Cellugy’s €8.1M Leap: A Game Changer in the Battle Against Microplastics
June 24, 2025, 3:37 pm
Location: Denmark, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen
Employees: 11-50
Founded date: 2019
Total raised: $54.06M
Location: Denmark, Central Denmark Region, Aarhus
Employees: 1-10
Founded date: 2018
Total raised: $14.66M
In a world grappling with plastic pollution, Cellugy, a Danish biotech startup, has secured €8.1 million to revolutionize the personal care industry. This funding, a grant from the EU’s LIFE Programme, aims to scale up the production of EcoFLEXY, a biofabricated cellulose-based rheology modifier. This innovative material promises to replace harmful microplastics in cosmetics, offering a sustainable alternative without sacrificing performance.
Cellugy, based in Søborg, Denmark, is on a mission. Founded in 2018, the company has been tirelessly working to replace fossil-based materials in personal care products. The beauty industry is at a crossroads. With increasing scrutiny on microplastics, brands are under pressure to adapt. EcoFLEXY emerges as a beacon of hope, designed to tackle the environmental crisis head-on.
Microplastics are tiny particles that have infiltrated our oceans, rivers, and even our bodies. Products like facial scrubs and liquid soaps are often culprits, releasing these harmful particles into the environment. Studies indicate that microplastics can enter the human body through various means, raising alarms about their potential health impacts. The urgency for alternatives has never been greater.
EcoFLEXY is not just another ingredient; it’s a game changer. It offers superior performance compared to traditional fossil-based carbomers, which dominate the €2.8 billion global rheology modifier market. Nearly 70% of this market still relies on these harmful substances, classified as persistent and toxic under EU regulations. EcoFLEXY aims to disrupt this status quo.
The BIOCARE4LIFE project, funded by the EU, is pivotal. It aims to prevent the release of 259 tons of microplastics annually by project completion, with projections soaring to 1,289 tons per year by 2034. This is equivalent to removing millions of contaminated beauty products from the market. The timing is critical, as the EU enforces stricter regulations on microplastics, and the US is cracking down on PFAS, known as “forever chemicals.”
But Cellugy’s challenge extends beyond sustainability. It’s about performance. The company’s CEO, Dr. Isabel Alvarez-Martos, emphasizes that simply being sustainable isn’t enough. EcoFLEXY must outperform petrochemicals in texture, functionality, and user experience. It’s a tall order, but one that Cellugy is determined to meet.
EcoFLEXY’s biofabricated cellulose material delivers enhanced stability and compatibility, crucial for cosmetics manufacturers who cannot compromise on quality. This innovative solution bridges the gap between the performance of fossil-based modifiers and the environmental benefits of natural materials. It enables the creation of effective, eco-friendly personal care formulations.
The consortium behind the BIOCARE4LIFE project includes experts from The Footprint Firm and Sci2sci. The Footprint Firm focuses on circular economy solutions and environmental impact validation, while Sci2sci specializes in data management and AI-driven process optimization. Together, they aim to ensure that EcoFLEXY not only meets environmental standards but also competes effectively with traditional ingredients.
The €8.1 million investment will fund critical scaling activities, process optimization, and commercial validation over the next four years. This funding is a lifeline for Cellugy, providing the resources needed to transform their vision into reality. The company anticipates generating significant revenue within three to five years while delivering measurable environmental impact.
Cellugy’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation. The beauty industry is evolving, and brands are increasingly seeking sustainable solutions. EcoFLEXY represents a significant step forward, offering a high-performance alternative to microplastics. It’s not just about replacing harmful ingredients; it’s about redefining what’s possible with biotechnology.
As the world faces an environmental crisis, the need for sustainable solutions is paramount. Cellugy’s EcoFLEXY could be the key to unlocking a cleaner, greener future for the personal care industry. The stakes are high, but the potential rewards are even greater. With the right support and partnerships, Cellugy is poised to lead the charge against microplastics, paving the way for a more sustainable beauty industry.
In conclusion, Cellugy’s €8.1 million funding marks a pivotal moment in the fight against microplastics. With EcoFLEXY, the company is not just offering an alternative; it’s setting a new standard for performance and sustainability in personal care products. The future is bright for Cellugy, and the beauty industry may never be the same.
Cellugy, based in Søborg, Denmark, is on a mission. Founded in 2018, the company has been tirelessly working to replace fossil-based materials in personal care products. The beauty industry is at a crossroads. With increasing scrutiny on microplastics, brands are under pressure to adapt. EcoFLEXY emerges as a beacon of hope, designed to tackle the environmental crisis head-on.
Microplastics are tiny particles that have infiltrated our oceans, rivers, and even our bodies. Products like facial scrubs and liquid soaps are often culprits, releasing these harmful particles into the environment. Studies indicate that microplastics can enter the human body through various means, raising alarms about their potential health impacts. The urgency for alternatives has never been greater.
EcoFLEXY is not just another ingredient; it’s a game changer. It offers superior performance compared to traditional fossil-based carbomers, which dominate the €2.8 billion global rheology modifier market. Nearly 70% of this market still relies on these harmful substances, classified as persistent and toxic under EU regulations. EcoFLEXY aims to disrupt this status quo.
The BIOCARE4LIFE project, funded by the EU, is pivotal. It aims to prevent the release of 259 tons of microplastics annually by project completion, with projections soaring to 1,289 tons per year by 2034. This is equivalent to removing millions of contaminated beauty products from the market. The timing is critical, as the EU enforces stricter regulations on microplastics, and the US is cracking down on PFAS, known as “forever chemicals.”
But Cellugy’s challenge extends beyond sustainability. It’s about performance. The company’s CEO, Dr. Isabel Alvarez-Martos, emphasizes that simply being sustainable isn’t enough. EcoFLEXY must outperform petrochemicals in texture, functionality, and user experience. It’s a tall order, but one that Cellugy is determined to meet.
EcoFLEXY’s biofabricated cellulose material delivers enhanced stability and compatibility, crucial for cosmetics manufacturers who cannot compromise on quality. This innovative solution bridges the gap between the performance of fossil-based modifiers and the environmental benefits of natural materials. It enables the creation of effective, eco-friendly personal care formulations.
The consortium behind the BIOCARE4LIFE project includes experts from The Footprint Firm and Sci2sci. The Footprint Firm focuses on circular economy solutions and environmental impact validation, while Sci2sci specializes in data management and AI-driven process optimization. Together, they aim to ensure that EcoFLEXY not only meets environmental standards but also competes effectively with traditional ingredients.
The €8.1 million investment will fund critical scaling activities, process optimization, and commercial validation over the next four years. This funding is a lifeline for Cellugy, providing the resources needed to transform their vision into reality. The company anticipates generating significant revenue within three to five years while delivering measurable environmental impact.
Cellugy’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation. The beauty industry is evolving, and brands are increasingly seeking sustainable solutions. EcoFLEXY represents a significant step forward, offering a high-performance alternative to microplastics. It’s not just about replacing harmful ingredients; it’s about redefining what’s possible with biotechnology.
As the world faces an environmental crisis, the need for sustainable solutions is paramount. Cellugy’s EcoFLEXY could be the key to unlocking a cleaner, greener future for the personal care industry. The stakes are high, but the potential rewards are even greater. With the right support and partnerships, Cellugy is poised to lead the charge against microplastics, paving the way for a more sustainable beauty industry.
In conclusion, Cellugy’s €8.1 million funding marks a pivotal moment in the fight against microplastics. With EcoFLEXY, the company is not just offering an alternative; it’s setting a new standard for performance and sustainability in personal care products. The future is bright for Cellugy, and the beauty industry may never be the same.