Innovation Exchange Challenge: Sustainable and Non-Food Alternative Sources of Citric Acid (UK)

The Challenge

• The iX programme is supporting LUSH Cosmetics to find a sustainable source of citric acid that is not produced from food crops such as corn, maize and sugar beet.
• LUSH Cosmetics are open to glucose and sucrose based citric acid production from non-food sources as well as renewable sources, waste feedstocks and other non-fermentation-based processes.
• The Challenge Holder would prefer not to change the way they manufacture their bath bombs, however alternative sustainable ingredients which would remove the need for citric acid, would be considered.
• LUSH Cosmetics are 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.
• None of the feedstocks or the citric acid itself should be tested on animals, including during the development of the solution. Feedstock produced from GM crops are also not permitted.
• Solutions should currently be at TRL 4+, ready for lab trials within 1 year of competition/commercially deployable within 2 years.

Benefits

• Successful applicants will be given an opportunity to pitch to the Challenge Holder. Selected solutions will be trialled by the Challenge holder with potential for further adoption if trials are successful. The solution has the potential to be procured in 1.6million kg volume.
• The benefits package for a successful applicant may also include:
  • Support from Innovate UK Business Connect
  • Support in the development of a prototype or pilot
  • Technical support
  • Invitation to attend or present at Innovate UK Business Connect events
  • A potential business collaboration
  • Investor introductions (if investment is required)
  • Support if any Innovate or similar competitions are relevant.

Eligibility Criteria

• Entrants to this competition must be established businesses, academic institutions, start-ups, SMEs, or individual entrepreneurs, who are either UK-based, or internationally based with the intention to set up a UK base.

For more information, visit Innovate UK Business Connect.