Lewis Dunnigan and Bygen: Innovating Sustainable Activated Carbon
At the helm of the Australian climate-tech start-up Bygen, Lewis is leading the way in redefining the production of activated carbon. Bygen is not just creating high-quality, eco-friendly solutions but also championing global climate goals with groundbreaking technology.
This article dives into the inspiring story of Lewis Dunnigan, his brainchild Bygen, and how the company is changing the activated carbon landscape for good.
Who is Lewis Dunnigan?
Lewis Dunnigan is nothing short of a pioneer in sustainable innovation. With a Masters in Chemical Engineering from The University of Edinburgh and a PhD from The University of Adelaide, his academic foundation laid the groundwork for his impactful contributions to sustainability and renewable technology. His studies included groundbreaking research in biochar, pyrolysis, and carbon management, which not only demonstrated his technical excellence but also his passion for environmentally positive innovation.
Lewis co-founded Bygen in 2018 alongside his colleague Ben Morton, and their mission was simple but ambitious—to create sustainable alternatives for traditionally polluting industries. What started as an idea has grown into a company that’s shaping the global market for activated carbon while driving positive change for the planet.
Bygen’s Mission and Innovations
Headquartered in Melbourne, Bygen produces premium activated carbon using renewable agricultural and forestry by-products, such as nutshells and wood sourced sustainably. Unlike traditional methods that rely on fossil fuels and emit significant CO2, Bygen’s process is carbon-negative, sequestering more CO2 than it emits.
Activated carbon plays a critical role in industries such as water treatment, air purification, gold recovery, and food and beverage processing. Bygen’s technology enables cost-effective production while meeting the increasingly stringent Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals demanded by industries worldwide.
Two Key Products
- Granular Activated Carbon (GAC): Ideal for water and air treatment processes, GAC is versatile and efficient, addressing diverse environmental purification needs.
- Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC): Used in gas cleaning and liquid purification, PAC boasts exceptional adsorption capabilities for faster results.
Bygen stands out not only for its commitment to high performance but also for its holistic dedication to sustainability, proving that businesses can align profitability with environmental stewardship.
Bygen’s Global Milestones
Since its inception, Bygen has achieved remarkable milestones that cemented its reputation as a leader in climate tech. Some of its most notable achievements include:
- Largest Low-Temperature Activation Plant: Bygen launched its largest LTA plant, which can process agricultural waste into activated carbon at an unprecedented scale.
- International Expansion: The company has completed its first full-scale plant in the United States, marking an important step in global growth.
Each of these milestones reinforces Bygen’s vision of scaling production capabilities while exploring adjacent deep technologies across material sciences and sustainability.
Recognitions and Achievements of Lewis Dunnigan and Bygen
Lewis Dunnigan, co-founder and CEO of Bygen, along with his company, has received numerous accolades for their contributions to green technology and innovation. Individually, Dunnigan was recognised as a finalist for “Start-up Entrepreneur of the Year” at StartCon in 2019 and named one of the “Top 50 Small Business Leaders in Australia” by Inside Small Business the same year. Bygen, under his leadership, has also achieved significant recognition, including being listed among The Australian’s “Top 100 Green Energy Innovators” in 2023 and winning the prestigious Falling Walls Venture Showcase in 2022. The company has further been celebrated for its success in the Australian eChallenge in 2018, securing wins across multiple categories, and earning second place in the Perks Business Boost Awards the same year. These honours reflect both Dunnigan’s personal dedication and Bygen’s impact in driving sustainable innovation.
The Vision of Dr Lewis Dunnigan
Under Lewis Dunnigan’s leadership, Bygen continues to gain momentum in driving results that positively impact both businesses and ecosystems. “We’re the only ones producing activated carbon from sustainable inputs in Australia,” Lewis remarked, pointing to their unique role in the market.
Bygen’s dedication to scaling operations across Australia and overseas reflects Lewis’s global ambitions. They’re expanding in regions with abundant raw materials and high demand for activated carbon, especially in California’s massive market.
Lewis’s innovation doesn’t just stop at Bygen. He also co-founded VitaChar, a venture concentrating on biochar production from organic and plastic wastes, aligning perfectly with his passion for sustainable solutions.
Industries Benefiting from Bygen
Bygen’s activated carbon solutions cater to numerous industries, helping businesses achieve eco-friendly practices while optimising results. Key applications include the following industries and functions:
- Water Treatment: Removing impurities and harmful chemicals from drinking and wastewater.
- Gold Recovery: Assisting mining operations in responsibly extracting precious metals.
- PFAS Remediation: Tackling “forever chemicals” polluting ecosystems.
- Food and Beverage: Enhancing visual and taste quality through decolourisation.
- Gas Filtration: Removing contaminants from air and industrial gases.
These applications highlight Bygen’s versatility and commitment to offering high-impact solutions for current environmental challenges.
ESG Alignment
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals are more important than ever in today’s business landscape. By combining innovation with sustainability, Bygen helps its clients adhere to these targets while actively reducing their carbon footprints. This allows industries, big and small, to align their operations with climate commitments in an economical way.
Why Bygen Stands Out in the Market
The activated carbon market is projected to grow to nearly $15 billion AUD by 2026, and Bygen is well-positioned to take a significant share. Unlike competitors relying on conventional processes, Bygen’s eco-friendly, cost-efficient model gives it a competitive edge.
By emphasising its carbon-negative approach and by integrating advanced technologies, Bygen’s products appeal to industries prioritising cleaner, greener operations that reduce environmental harm.
The Bright Future of Bygen
There’s no doubt that Lewis Dunnigan and Bygen will continue to influence global markets. With a focus on research, expansion, and impactful partnerships, the company is not only fulfilling its sustainability mission but also setting a new benchmark for innovation in advanced materials.
Lewis Dunnigan’s leadership shows how one individual can inspire scalable solutions to some of the world’s toughest challenges. Bygen isn’t just an enterprise; it’s a symbol of what’s possible when expertise, vision, and sustainability unite.
For more information about Lewis Dunnigan and Bygen, check out his LinkedIn and the company’s official website.
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