Cellugy, based in Søborg, Denmark, has announced it has secured $9.25 million (€8.1 million) to scale up production of its biofabricated cellulose-based rheology modifier, EcoFLEXY. This funding, awarded through the LIFE Programme, is intended to support projects that promote environmental and climate action.

EcoFLEXY is being developed to replace harmful fossil-based carbomers, which are a significant source of microplastics, thereby reducing environmental pollution and the use of hazardous chemicals in cosmetics. The product promises superior performance, adaptable sensory properties, and efficient manufacturing processes to meet the evolving demands of a sustainability-focused beauty industry.

The issue of microplastics in personal care products is increasingly alarming, with products such as facial scrubs and liquid soaps contributing significantly to environmental pollution. Recent studies indicate that microplastics can enter the human body through various means, raising concerns about their health impacts. Rheology modifiers are crucial in nearly all personal care items, from skincare to oral care, yet about 70% of the $3.2 billion global rheology modifier market still relies on fossil-based materials, which are classified as persistent and toxic under EU regulations.

Through the BIOCARE4LIFE project, EcoFLEXY aims to eliminate the release of 259 tons of microplastics annually upon project completion, with projections to increase to 1,289 tons per year by 2034, effectively removing millions of contaminated beauty products from circulation.

‍

The timing of this initiative is critical, as estimates suggest the beauty industry could face losses of approximately $13 billion (€12 billion) due to new EU microplastics regulations and US restrictions on PFAS chemicals. Yet, the challenge extends beyond sustainability.

“An alternative material that simply aims to be more sustainable is not enough; the critical challenge is about delivering bio-based solutions that actually outperform petrochemicals in performance parameters like texture, functionality, and user experience, while also being scalable and operationally efficient,” states Dr. Isabel Alvarez-Martos, CEO and co-founder of Cellugy. “Good intentions won't drive industry change; we need higher-quality alternatives like EcoFLEXY that make it easier, not harder, for brands to choose sustainability. Only when bio-based materials match or exceed the performance and economics of traditional ingredients will we see the transformation needed to protect both human health and our planet."

EcoFLEXY delivers enhanced performance and functionalities that surpass existing biobased ingredients, such as xanthan and cellulose gums, while addressing the handling issues associated with plant-nanocellulose alternatives. This biofabricated cellulose material offers improved stability, compatibility, and sensory properties, which are vital for cosmetic manufacturers who prioritize product quality amidst rising sustainability expectations. It effectively bridges the gap between the performance of fossil-based modifiers and the ecological advantages of natural materials, enabling the development of effective, eco-friendly personal care formulations.

The BIOCARE4LIFE project will facilitate EcoFLEXY's scale-up through collaboration with a consortium of specialists in biotechnology, sustainability, and data management, including The Footprint Firm (TFF) and Sci2sci.

"The project signals real progress toward more sustainable manufacturing in the personal care sector," remarks Will Nunn, Manager at The Footprint Firm. "Our role is to validate the environmental impact and ensure the best alignment with circular economy principles. The project’s combination of technical innovation and sustainability validation positions EcoFLEXY very strongly for market adoption and supports the EU’s broader transition to a more resource-efficient economy.”

“Scaling a biotech solution is never simple, but it’s where the real value lies,” adds Angelina Lesnikova, CEO of Sci2sci. “Our role is to optimize every layer of production, from fermentation parameters to supply chain predictability, so that EcoFLEXY can compete with petrochemical alternatives not just on environmental benefits, but on cost and performance metrics that matter to manufacturers. Together we have the potential to make sustainable chemistry economically irresistible as well as environmentally essential."

The €8.1 million ($9.25 million) investment will facilitate essential scaling activities, process optimization, and commercial validation over the next four years.

"This grant provides the resources we need to transform our vision into reality. Within three to five years, we expect to be generating significant revenue while delivering a measurable environmental impact. Our end goal is sweeping petrochemicals from an industry worth billions, and we now have the backing and the partnerships to make it happen,” concludes Alvarez-Martos.

‍

About Cellugy
Cellugy is revolutionizing material production by eliminating petrochemicals in everyday products. Utilizing a proprietary fermentation platform, EcoFLEXY™, the company produces high-performing, biodegradable cellulose materials derived from natural processes. Established in 2018, Cellugy has spent years refining its technology to meet the demands of the cosmetics and personal care industries, aiming to replace microplastics and set new formulation standards. Committed to sustainability, Cellugy has gained recognition as one of Europe’s leading plastic-alternative startups and has assembled a diverse team dedicated to redefining the future of materials. Learn more at www.cellugy.com.  

‍