1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program is a flagship initiative of the European Innovation Council (EIC) designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups across Europe. The program focuses on high-impact, innovative projects that have the potential to significantly contribute to the European economy and society. It aims to foster the growth of deep-tech and other high-risk sectors by providing a combination of grant funding and equity investments, facilitating the scaling and commercialization of groundbreaking technologies.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator provides two primary types of funding: grants and equity investments.

Purpose and Impact

The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in the European deep-tech and startup ecosystem by acting as a catalyst for innovation. It helps bridge the funding gap that many early-stage companies face, especially in sectors where traditional venture capital is often hesitant to invest due to high risks and uncertainties. By providing a blend of grant and equity financing, the program not only supports the development of innovative technologies but also strengthens the financial position of startups, making them more attractive to private investors.

The program encourages collaboration between startups, research institutions, and large corporations, fostering an ecosystem where innovative ideas can thrive. It also aligns with broader European objectives, such as sustainability, digital transformation, and economic resilience.

Case Study: LACTIPS and the ECOLACTIPACK Project

Company Overview: LACTIPS, based in France, is a pioneering company specializing in the development of sustainable packaging solutions. The company focuses on creating biodegradable and environmentally friendly materials that align with the growing demand for plastic-free alternatives in various industries.

Project Acronym: ECOLACTIPACK

Project Description: ECOLACTIPACK is an innovative project aimed at unlocking plastic-free paper packaging specifically designed for food products. The project addresses the urgent need for sustainable packaging solutions in the food industry, which is heavily reliant on plastic. By utilizing natural materials, ECOLACTIPACK aims to provide an effective barrier against moisture and oxygen, ensuring the preservation of food quality while eliminating the environmental impacts associated with traditional plastic packaging.

Funding and Milestones: LACTIPS submitted its Step 2 proposal to the EIC Accelerator on June 16, 2021. Following a successful evaluation process, the company advanced to the Step 3 interview stage, where it secured funding to further develop its ECOLACTIPACK project.

Technology Background

The technology behind ECOLACTIPACK is centered around the use of milk proteins, specifically casein, as a base material for packaging. This biopolymer offers several advantages:

• Biodegradability: Unlike traditional plastics, casein-based materials decompose naturally, reducing landfill waste and environmental pollution.
• Barrier Properties: The formulation provides excellent barriers against moisture and oxygen, critical factors for maintaining food freshness and safety.
• Food Safety: As a food-grade material, casein poses no health risks to consumers, making it an ideal choice for food packaging applications.
• Customization: The technology allows for the customization of packaging properties, enabling adaptation to various food types and storage conditions.

The ECOLACTIPACK project exemplifies a significant advancement in sustainable packaging technology, aligning with global initiatives to reduce plastic waste and promote eco-friendly practices in the food industry. By leveraging the EIC Accelerator’s funding, LACTIPS is well-positioned to lead the charge toward a more sustainable future in packaging solutions.

2 The Funding Rounds

Lactips, a French company specializing in biodegradable and water-soluble polymers derived from milk proteins, has secured significant funding to advance its sustainable packaging solutions.

Funding Rounds and Amounts:

• May 27, 2020: Lactips raised approximately $14.4 million (€13 million) in a funding round led by SPI Fund, managed by Bpifrance, with participation from Diamond Edge Ventures, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings. (globalventuring.com)
• November 2024: The company secured an additional €16 million in funding to accelerate its commercial growth and international expansion. This round was led by the Blue Ocean Fund, managed by SWEN Capital Partners, and supported by Impact Ocean Capital Fund, managed by GO CAPITAL. Additional participants included SPI Fund, BNP Paribas Développement, and the Sogive family office. (golden.com)

Investor Information:

Lactips has attracted a diverse group of investors:

• SPI Fund: Managed by Bpifrance, the French public investment bank.
• Diamond Edge Ventures: The corporate venture capital arm of Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings.
• Blue Ocean Fund: Managed by SWEN Capital Partners.
• Impact Ocean Capital Fund: Managed by GO CAPITAL.
• BNP Paribas Développement: The investment arm of BNP Paribas.
• Sogive: A family office.

Company Valuations:

Specific valuations for Lactips during these funding rounds are not publicly disclosed. However, the substantial investments indicate strong confidence in the company's growth potential and the scalability of its sustainable packaging solutions.

Lactips continues to leverage these investments to expand its production capacity and market presence, aiming to provide eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics across various industries.

3 The Press Releases

Lactips, a French company specializing in the development and production of 100% biobased, water-soluble, and biodegradable natural polymers, has achieved several significant milestones since its participation in the EIC Accelerator program in June 2021.

