Young inventors create breakthrough technology turning CO2 into sustainable materials

Twin sisters Neeka and Leila Mashouf have won the prestigious 2025 European Patent Office Young Inventors Prize for developing groundbreaking technology that transforms waste CO2 into cellulose pulp, offering a sustainable alternative to wood-based materials.

From climate crisis to innovation

The 24-year-old chemical engineers were inspired by a simple question: What if the CO2 causing climate change could become a resource instead of waste? Their journey began during their undergraduate studies when they learned about the massive deforestation caused by paper and textile production.

"We realized that plants naturally convert CO2 into cellulose," Neeka explained. "We thought, why can't we do that directly, without waiting for trees to grow?"

Revolutionary process

The Mashouf sisters developed a catalytic process that captures CO2 from industrial emissions and converts it into pure cellulose pulp through a series of chemical reactions. Their innovation:

- Produces cellulose 50 times faster than growing trees

- Uses 90% less water than traditional pulp production

- Requires no agricultural land

- Creates a carbon-negative product

"Every ton of our cellulose actually removes 1.8 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere," Leila noted. "It's not just carbon neutral — it's carbon negative."

Industry transformation potential

The implications are staggering. The global pulp and paper industry consumes 4 billion trees annually. The Mashoufs' technology could dramatically reduce this environmental impact while providing industries with a sustainable raw material.

Major fashion brands have already expressed interest, seeing potential for carbon-negative textiles. Packaging companies view it as a solution for truly sustainable materials that actually combat climate change.

Overcoming skepticism

The path to recognition wasn't easy. When the sisters first presented their idea, many dismissed it as impossible. "Established scientists told us we were naive," Neeka recalled. "But being young meant we didn't know what was 'impossible,' so we kept trying."

Their persistence paid off. After two years of development and testing, they produced their first batch of CO2-derived cellulose. Independent testing confirmed it matched or exceeded the quality of traditional wood pulp.

Scaling for impact

With the Young Inventors Prize comes €30,000 and crucial visibility. The sisters have founded CarbonCycle Technologies and are building their first pilot plant in Denmark, partnering with a cement factory to use their CO2 emissions.

"Cement production is one of the worst CO2 emitters," Leila explained. "By co-locating with them, we turn their waste into valuable products. It's industrial symbiosis."

The pilot plant will produce 100 tons of cellulose annually, with plans to scale to 10,000 tons within three years.

Inspiring young innovators

The Mashouf sisters join a growing movement of young inventors tackling climate change. At the same ceremony, Marie Perrin, 28, won for developing technology to recycle rare earth elements from waste fluorescent lamps.

"Young people aren't waiting for permission to solve climate change," Neeka observed. "We're just doing it."

Educational advocacy

Beyond their invention, the sisters advocate for better STEM education, particularly for young women. They've launched "Girls Can Catalyze," visiting schools to demonstrate their technology and inspire the next generation.

"When we show girls that chemistry can literally save the planet, their eyes light up," Leila shared. "That's how we create more innovators."

Global implications

Climate scientists are excited about the potential. Dr. Michael Chen from MIT called their work "a potential game-changer for both carbon capture and sustainable materials."

The technology could be particularly impactful in developing countries where deforestation for pulp production threatens biodiversity. By providing an alternative that's actually cheaper than cutting forests, it could preserve critical ecosystems.

Future innovations

The sisters aren't stopping with cellulose. They're exploring converting CO2 into other materials — proteins for animal feed, polymers for plastics, even pharmaceutical precursors.

"CO2 is just carbon and oxygen — the building blocks of life," Neeka explained. "With the right chemistry, we can make almost anything from it."

A new industrial revolution

As the Mashouf sisters accept their award, they represent more than just young inventors — they embody a new approach to industry where waste becomes resource, where solving environmental problems creates economic opportunity.

"Our parents fled Iran for a better future," Leila reflected. "They gave us education and opportunity. Now we're using those gifts to ensure there's a future for everyone."

Their message to other young innovators is simple but powerful: "Don't let anyone tell you your ideas are impossible. The world needs your solutions. Start working on them today."