Lignopure GmbH, which was founded in 2019 and leverages lignin as a sustainable ingredient in skin care and other beauty products, has raised 2.4 million euros in equity capital in addition to previous fundraising.
In collaboration with biorefineries, Lignopure upcycles lignin, a natural polymer found in plants, as a bio-based raw material and alternative to fossil chemicals such as microplastics.
In 2022, Lignopure commissioned the first GMP-compliant plant for lignin conversion, reportedly achieving the ability to recycle 90,000 kg of lignin annually.
Lignopure's Upcycled Lignin Cosmetic Ingredients
The company's technologies include LignoBase (lignin/cellulose), a multifunctional cosmetic ingredient line based on Lignopure's particle technology.
LignoBase's "unique polyphenolic molecular structure" reportedly supports its ability to defend the skin from free radicals and antioxidant activity. It is therefore applicable as an SPF booster in formulations.
Lignobase has reportedly shown a 35-75% in vitro SPF boosting effect in mineral and chemical-based sun care formulations, per the company.
The technology can also simplify color cosmetic formulations and reduce the white cast in sun care.
Finally, the technology has a greater oil absorption capacity than kaolin and bentonite, while also providing a soft feel on skin. It therefore is applicable in formulations requiring a mattifying effect.
Lignopure Investment to Drive Portfolio Expansion
From left: Daniela Arango, Joana Gil Chavez and Wienke Reynolds.Lignopure
“We are very pleased with the trust of our investors," say Lignopure founders Daniela Arango, Joana Gil Chavez and Wienke Reynolds. "This financing allows us to strengthen the company’s global presence, lay the foundation for global production with international biorefineries and further expand our product portfolio. With this funding, we are taking a significant step closer to our mission to decarbonize the chemical industry and make lignin a real alternative to harmful ingredients.”
“Lignopure is a young company that has inspired and impressed us with its technology and the spirit of the founders," says Viktoria Vorwachs, responsible investment manager at NBank Capital. "With their professionalism and strategic orientation, the founders manage to inspire customers and investors. We are very much looking forward to a good and successful cooperation! In line with our portfolio strategy, we want to actively support the transformation away from fossil fuels and microplastics to bio-based raw materials."
“As early as April 2019, when Lignopure took second place in the first Future Hamburg Award and I sat on the jury there, the team convinced me with its sustainable and internationally oriented business model," says Matthias Grychta, angel investor of Raakwark Kaptaal. "That’s why I’m particularly pleased that my fishing colleagues and I can accompany the team together.”
