Danish biotech company Cellugy raised 8.1 million euros from the European Union to eliminate microplastics in personal care products. The alternative material is bio-based.

Cellugy’s Biocare4life project received the grant from the Life program, an EU funding branch supporting projects backing environmental and climate action. The raise is to accelerate the production scaleup toward commercializing Cellugy’s biofabricated material platform, called EcoFlexy.

EcoFlexy is described as a first-of-its-kind biofabricated powder cellulose. Cellugy calls it “sustainable, stable (and) easily redispersed.”

Different Attributes for Different Applications

The material comes in a wide range, each with different attributes ready to replace petrochemicals in products, according to Cellugy.

For example, EcoFlexy Rheo rheology modifier builds viscosity, stabilizes particles and delivers a luxurious skin feel. It’s mistable, pumpable and compatible with a wide range of formula ingredients. Recommended for body butter, face cream, face serum and sunscreen.

EcoFlexy Sun SPF booster enhances the dispersion and spreadability of organic UV filters. It maximizes UV protection while delivering a fine-mist application and a luxurious skin feel, according to Cellugy.

EcoFlexy Color dispersant enriches the true color of pigments, creating a superior color profile. Through enhanced pigment dispersion, it reportedly creates a stable suspension that retains the vibrancy and quality of colors. A natural match for spreadable color cosmetics.