Strategic Partnerships

In November 2024, Lactips and Walki Group, a Finnish packaging manufacturer, announced a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to create fully biodegradable, plastics-free food packaging using natural polymers recyclable in the paper stream. This collaboration aims to replace traditional fossil-based plastics with sustainable alternatives, aligning with the European Union's Single-Use Plastics directive. (spnews.com)

Technological Advancements

In February 2025, Lactips expanded its range of biobased paper-coating solutions by launching a new sealant grade, CareTips PFP344MAX. This product offers high sealability, ensuring optimal protection for packaged products. The 100% biobased, recyclable, and home compostable product contains no PFAS, reducing the environmental footprint of packaging while maintaining food safety and compliance with health standards. (sustainableplastics.com)

Team and Infrastructure Developments

In September 2022, Lactips inaugurated its first industrial unit in Saint-Paul-en-Jarez, France. The 4,200 m² facility revitalized a former industrial site and marked a significant step in the company's industrialization efforts. The plant has an initial production capacity of 1,500 tonnes per year, with plans to expand to 10,000 tonnes annually. (k-online.com)

Funding and Financial Growth

In November 2024, Lactips secured €16 million in funding to accelerate its commercial growth and international expansion. The funding round was led by the Blue Ocean Fund, managed by SWEN Capital Partners, and included Impact Ocean Capital Fund, managed by GO CAPITAL, as well as Lactips' historic investors, including the SPI Fund, managed on behalf of the French government through Bpifrance, and BNP Paribas Développement. (lactips.com)

Product Innovations

In October 2021, Lactips launched "Plastic Free Paper," a biodegradable and recyclable packaging solution developed in collaboration with the eco-organization CITEO. This innovation replaces plastic coatings and chemical treatments in sealable packaging papers, providing barriers to oxygen, fats, and mineral oils, and is adapted for industrial use in both food and non-food applications. (renewable-carbon.eu)

These developments underscore Lactips' commitment to sustainable innovation and its role in advancing the ecological transition of the packaging industry.

4 The Technology Advancements

Lactips, a French startup founded in 2014, specializes in developing biodegradable plastics derived from milk proteins, particularly casein. This innovative approach results in materials that are water-soluble, bio-based, and environmentally friendly. (fr.wikipedia.org)

Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding in June 2021

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2021, Lactips has made significant strides in both technological development and market expansion.

Technological Improvements and New Features

Lactips has enhanced its product offerings by developing water-soluble films suitable for packaging dishwasher tablets. These films are produced using bio-based materials, aligning with the company's commitment to sustainability. In 2018, Lactips commercialized these films in several countries, in collaboration with the German company Ulrich Natürlich. (fr.wikipedia.org)

Market Demonstrations and Partnerships

In 2019, Lactips entered into an exclusive partnership with BASF, a global leader in the chemical industry. This collaboration aims to scale up the production and distribution of Lactips' biodegradable plastics, demonstrating the market's interest and the viability of the technology. (fr.wikipedia.org)

Patents and Publications

Lactips has a history of innovation, with its first patent on the industrial application of transforming casein into plastic filed in 2010 by the University of Jean-Monnet-Saint-Étienne. The company continues to build upon this foundation, focusing on developing sustainable materials. However, specific details regarding new patents, scientific studies, clinical trials, or whitepapers published since June 2021 are not readily available in the provided sources.

In summary, Lactips has made notable progress in advancing its biodegradable plastic technology and expanding its market presence since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2021. The partnership with BASF and the commercialization of water-soluble films for dishwasher tablets underscore the company's commitment to sustainable innovation.

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Since securing the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2021, Lactips, a French company specializing in biodegradable packaging solutions, has established several strategic partnerships and expanded its customer base to enhance its market position and technological capabilities.

Strategic Partnerships and Customers:

• Walki Group: In November 2024, Lactips and Walki Group, a Finnish packaging converter, entered into a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to create fully biodegradable, plastic-free food packaging using natural polymers recyclable in the paper stream. This collaboration aims to develop paper-based food packaging materials with natural polymer coatings, addressing the European Union's Single-Use Plastics Directive by providing sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics. The new products are expected to reach the market by 2025–2026. (foodinfotech.com)
• IMCD Group: In July 2019, Lactips formed a distribution partnership with IMCD Group, a global distributor of specialty chemicals and food ingredients, to market its bio-based and biodegradable thermoplastic pellets in the Nordic and French regions. This partnership leverages IMCD's established European footprint and technical sales expertise to expand Lactips' reach in the market. (sustainableplastics.com)
• BASF: In May 2019, Lactips signed an exclusive contract with BASF to market its water-soluble, bio-based, and fully biodegradable material. BASF's extensive network and supply chain capabilities support Lactips in offering sustainable solutions for home care and industrial applications, such as dishwasher tabs, replacing traditional polyvinyl alcohol films. (dairyreporter.com)

