Seprify secures €13.4M to replace titanium dioxide in everyday products
Finland-based startup Seprify has raised €13.4 million to accelerate the industrial-scale production of its cellulose-based whitening ingredient designed to replace titanium dioxide in food and cosmetic applications. The fresh capital will fund new manufacturing capacity, regulatory approvals and partnerships with major consumer brands seeking safer, more sustainable formulations.
A cellulose innovation targeting a controversial additive
Titanium dioxide has long been used as a whitening and opacifying agent in products ranging from confectionery and baked goods to sunscreens and toothpaste. However, growing concern over potential health risks and the presence of nano-particles has triggered tighter scrutiny, including an effective ban on its use as a food additive in the European Union.
Seprify addresses this regulatory and consumer pressure with a proprietary process that converts plant-based cellulose into a highly efficient light-scattering material. The company claims its ingredient can deliver the bright white appearance and opacity of titanium dioxide without relying on metal oxides or nano-scale particles, making it attractive to brands focused on clean-label and sustainability commitments.
Funding to scale production and global partnerships
The €13.4 million round, backed by a mix of venture capital investors and strategic industry partners, will be used to expand pilot facilities into a full commercial production line. Seprify plans to first target high-volume categories such as confectionery coatings, dairy alternatives, personal care creams and oral care, where manufacturers are under pressure to reformulate away from titanium dioxide.
According to the company, the cellulose-based material is derived from responsibly sourced biomass and engineered using advanced materials science and process engineering. This positions Seprify at the intersection of climate tech, foodtech and cosmetics innovation, as brands seek ingredients that reduce environmental impact while maintaining performance.
Riding regulatory and consumer tailwinds
Analysts expect demand for titanium dioxide alternatives to surge as regulators tighten rules and consumers demand greater transparency in ingredient lists. With this funding, Seprify aims to become a leading global supplier of cellulose-based whitening solutions, offering manufacturers a drop-in replacement that aligns with future health, safety and sustainability standards.
The company is now preparing long-term supply agreements with multinational food and beauty groups, positioning its technology as a cornerstone of the next generation of cleaner, whiter everyday products.