Sichem: The Walloon Start-up Reinventing Surface Coatings
A spin-out of SME Lithcote, Sichem is emerging as a key player in the development of innovative, sustainable, and PFAS-free surface coatings for high-demand sectors such as aerospace, rail, and energy.
Founded in late 2021 in Trazegnies, Belgium, Sichem was born out of a desire to move beyond the environmental limitations of traditional fluoropolymers (like Teflon), which remain widely used for their non-stick properties but are increasingly scrutinized for their lasting impact on health and the environment.
A Breakthrough Water-Based Chemistry
Sichem builds on Lithcote’s longstanding expertise in surface treatment to offer water-based polymer formulationsderived from advanced materials such as PEEK and polyamides. These polymers provide exceptional resistance to wear, heat, and chemicals, while being solvent-free and environmentally friendly.
“Traditional powders and resins are insoluble in water. We managed to create a system to use them in aqueous phase — starting with one polymer and then expanding to others,” explains Christophe Leclercq, founder and CEO.
Replacing PFAS at Scale
This forward-thinking approach aligns with today’s regulatory landscape: in 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) proposed a sweeping restriction on PFAS use. Sichem is positioning itself as a credible, scalable technological alternative in anticipation of this industrial shift.
To accelerate development, the company externalized its R&D and production in 2022 to a sister company in Louvain-la-Neuve, bringing it closer to research ecosystems. The goal: to industrialize coating solutions compliant with the strictest EU regulations, while opening doors to global markets.
Aerospace as a Launchpad
After proving its value in railway and industrial applications, Sichem is targeting high-value sectors such as aerospace, hydrogen systems, and advanced ceramics. The company is already collaborating with leading industry partners like John Cockerill, ULiège, and the CRM to test its coatings on critical components.
“You don’t just walk into the aerospace sector — it’s a space where the standards are extremely high. But our technology belongs there,” confirms Leclercq.
By reinventing the chemistry of coatings, Sichem positions itself as a key player in the industrial transition to safer, cleaner, and higher-performance materials.
