Can you address the challenge of producing sustainable sources of citric acid?
Innovate UK’s Innovation Exchange (iX) programme is supporting LUSH Cosmetics to find a sustainable, non-food source of citric acid. This challenge could lead to a major supply contract – LUSH currently buys 1.6 million kg of citric acid a year.
What is the challenge holder looking for?
They want citric acid or an alternative ingredient that doesn’t rely on food crop sources like corn, maize, or sugar beet. Options could include glucose and sucrose based citric acid production from non-food sources, waste feedstocks, renewable sources, or new production methods.
The solutions should be at technology readiness level 4+, ready for lab trials within a year, and commercially deployable within two years. They should not contain genetically modified products, be palm-based, animal-based, or tested on animals in any way.
What is the opportunity?
The challenge holder is open to purchasing citric acid directly from the solution provider or acquiring a license to allow a third party to produce the sustainable non-food based citric acid for them.
Successful applicants will therefore get an opportunity to
- pitch their solution to the challenge holder
- trial their product with a major brand
- explore the potential for large-scale procurement
You will also get support from Innovate UK – including technical help, investor introductions, and collaboration opportunities.
Who can apply?
This opportunity is open to businesses (start-ups, SMEs, and established companies), academic institutions and entrepreneurs. You can apply from anywhere in the world, but international applicants must plan to set up a UK base.
The deadline for applications is 21 March 2025.
Find out more and apply for this Innovation Exchange opportunity.
First published 13 February 2025
