbyon’s deep R&D expertise. Rory, Airhive’s CEO, stated, “The world needs DAC to work, and this combination brings together exactly what’s been missing: Airhive’s execution power and de-risked technology, paired with Carbyon’s fundamental R&D depth and expertise.”

Market context supports this consolidation. DAC has become one of the first carbon removal methods certified under the EU’s Carbon Removal and Carbon Farming framework, facilitating faster access to voluntary carbon markets. The European Commission’s EU Buyers’ Club and the UK government’s pro-carbon-removal policies, including integration of DAC-based credits into the UK Emissions Trading Scheme by 2028-29, provide strong policy tailwinds.

Infrastructure development near Teesside and the eastern Irish Sea further supports DAC deployment, aligning with Airhive’s UK-based projects. The combined entity expects to deliver all solid-sorbent DAC capacity at the Teesside facility, targeting 60,000 tonnes per year by 2032—surpassing current operational DAC plants.

Financial details remain undisclosed, but the deal is expected to generate synergies through consolidated R&D, shared infrastructure, and economies of scale in procurement and manufacturing. The integration will also streamline project development across borders and enhance the ability to attract government funding and partnerships.

Looking ahead, the company plans to continue innovating its DAC technologies, focusing on cost reductions and operational scale. It is also exploring carbon utilization opportunities, such as producing low-carbon, food-grade CO2 for commercial applications, reducing reliance on carbon credit revenues.

Challenges include harmonizing different technological approaches, managing cross-border teams, and aligning strategic priorities. However, the combined expertise positions the company to lead European DAC development and compete effectively against smaller players, potentially accelerating industry consolidation.

Overall, this acquisition marks a significant step toward scaling affordable DAC solutions critical for meeting climate goals and advancing carbon removal markets in Europe and beyond.