Seprify, a biomaterials company headquartered in Fribourg, Switzerland, has secured €13.4 million (CHF 12.25 million) in Series A funding to scale production of its cellulose-based ingredients for industrial applications.
The round included investment from Inter IKEA Group, Una Terra Early Growth Fund, Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB), Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, and additional investors focused on circular economy technologies. The company plans to use the capital to move its materials platform from pilot-scale validation toward commercial supply for global manufacturers.
What The Company Does
Founded in 2022 as a spinout from the University of Cambridge and the University of Fribourg, Seprify develops plant-based functional ingredients derived from cellulose, one of the most abundant natural polymers.
The company’s technology transforms cellulose into engineered materials that can be used as alternatives to conventional additives commonly found in consumer and industrial products. These materials are designed to perform functions such as whitening, texture enhancement, and ultraviolet protection while remaining biodegradable.
Among the company’s first products are SilvaLuma, a cellulose-derived ingredient used to enhance SPF performance in cosmetic formulations, and SilvaAlba, a whitening ingredient intended for food applications.
By replacing materials such as titanium dioxide and petroleum-derived polymers, Seprify’s platform aims to help manufacturers create formulations that are both functional and environmentally sustainable.
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Market Context / Industry Background
Many industries rely on functional additives to achieve properties such as brightness, texture, opacity, and UV protection in products ranging from cosmetics and food to coatings and packaging.
However, some of the materials traditionally used for these purposes have raised environmental or regulatory concerns. Titanium dioxide, for example, has been widely used as a whitening agent but has faced increasing scrutiny in certain regulatory environments.
At the same time, manufacturers are seeking alternatives to petroleum-derived ingredients as part of broader sustainability strategies.
Biomaterials derived from renewable sources are increasingly being explored as replacements for these conventional substances. Cellulose, due to its natural abundance and biodegradability, has emerged as a promising raw material for developing sustainable industrial ingredients.
Companies working in this area aim to create materials that can integrate into existing manufacturing processes while reducing environmental impact.
Founder / Investor Commentary
Lukas Schertel, co-founder and CEO of Seprify, said the new funding will help the company move from technology validation to large-scale production.
“This funding enables us to focus on execution and scale,” Schertel said.
“Our immediate priority is delivering consistent quality and reliable supply, meeting the operational standards large industrial customers require.”
He noted that early commercial applications will focus on sectors such as cosmetics, personal care products, food, and pet food.
“We are also scaling for higher-volume applications such as coatings, inks, and printed electronics, reflecting the broader potential of our cellulose platform,” Schertel added.
Robert Carleke, Innovation Ventures Manager at Inter IKEA Group, said the company is exploring how Seprify’s materials could replace higher-impact industrial ingredients.
“At IKEA, we look for solutions that can realistically replace high-impact incumbent materials while fitting into existing manufacturing and recycling systems,” Carleke said.
Growth Plans / Use Of Funds
Seprify plans to use the Series A funding to expand manufacturing capacity and bring its cellulose-based materials into full commercial production.
The company has already worked with more than 100 organizations to test and validate its platform across multiple applications. According to Seprify, these collaborations have helped advance its technology to Technology Readiness Levels between 7 and 9.
With the new funding, the company aims to scale production volumes to hundreds of tonnes annually and establish procurement-ready supply for industrial customers.
In addition to expanding production, Seprify will continue developing new materials based on its cellulose platform that can be used across sectors such as coatings, electronics, and specialty chemicals.
The company also plans to expand its presence in key international markets as it prepares for larger commercial partnerships with manufacturers.
About Seprify
Seprify is a biomaterials company that develops cellulose-based ingredients for industrial and consumer applications. Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Fribourg, Switzerland, the company transforms cellulose into biodegradable functional materials used for whitening, texture modification, and UV protection. Its technology aims to help industries including cosmetics, food, pet care, and coatings reduce reliance on titanium dioxide and petroleum-derived polymers while maintaining product performance.
