Biotechnology scale-up company Ecohelix has secured funding of €2.2m ($2.5m) for its LIFE WOODMER project under the EU's LIFE Circular Economy and Quality of Life Standard Action Projects.

This grant will expedite the market launch of Ecohelix's biopolymer, WOODMER Seal, by enhancing the company's demo production with formulation capabilities.

WOODMER Seal is a biobased heat-seal coating solution, derived from sustainably sourced forest materials and pulp side streams. This eco-friendly alternative significantly reduces dependence on fossil resources, having a carbon footprint of just 0.677kg carbon dioxide equivalent per tonne.

Ecohelix's coatings also promote monomaterial structures with certain board grades, enhancing recyclability and minimising waste.

The solution offers heat sealability, barrier properties, and superior recyclability.

The potential applications of WOODMER Seal are extensive, covering nonfood flexible packaging and materials used in e-commerce, personal care and cosmetics, industrial, and agricultural packaging.

The EU LIFE Programme's substantial funding reflects the significance and expected impact of Ecohelix's technology in promoting the circular bioeconomy and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Ecohelix CEO and founder Petri Oinonen said: "Ecohelix is incredibly proud to receive this EU LIFE funding, which is crucial for our market entry.

"We firmly believe our WOODMER technology will significantly transform material science, reducing plastic usage and emissions. We extend our sincere gratitude to the European Commission and the LIFE Programme for their support, which further solidifies Europe's leadership in sustainable materials."

The project aims to demonstrate the practical viability and environmental advantages of this innovative method, encouraging wider use of wood-based biopolymers across multiple sectors.

Ecohelix will collaborate with three European commercial partners to carry out the project.