Lignopure converts and recycles lignin, a natural plant polymer, into bio-based alternatives to fossil chemicals and microplastics. The company develops lignin-based ingredients used in cosmetics, dietary supplements, and vegan leather, and launched LignoBase, a multifunctional lignin ingredient for cosmetics that reached market maturity in 2023 and can replace harmful sunscreen ingredients. Founded in 2019 by Daniela Arango, Joana Gil Chavez and Wienke Reynolds as a spin-off from the Hamburg University of Technology, Lignopure operates a production facility in Buxtehude and in 2022 commissioned a GMP-compliant plant capable of recycling 90,000 kilograms of lignin annually. The company aims to partner with biorefineries and expand its product portfolio to decarbonise the chemical industry and replace harmful chemicals across sectors. Its recent €2.4M equity raise is intended to strengthen global presence, lay the foundation for global production with international biorefineries, and further expand products. Investors and management emphasize the founders' strategic orientation and the goal of moving away from fossil fuels and microplastics. LignoPure has developed a process to transform lignin—a widely available byproduct of pulp, paper and biorefinery operations—into ultrafine, high-quality particles marketed as LignoBase®. The company offers tailor-made lignin powders and development services to help customers launch sustainable, lignin-based products, with an initial focus on cosmetics as a functional ingredient. LignoPure aims to replace harmful fossil-based materials by bringing lignin’s natural properties into end products. The seed financing will be used to scale the production technology so the company can deliver high-quality lignin for cosmetics on a ton-scale. The team positions itself to accelerate market entry and supports customer product development with tailored solutions for life-science and new-materials applications. LignoPure emphasizes sustainability and cost-efficiency as core value propositions for industry adoption.

Total raised

$5M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Jul 2024