Funding Round attributes
Lactips, a France-based innovator in biodegradable and water-soluble polymers, has raised €16 million in a new funding round to accelerate its commercial growth and international expansion. The round was led by the Blue Ocean Fund, managed by SWEN Capital Partners, and supported by Impact Ocean Capital Fund, managed by GO CAPITAL. Additional participation came from the SPI Fund, managed by Bpifrance on behalf of the French government, BNP Paribas Développement, and the Sogive family office.
Founded in 2014 by Marie-Hélène Gramatikoff and Frédéric Prochazka, Lactips specializes in developing sustainable, plastic-free alternatives to traditional plastic. Its unique products, which are made from natural proteins like caseins, are biodegradable, water-soluble, and designed for use in packaging, labeling, agriculture, and outdoor sports. The company’s patented technology offers an eco-friendly solution to the growing issue of plastic pollution, with products that are not only biodegradable but also edible, mass-producible, and capable of providing strong barrier properties.
Lactips’ recent funding round comes at a critical point in the company’s growth trajectory. According to Alexis von Tschammer, CEO of Lactips, the company aims to use the new capital to enhance its production capacity and expand its market reach, particularly in Europe, the Americas, and Japan. "We are thrilled to reach this important milestone in Lactips’ development," said von Tschammer. "The entry of impact funds into our capital is a genuine recognition of our long-term growth potential and our commitment to responsible development within the global ecological transition."
Lactips’ products have already gained traction with a range of commercial partnerships, and the company has made significant strides in developing and manufacturing sustainable alternatives to plastic. In 2021, Lactips opened a new 2,500 m² production site, and with the additional funds raised, it plans to increase its capacity to produce up to 10,000 metric tons of material annually. This expanded production capacity will help the company meet the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions in various industries.
The funding will also support ongoing research and development efforts aimed at improving Lactips’ products and reducing the environmental impact of plastic. As part of its strategy, the company is focused on providing 100% bio-sourced solutions that are fully biodegradable in all environments and water-soluble, addressing the critical issue of plastic pollution, particularly in marine ecosystems.
Julie Peyrache from SWEN Capital Partners expressed her support for Lactips, emphasizing the importance of its environmental mission. "As plastic pollution poses a major threat to our oceans, we are particularly proud to support Lactips in its new phase of development," Peyrache said. "Lactips is an innovative industrial deeptech company with 10 years of research and development. Since its creation, it has been committed to guiding manufacturers and brands in their ecological transition by providing 100% bio-sourced solutions that are fully biodegradable in all environments and water-soluble, leaving no microplastics behind."
Jérôme Gueret, from GO CAPITAL, echoed this sentiment, noting the company’s potential to lead the shift away from petroleum-based plastics. "GO CAPITAL is proud to support Lactips in this new phase of its international expansion," Gueret stated. "With a talented team driven by impact, Lactips is positioning itself as a key player in the shift away from petroleum-based plastics. Their casein-based natural polymer addresses critical environmental challenges, particularly in safeguarding the health of marine ecosystems."
Lactips’ innovative approach and growing success have made it a standout player in the global effort to reduce plastic pollution. With its focus on sustainability and its ability to provide scalable, eco-friendly solutions, the company is well-positioned to play a leading role in transforming the packaging industry and beyond. The €16 million in funding will help Lactips continue to innovate, expand its production, and solidify its presence in global markets, while contributing to the reduction of environmental waste.
