Innovation Exchange challenge: Sustainable and Non-food Alternative Sources of Citric Acid

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.

Who can apply?

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.

Background

The Challenge holder currently purchase the citric acid required to manufacture their fizzing bath bombs from a supplier in Europe. The glucose required to produce citric acid is created from food crops such as corn, maize and sugar beet.

As climate change affects weather patterns (increasing temperatures, severe weather events) crop yields are impacted putting pressure on the supply chain and an increase in price for the crops.

In addition, the production of citric acid through fermentation is energy intensive both for maintaining the optimal conditions for citric acid production and continuously stirring the fermented broth. The fermentation process also produces large quantities of wastewater which must be treated before it can be released into the environment.

LUSH Cosmetics currently purchase 1.6 million kilograms of citric acid a year. The citric acid is food grade and is supplied in a powdered form.

Exclusions:

• The solution should not include genetically modified products.
• The solution must NOT have been tested on animals (feedstocks or final product)
• The solution should be plant based rather than animal based.
• The challenge holder has already explored the use of palm so would not be interested in palm based solutions.

For full technical and functional requirements, visit the Innovation Exchange site at the link below.

Rewards and market opportunity

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.