From trees to treatments – Finnish innovation challenges cosmetics industry norms
Low-chemical cosmetics come now from the forest. Finnish cosmetics technology startup Lavliér has developed the world’s first cellulose-based manufacturing method that enables the industrial-scale production of low-chemical cosmetics.
Lavliér’s patented innovation utilizes forest industry side streams, offering a new type of raw material that reduces environmental impact in the global cosmetics market, worth over $500 billion.
The gel-like cellulose raw material developed by Lavliér serves as a base for cosmetics without the need for traditional fillers and additives. The new technology can reduce the chemicals used in cosmetics manufacturing by up to 80 percent. This means shorter ingredient lists, a smaller environmental footprint, and a simpler production process.
“This is not a minor improvement, but a completely new manufacturing method that challenges the entire structure of the cosmetics industry,” says Lavliér’s founder, Petro Lahtinen, PhD in Chemistry.
Lahtinen has been involved in the development of other bio-based material solutions as well, such as Woodcast, Woodion, and Sulapac. Now he believes that the cosmetics industry, too, is ready for radical change.
“Currently, a large proportion of the raw materials used in cosmetics are additives that improve the texture and shelf life of the product. Our cellulose-based technology offers a natural and more sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals. This could be a solution that transforms the entire industry.”
From the forest to the market – and the world
As consumers worldwide demand cleaner, more transparent beauty products, the cosmetics industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint. Major brands are investing in greener formulations, recyclable packaging, and ethical sourcing—but Lavliér’s technology goes a step further by rethinking the very foundation of how cosmetics are made.
By replacing synthetic additives with a cellulose-based alternative, the Finnish innovation aligns with global sustainability goals and offers a scalable solution for companies seeking to future-proof their product lines.
Lavliér’s first products will hit the market in 2026. However, the company’s goal is to bring its technology to international cosmetics giants and influence manufacturing practices across the entire industry.
According to Lahtinen, wood-based innovations are not just an opportunity but a necessity. “There is no other renewable raw material on Earth on the same scale as the forest. Its potential is enormous – from textiles to fuels and now also cosmetics,” Lahtinen emphasizes.
Lavliér’s other founder, designer Jenna Tikkanen, highlights the commercial potential of the innovation. “We have presented the technology to both consumers and the manufacturing industry, and the feedback has been unequivocal: this is a unique and very interesting innovation. It is inspiring to build a brand whose potential customers include the world’s most famous cosmetics companies.”
