Directa Plus has approved the 2021 budget. The Italian company specialized in graphene-based products with a scalable, sustainable technology and without the use of chemicals, confirms the growth trend of total revenues (9,45 million euros against 6,78 million in 2020) and the containment of losses (Ebitda -1,99 million euros against -2,62 million in 2020). The operating margin therefore improves with the Ebitda margin going from -38% in 2020 to -21% in 2021.
“I think Directa Plus is now at a turning point – he said Julius Caesarius, founder and CEO – we have many opportunities in many markets: from filter systems to batteries through the recovery of fuel oils to sportswear. Our technology that does not use any chemical substance to make graphene nanoplatelets is strategic and places Italy at the forefront of one of the fastest evolving sectors. According to market estimates, our sector will grow 15 times between now and 2030. The recent capital increase will allow us to accelerate growth in the most promising markets and continue to invest in new development opportunities.”
According to a Reports and Data report, the worldwide market for graphene nanoplatelets (also known as the "plastic of the future") was valued at $51,96 million in 2021 and is projected to reach $755,26 million in 2030 ( 34,63% annual growth CAGR).
Directa Plus: the company's results in all sectors
On the industrial side, the company doubles the number patents today at 72 to which are added the pending patents which bring the total number of patents to 100. The company is progressing in the target sectors: environmental remediation which represents 76% of revenues and textiles which represents 21% of revenues.
In the sector of environmental remediation, the year was characterized by progress in the marketing of the hydrocarbon absorption technology Grafysorber which led to contracts with Petrotel Lukoil SA (400 thousand euros) and OMV Petrom (3,2 million euros). Grafysorber's technology also obtained approval from the EPA in April 2022 for use in the US on any oil contamination on US soil. In the same month there was a first order of Grafysorber from a UK company and Directa Plus is participating in tenders in several European countries.
Il textile industry was characterized by the launch of the Directa Plus proprietary line of high-performance sportswear, the Cosmic Collection, which exploits the G+ patent already chosen by high fashion houses as well. G+ technology can also be used to make high performance air and water filters.
Results in other areas of the company:
- In March 2022, Oxfordshire County Council began its second trial of a patented graphene-enhanced asphalt concrete modifier G+. Half of a 700m stretch of road will be laid with GiPave while the rest will be repaved with traditional asphalt, so the two surfaces can be compared.
- 3-year supply agreement and collaboration of R & D joint with NexTech for the supply and development of new grades of graphene G+ nanoplatelets for the production of lithium-sulfur batteries.
- In June 2021, establishment of the European branch of NexTech in Italy with the initial objective of evaluating the feasibility of producing cathode active materials in Italy, using graphene G+ nanoplatelets.
- Assignment of the London Stock Exchange's Green Economy Mark, which recognizes Directa Plus for its contribution to global green economy.
- Special mention for Directa Plus as Rising Star in the 2021 Company Excellence Awards hosted by Borsa Italiana and sponsored by Harvard Business Review Italy, management consultants GEA and ARCA, fund managers based in Milan.