Nature and Purpose of New Relationships:

Walki Group Partnership: The collaboration with Walki Group focuses on developing innovative, fully recyclable solutions in the paper stream for the food and drink packaging industry. By combining Lactips' expertise in natural polymer formulation with Walki's production capabilities, the partnership aims to reduce plastic waste and enhance circularity in packaging solutions. (foodinfotech.com)

Market Positioning and Technological Advancements:

These partnerships position Lactips as a leader in sustainable packaging solutions, aligning with global efforts to reduce plastic waste and comply with environmental regulations. The collaboration with Walki Group, in particular, enables Lactips to expand its product offerings into the paper-based packaging market, broadening its customer base and market reach.

Technologically, the partnership with Walki Group facilitates the development of new formulations of natural polymers, enhancing Lactips' product portfolio. The collaboration with BASF and IMCD Group provides access to advanced production techniques and distribution networks, respectively, supporting Lactips in scaling its operations and reaching a broader audience.

Overall, these strategic alliances and customer relationships strengthen Lactips' position in the market, drive technological innovation, and support the scaling of its sustainable packaging solutions.

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

LACTIPS, a French company specializing in biodegradable plastic alternatives, secured funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in June 2021. This support has been instrumental in their growth and strategic developments.

Team Growth and Hiring

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding, LACTIPS has experienced significant team expansion. In 2024, the company raised $16.87 million in a growth equity round, indicating a robust financial position that likely facilitated this growth. (i3connect.com) While specific current headcount figures are not publicly disclosed, the substantial funding suggests an increase in team size to support scaling operations.

Current Hiring Status

Although detailed information about current hiring activities is not available, the recent funding round and strategic initiatives imply that LACTIPS is actively recruiting to bolster its team.

Growth and Key Hires

The recent funding round of $16.87 million in 2024 underscores LACTIPS' commitment to scaling its operations. (i3connect.com) While specific details about key positions recently filled are not publicly available, the funding is expected to support the hiring of professionals in research and development, production, and commercial roles to drive innovation and market expansion.

Impact of New Team Members

The influx of new talent is anticipated to enhance LACTIPS' capacity for innovation, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate market penetration. By expanding its team, the company aims to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions and strengthen its position in the biodegradable plastics industry.

Management and Founding Team Changes

As of the latest available information, there have been no publicly reported major changes in LACTIPS' management or founding team. The company's leadership continues to focus on executing its strategic vision and leveraging the support from the EIC Accelerator to drive growth and innovation.

In summary, LACTIPS has utilized the EIC Accelerator funding to significantly expand its team, invest in key hires, and position itself for continued growth in the sustainable packaging sector.

7 The Media Features and Publications

Overview of Lactips

Lactips is a French company that specializes in developing and manufacturing 100% bio-based, natural polymers made from casein, a protein found in milk. These polymers are used in various applications, including plastic-free paper packaging, water-soluble films for labeling, and biodegradable products for agriculture and outdoor sports.

Media Features and Publications

Lactips has been featured in several publications for its innovative approach to sustainable materials. For instance, Packaging Strategies highlighted Lactips' launch of a new bio-based, compostable sealant grade for dry food products, demonstrating the company's commitment to providing sustainable packaging solutions. Additionally, Lactips' involvement in events like the Circular Challenge, where it was named the overall winner in 2018, further underscores its reputation in the industry.

Podcasts and Interviews

While specific podcasts featuring Lactips were not found, the company has been involved in interviews and discussions at industry events. For example, ahead of the Compounding World Expo, Lactips discussed its innovative bioplastics and commitment to a greener future.

Conferences and Fair Visits

Lactips actively participates in industry conferences and fairs. The company exhibited at the Compounding World Expo, showcasing its latest advancements in natural and functional bioplastics designed for packaging, agricultural, and industrial applications. This participation highlights Lactips' engagement with the industry and its efforts to promote sustainable materials.

Events Involvement

Lactips has been involved in several events that focus on sustainability and innovation in the plastics industry. Winning the 2018 Circular Challenge is a notable example of its engagement with initiatives promoting circular economy practices. Additionally, Lactips collaborates with industry leaders to market its sustainable products, as seen in its partnership with BASF for marketing bio-based and biodegradable films.

EIC Accelerator Funding

Lactips received EIC Accelerator funding in June 2021, marking a significant milestone in its growth and development as a leader in sustainable materials. This funding supports the company's mission to transition towards a more sustainable and circular plastics economy.

Source URLs

• lactips.com
• lactips.com
• basf.com
• packagingstrategies.com
• eu.compoundingworldexpo.com
• circular-challenge-citeo.com
• basf.com