Greentown Labs and Evonik Collaborate for Sustainable Innovation in Personal Care

Greentown Labs and Evonik Launch Greentown Go Make 2025

In an era where sustainability is pivotal, Greentown Labs, the premier climatetech incubator in North America, has partnered with Evonik, a leader in specialty chemicals, to foster innovation in the personal-care sector. Their initiative named "Greentown Go Make 2025" is now open for applications from startups keen on rolling out climatetech solutions.

The program is specifically designed to expedite startup-corporate partnerships aimed at enhancing sustainability in personal care through the development of biodegradable polymers and sustainable specialty chemicals. This approach targets the glaring need in the market for products that not only serve their purpose but also minimize environmental impacts. As personal care products contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, there’s an urgent demand for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives.

The personal-care market is flourishing, having generated approximately $440 billion in 2022, with projections estimating it could rise to around $580 billion by 2027. Despite its economic benefits, the industry is also responsible for a notable share of global emissions, making the push for greener solutions both a challenge and an opportunity.

A Unique Opportunity for Startups

Greentown Go Make 2025 promises selected startups a well-structured four-month program designed to nurture their innovations through various supports. These include mentorship from industry experts, networking opportunities, and workshops tailored to enhance partnership outcomes. Selected startups stand to engage directly with Evonik’s leadership team, exploring a range of collaboration possibilities like joint development or investment.

Consumer Demand for Sustainability

As consumers become more discerning about the environmental impact of the products they use, the demand for sustainable alternatives has seen an uptick. This backdrop makes it vital for companies like Evonik to align their offerings with consumer values. The company’s recent strategic pivot towards sustainability underscores its commitment to creating safe, eco-friendly ingredients for personal care products. Evonik's overarching innovation strategy focuses on bio-based solutions and sustainable practices across its operations.

Anil Saxena, Vice President of RDI at Evonik, highlighted the importance of such partnerships. "The Greentown Go program represents an exciting opportunity for startups to showcase their groundbreaking solutions in sustainable chemistry," he stated. This collaboration illustrates Evonik's ambition to lead in sustainable innovation while providing startups with a platform to bring their ideas to fruition.

Greentown's Role in Climatetech Innovation

Greentown Labs has been at the forefront of driving climatetech innovation since its inception. The organization has supported over 575 startups, resulting in the creation of significant employment opportunities and substantial funding. Their model includes various tracks directed at key climate-related sectors, making them a vital component in the global effort for sustainable change.

Highlighting the synergies with Evonik, Aisling Carlson, Senior Vice President of Partnerships at Greentown remarked, "The building blocks of the personal-care industry are ripe for climatetech innovation, and there's no better partner for harnessing this opportunity than Evonik."

How to Apply

Startups interested in joining Greentown Go Make 2025 must submit their applications by January 23, 2025. The program is open to applicants globally, further enhancing collaboration in diverse markets. For more information on how to apply, interested parties can visit Go Make 2025’s official website.

As Greentown Labs and Evonik lead the charge in sustainable innovation, their initiatives not only promise to transform the personal-care industry but also underscore the importance of corporate responsibility in addressing pressing environmental challenges.