Cellugy secures USD 9.25M to boost rheology modifier production
The company’s mission is to eliminate microplastics from personal care products by replacing fossil-based carbomers with a high-performance, biologically derived alternative.
DENMARK – Cellugy, a Danish biotech startup, has secured €8.1 million (USD 9.25 million) in funding from the European Union’s LIFE Programme to scale production of its cellulose-based rheology modifier, EcoFLEXY.
EcoFLEXY is designed to deliver superior texture, stability, and sensory performance, qualities essential for cosmetics manufacturers, while avoiding the environmental and health hazards associated with petrochemical ingredients.
The funding will support the BIOCARE4LIFE project, a four-year initiative aimed at scaling up EcoFLEXY’s production and commercial validation.
The project is expected to prevent the release of 259 tons of microplastics annually, with projections rising to 1,289 tons by 2034, equivalent to removing millions of contaminated beauty products from circulation.
Dr. Isabel Alvarez-Martos, CEO and co-founder of Cellugy, stated, “An alternative material that simply aims to be more sustainable is not enough; the critical challenge is about delivering bio-based solutions that outperform petrochemicals in performance parameters like texture, functionality, and user experience, while also being scalable and operationally efficient.”
“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.”
The project brings together a consortium of partners, including The Footprint Firm, which will validate EcoFLEXY’s environmental impact, and Berlin-based Sci2sci, which will optimize production using AI and data-driven process management.
Together, they aim to deliver a scalable, cost-effective solution that meets the rising demand for clean, high-performance beauty ingredients in the face of tightening EU and U.S. regulations on microplastics and PFAS chemicals.
Rheology modifiers are crucial to the formulation of skincare, oral care, and deodorant products; yet, nearly 70% of the USD 3.2 billion global market still relies on fossil-derived materials classified as persistent and toxic under EU regulations.
Cellugy is positioned to redefine the future of sustainable beauty, offering a way forward for brands seeking to align product performance with environmental responsibility.
This investment marks a crucial step in the company’s mission to eliminate microplastics from personal care products by replacing fossil-based carbomers with a high-performance, biologically derived alternative.
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