Seprify, a Swiss bio-materials company specializing in high-performance cellulose-based ingredients for industrial applications, has announced the transition of its cellulose platform from pilot validation to procurement-ready industrial supply. This milestone enables manufacturers to move beyond trials and begin repeatable sourcing as well as long-term commercial agreements.
The development comes at a time when industries are actively seeking scalable, bio-based alternatives to high-emission materials such as titanium dioxide. By advancing its platform to industrial readiness, Seprify aims to help manufacturers adopt sustainable material solutions without compromising performance.
Industry Validation and Growing Market Engagement
As per the press release, the company achieved this progress with support from Inter IKEA Group. Through close collaboration with industry partners, Seprify validated its cellulose platform at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 7–9. As a result, the technology is now advancing through supplier qualification processes, early commercial contracts, and procurement discussions across multiple sectors.
Currently, Seprify is working with more than 100 customer organizations across industries such as cosmetics and personal care, food and pet food, and coatings. These engagements range from active product evaluations to early-stage commercial supply.
Series A Funding to Accelerate Commercial Expansion
To support this transition, Seprify has secured €13.4 million (CHF 12.25 million) in Series A funding. The investment comes from a mix of strategic and financial partners experienced in industrial scale-up. Participants in the round include Inter IKEA Group, Una Terra Early Growth Fund, Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB), Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, Kickfund, and other investors aligned with the circular economy.
With this funding, Seprify plans to scale commercial production to hundreds of tonnes annually through established manufacturing partners. At the same time, the company will support commercial rollout across priority markets and continue engineering work for future industrial-scale capacity.
Focus on Reliable Supply and Market Expansion
Commenting on the funding, Lukas Schertel, Co-founder and CEO of Seprify, stated that the company will focus on execution and scaling operations. According to him, the immediate priority is ensuring consistent quality and reliable supply that meets the operational standards of large industrial customers.
In the near term, Seprify will focus on applications in cosmetics and personal care, including suncare, as well as food and pet food. Meanwhile, the company is also expanding toward higher-volume applications such as coatings, inks, and printed electronics, highlighting the broader potential of its cellulose platform.
Industry Support and Strategic Collaboration
Robert Carleke, Innovation Ventures Manager at Inter IKEA Group, emphasized the importance of scalable alternatives to high-impact materials. He noted that Seprify’s cellulose platform has reached a level of maturity that makes it a credible option for replacing conventional materials in applications such as coatings and surface finishes. Moreover, its compatibility with existing manufacturing and recycling systems strengthens its potential for industrial adoption.
Innovative Cellulose-Based Product Portfolio
Seprify’s platform combines advanced process expertise, strong intellectual property, and application-specific development. Its flagship products include SilvaLuma™, a cellulose-based SPF booster for cosmetics and personal care formulations, and SilvaAlba™, a food-grade whitening solution designed as a scalable alternative to titanium dioxide. Together, these innovations demonstrate the versatility of Seprify’s cellulose technology across multiple industries.
