4 companies are innovating for a sustainable industry in Nantes-Saint-Nazaire
Loiretech, a manufacturing company, is breaking new ground in the production of complex composite parts
Based near Nantes, Loiretech specializes in the industrial production of high-performance composite parts (pictured above), particularly for the mobility, defense, energy, and healthcare markets of the future. The company plays a key role in the industrialization of advanced materials—particularly composites—which are essential for reducing weight and, consequently, carbon emissions across many industrial sectors.
In the wake of the crisis that hit the aerospace industry in 2020—on which it was heavily dependent—Loiretech had to diversify its operations. First, it turned to the maritime sector, innovating in carbon-fiber propeller systems with the goal of reducing ships’ fuel consumption. It also expanded into marine renewable energy for the construction of tidal turbines, a growing sector aimed at reducing environmental impact. Additionally, the company ventured into the healthcare sector by manufacturing a mobile surgical light for operating rooms.
Committed to the vision of the industry of the future, Loiretech recently modernized its facilities with an Industry 4.0 plant that incorporates mineral and metal additive manufacturing systems, as well as digital systems for monitoring and optimizing production flows.
CGREEN is developing a bio-based carbon fiber with a low environmental footprint
Founded in 2025, CGREEN represents a new generation of industrial startups committed to the Decarbonization of Industry. Based at ICAM in Carquefou, the company is developing a bio-based carbon fiber with a low carbon footprint from cellulose, a renewable resource. Its goal is clear: to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while significantly lowering the environmental impact of this strategic material.
This innovation reduces CO₂ emissions by two-thirds compared to traditional carbon fibers derived from fossil fuels, while maintaining equivalent mechanical performance. It is fully aligned with the transition to sustainable materials and the relocation of more resilient industrial value chains.
CGREEN recently raised nearly 2 million euros to deploy a pilot production line and prepare for its transition to industrial-scale production. This key milestone marks a turning point toward the industrialization of a strategic technology, directly contributing to the challenges of European industrial sovereignty.
By helping to build a French and European bio-based composites industry, CGREEN is meeting critical industrial needs in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and energy, while actively contributing to reducing their carbon footprint.
ZENI treats industrial wastewater using Microalgae in Saint-Nazaire
ZENI, a deep tech startup based in Saint-Nazaire, is developing an innovative solution for treating industrial wastewater using Microalgae. Inspired by biomimicry, its technology removes pollutants from wastewater while producing usable biomass, thereby creating a circular model that offers both environmental and economic benefits.
The process relies on photobioreactors capable of capturing nutrients and pollutants present in the water, enabling its reuse while reducing the consumption of natural resources.
Still a young company (founded in late 2023), the Saint-Nazaire-based firm aims to become a key player in water treatment for sectors such as the food industry and aquaculture. Today, it is already rolling out pilot projects in the dairy and brewing industries and is preparing for its industrialization phase. By tackling water management—a critical issue in the ecological transition—ZENI perfectly exemplifies the environmental innovation driven by the region.
Everllence Conducts First Liquid Biomass Engine Tests in Saint-Nazaire
Formerly known as MAN Energy Solutions, Everllence is a major industrial player based in Saint-Nazaire, specializing in propulsion, decarbonization, and energy efficiency solutions for the maritime, energy, and industrial sectors. The Saint-Nazaire site is recognized by the group as the center of excellence for the assembly of XXL engines used for electricity generation.
Its name change in 2025 is no small matter. It reflects the company’s commitment to an ambitious energy transition and to accelerating the development and adoption of low-carbon solutions, including biofuels and alternative fuels such as methanol and CO₂ capture.
Everllence’s latest innovation, the 18V51/60 B100 engine, runs entirely on liquid biomass and marks a historic step toward greener, low-carbon energy production. Derived from natural oils such as rapeseed, B100 biofuel reduces CO₂ emissions by 60% compared to fossil fuels.
Everllence is also working on more efficient and lower-emission systems, such as the use of fully carbon-free fuels like hydrogen or ammonia, and heat pumps… which contribute to the decarbonization of the maritime sector and heavy industry. With several hundred employees in the region, it is an industrial pillar offering sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions.
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