Seprify manufactures cellulose ingredients, which provide safer, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional materials.
Its products include white pigments which can be used as sustainable alternatives to titanium dioxide for use in industrial applications such as paints, inks, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Seprify’s products can also be used in the food industry in, for example, beverages, plant-based foods, coffee creamers and confectionary.
Its innovative technologies are used to recycle and repurpose materials, reducing waste and conserving resources.
“We are confident that our technology will play a leading role in engineering high-value plant-based formulation ingredients that can have a positive impact on the environment and society.”

Turning cellulose into functional, high performance ingredients
Focused on sustainability and the circular economy, Seprify engineers innovative technologies to recycle and repurpose materials, reducing waste and conserving resources. By doing so, they help lower the environmental impact of industries and promote a more sustainable future. Their work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to responsible consumption and production.
Formerly known as Impossible Materials, the Swiss spinout from the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, and the University of Fribourg is led by CEO Dr Lukas Schertel and Chief Business Officer Oliver Polcher, combining a proven record in technical and business leadership. They are complemented by the extensive experience in the field of cellulose by Chief Technology Officer, Wadood Hamad, and Scientific Advisor, Professor Silvia Vignolini. Together, they produce cellulose particles that are highly functional, 100% natural plant-based, and can be used in a wide range of formulations, replacing heavy metal ingredients in consumer goods.
Seprify previously won the prestigious de Vigier Prize and was accepted into the Venture Kick accelerator program. In April 2023, it secured CHF 3.4m from an over-subscribed seed funding round, led by Mission Possible Capital, with minority investments from Inter IKEA Group and Cambridge Enterprise. These funds will be used to construct a pilot facility in Marly, Switzerland, expand the team, and work with partners on market entry.
Image Credits: Seprify