Seprify secures €13.4 million to industrialise beetle‑inspired materials
Biomimicry startup Seprify has raised €13.4 million to accelerate the development of its cellulose‑based industrial ingredients, inspired by the ultra‑white scales of the Cyphochilus beetle. The fresh capital will support scaling from laboratory innovation to commercial production for sectors including packaging, coatings and consumer goods.
Biomimicry meets sustainable materials science
The Cyphochilus beetle is known for having one of the brightest natural whites in the animal kingdom, created not by pigment but by a complex micro‑structured surface that scatters light with exceptional efficiency. Seprify is replicating this natural architecture using plant‑derived cellulose, aiming to deliver high‑performance whiteness and opacity without relying on conventional titanium dioxide or fossil‑based additives.
By engineering the internal structure of cellulose at the micro and nano scale, the company claims it can create lightweight, highly reflective particles that can be integrated into coatings, films and composite materials. This approach is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of industries that depend on whitening and brightening agents while maintaining or improving performance.
Funding to drive scale‑up and market entry
The €13.4 million round will be directed toward expanding Seprify‘s pilot production, refining its industrial processes, and validating applications with early customers. Key target markets include packaging, paper and board, paints and coatings, and other sectors seeking bio‑based alternatives to traditional mineral additives.
Investors are betting that Seprify‘s technology can offer brand owners a credible route to lower‑carbon products, especially in Europe where regulations and consumer expectations are pushing companies toward sustainable materials. By leveraging abundant, renewable cellulose and reducing dependency on energy‑intensive minerals, the startup positions itself at the intersection of cleantech, advanced materials and circular economy trends.
Potential impact across multiple industries
If successfully scaled, Seprify‘s beetle‑inspired ingredients could help manufacturers cut CO2 emissions, improve recyclability and reduce reliance on controversial whitening agents. The company’s progress will be closely watched by packaging producers, consumer brands and chemical suppliers looking for commercially viable, bio‑based innovation grounded in biomimicry and advanced materials science.