Alkelux

Short description

Alkelux addresses a critical issue in the agri-food supply chain: the rapid spoilage of fresh foods and the excessive use of plastic in packaging, which result in significant economic waste and environmental impacts.

The proposed solution is a natural antimicrobial additive, derived from licorice processing waste, which can be incorporated into packaging materials or applied as a spray coating. The distinctive technological element is the development of a bio-based nanopolymer with effective and stable antimicrobial properties, capable of extending the shelf life of products without compromising their quality or safety. Compared to chemical or synthetic alternatives, Alkelux offers a sustainable, circular solution that complies with growing environmental regulations. Concrete and measurable benefits for customers include reduced food waste, lower logistics costs, longer product shelf life, and an improved environmental impact of packaging. The vision is to redefine food preservation standards, making them more sustainable, efficient, and circular on a global scale.

Business & Revenue Model

• Target customers: food packaging manufacturers, agri-food companies, fresh produce logistics operators
• Initial geographic focus: Europe and the Mediterranean region
• Customers willing to pay for solutions that extend shelf life, reduce losses along the supply chain, and improve ESG performance
• B2B revenue model based on the sale of the antimicrobial additive (in powder or resin form)
• Proprietary formulations applicable as coatings
• Technology licenses for integration into industrial processes
• Highly recurring revenue through product integration into production cycles
• Expected gross margins exceeding 60%
• Sales channels: industrial partnerships, specialized distributors, direct development with key accounts
• Scalability ensured by an asset-light model, replicable across multiple applications and markets, leveraging licensing and strategic partnerships

Traction

• Pre-revenue phase with a focus on industrial validation
• €1 million seed round fully closed with four institutional investors: Eatable Adventures, CDP, LaGemma Venture, Banco di Sardegna
• Two active proof-of-concept (PoC) projects with two major European and global companies processing over 90,000 tons of plastic
• PoC projects with the explicit goal of converting into commercial contracts
• Pilot plant operational by fall 2026
• Estimated first revenue for 2026: €200K
• Target annual revenue for 2027: €1M (with only the pilot plant fully operational)
• Construction of an industrial plant in Calabria scheduled for summer 2028

Roadmap and Development Plan

2026

• Completion of pilot plant construction within 6 months
• Industrial validation and market launch by the end of the year
• Completion of food contact certifications
• Essential safety testing for large-scale commercialization
• Development of new proprietary technology for end consumers
• Introduction of a B2B2C model alongside the B2B approach
• Establishment of initial strategic partnerships with players in the packaging and large-scale retail sectors
• Initial revenue targets

2027

• Launch of the Serie A round (target completion by the end of the year)
• Start of construction of an industrial facility in Calabria
• Production scale-up

2028

• Completion of an industrial plant in Calabria

Funding need & use of funds

Next round: Serie A, €3–5 million

Serie A timeline: Launch by late 2026, with the goal of closing by the end of 2027

Use of funds (Serie A):

• Industrial Plant Construction
• Production and Commercial Scale-Up on an International Scale
• Industrial Assets
• Key Hires
• Advanced R&D

Team & Cap Table

Industrial development. The founder and CEO leads the strategic vision and technological development, drawing on his academic and industrial background in the fields of biomaterials and applied chemistry. The technical team includes experts in R&D, chemical process scaling, and industrial validation—all of which are essential for the transition from the laboratory to production. The business division is supported by professionals with experience in B2B business development, industrial partnerships, and access to international markets. The team is bolstered by scientific and industrial advisors, as well as collaborations with universities and research centers.

Cap table:

Social/environmental issue and impact

Problem:

More than 30% of food is lost along the supply chain. Traditional packaging contributes significantly to pollution and global emissions. Alkelux technology has a measurable impact by extending the shelf life of fresh products, reducing waste, and enabling a reduction in plastic use through natural, bio-based antimicrobial solutions.

Impact:

• Percentage reduction in food waste
• Extended shelf life of fresh products
• Reduction in logistics-related CO₂ emissions
• Amount of plastic avoided
• Alignment with United Nations SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)
• Compliance with European regulations on packaging sustainability
• Benefits extended to the entire supply chain: producers, distributors, and end consumers
• Contribution to a more efficient, sustainable, and circular food system

Financial Structure (equity, debt, grant)

Equity:

€970,000 – Four institutional investors (Eatable Adventures, CDP, LaGemma Venture, Banco di Sardegna) – 2025–2026

Debt: None

Grant:

• €40,000 – COREPLA (Encubator Accelerator)
• €10,000 – Unicredit StartLAb
• €800,000 – Smart&Start Grant Program (under review)