L’Oréal has selected the first 13 startups and small-to-medium-sized enterprises to join “L’AcceleratOR,” its flagship sustainable innovation program.

Endowed with 100 million euros over five years and run in partnership with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, “L’AcceleratOR” aims to be a catalyst for scalable sustainable solutions of the future to solve the most urgent challenges in climate, nature and circularity.

Nearly 1,000 applications from 101 countries were considered.

From packaging made of wood to ingredients converted from waste, the first 13 honorees showed the highest potential to address next-generation packaging, ingredients sourced from nature, solutions to drive circularity further and predictive intelligence tools.

“To accelerate sustainable solutions to market, we are being even more intentional and inclusive in our pursuit of partnerships through “L’AcceleratOR”, said Ezgi Barcenas, chief corporate responsibility officer, L’Oréal. “We are really energized to be co-designing the future of beauty with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, and these 13 changemakers.”

Meet the Changemakers

These 13 partners will enter an intensive support phase led by the CISL innovation team, focusing on pilot readiness. They will also gain access to L’Oréal’s global resources to launch six-to-nine-months pilot projects and potentially have their solutions scaled across the group’s international operations.

Next-Generation Packaging & Materials

Kelpi (UK): Harnessing seaweed to create recyclable, low-carbon packaging.
Bioworks (Japan): Producing novel bioplastics derived from sugarcane and other plant-based materials.
Blue Ocean Closures (Sweden): Creating fiber-based caps and lids as an alternative to plastic packaging tops.
Pulpex (UK): Developing the next generation of recyclable paper bottles.
PULPAC (Sweden): An innovation company in low-carbon, paper-based packaging processes.
RAIKU (Estonia): Turning natural wood into high-end, shock-absorbing protective packaging.

Nature-Sourced Ingredients

Biosynthis (France): Crafting renewable and biodegradable raw materials.
P2 Science (USA): Bringing green chemistry and bio-sourced materials to the market
Oberon Fuels (USA): Converting wood and pulp waste into renewable ingredients for spraying formulas.
Circular Solutions
Novobiom (Belgium): Using the natural power of fungi to turn complex waste into high-value products.
REPLACE (France): A single-step technology that transforms complex and multi-layer waste into durable new items.
Gàs Verde (Brazil): Producing biomethane to replace fossil fuels in industrial processes and transportation.

Data Intelligence

Neutreeno (UK): A digital system to help companies calculate and cut emissions in their supply chains.