Purdue University graduates commercialise eco-friendly microbead technology for cosmetics

SoyFoliate has commercialised soy microbead technology, an eco-friendly alternative to plastic microbeads for use in cosmetic products and soaps.

The move follows a ban of plastic microbeads in the US in 2015 and intends to address the need for alternatives in the personal care market.

SoyFoliate is a start-up by Purdue University graduates. Its technology utilises the biodegradable and hydrophilic properties of soy that can absorb water over time.

To prevent saturation, the researchers mixed the microbeads with oil to reduce their rigid properties. The firm is currently working on a prototype intended for testing and validation of shelf stability and environmental safety.

To ensure better stability and biodegradability, SoyFoliate will upgrade its technology using a new formulation, with plans to licence it to personal care companies in the future.

SoyFoliate co-founder Samuel Lewis said: “Our environmentally friendly soy microbeads are a highly marketable alternative to use in personal care products.

“We look forward to developing a finalised formulation and product and partnering with both producers and companies who will want to use it in their products.”

The firm licenced SoyFoliate technology through the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialisation and is working with entrepreneurial accelerator Purdue Foundry for its sub-licencing business strategy.

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Image: Purdue graduates develop SoyFoliate soy microbead technology as an alternative to the recently banned plastic microbeads. Photo: courtesy of SoyFoliate.