Ghent-based start-up causes a stir with bio-alternatives for grooming and cleaning products
Make no mistake: your shampoo, toothpaste and cosmetics at home all contain chemical ingredients that can cause skin irritations or allergic reactions. That's why AmphiStar, based in Ghent, produces bio-alternatives based on food that's past its best, or even rotting. Unusual? It's safer and more sustainable in any event.
The choice to use these essential biodegradable ingredients was perhaps the motivation for the European Innovation Council Accelerator to award €12.5 million of investment and innovation support to the Ghent-based start-up, following a rigorous selection procedure. The social impact will therefore be substantial when you consider that we might soon only be using toothpastes, skin creams, shampoos, shower gels, make-up removers, floor cleaners, dishwasher tablets and, who knows, agrochemicals ... with bio-surfactants instead of crude oil-based substances. Bio-surfactants are produced by adding genetically engineered yeasts to food waste. Among other things, they produce lathers, create a shine and remove dirt. Just to be clear, any foul odours are neutralised.
Well-known multinationals active in the consumer goods industry already have their eyes on AmphiStar's broad range of products. Consumers are also increasingly demanding products that they know are sustainable and safer to use. Then it's an easy choice.