Innovation in high-performance biomaterials and green chemistry
We develop compostable cellulose films with tailored barrier properties for the food industry and advanced applications.
What is iLerlab?
iLERLAB is a research-driven startup focused on creating next-generation cellulose-based materials.
Our initial focus is advanced, compostable and sustainable packaging solutions for high-value food products.
Our platform integrates chemistry, electrochemistry and materials engineering in a continuous development workflow, aimed at creating sustainable, low-impact alternatives to conventional materials.
From cellulose to packaging, in 5 steps
Click each step to see the details
Cellulose
We start from natural, renewable cellulose as the basis of all our materials. It is the starting point for a sustainable, low-impact alternative to conventional materials.
Chemistry and modification
We tune the structure of cellulose through chemistry and electrochemistry to give it the properties each package requires.
Materials engineering
We design and validate the material’s properties for each application, with barrier testing, mechanical analysis and electrochemical characterisation.
Functional film
The result is an advanced, transparent, flexible and compostable barrier film that aims to match or exceed the performance of plastic.
Packaging application
We bring the film to the packaging of high-value food products that are sensitive to moisture, oxidation and loss of texture.
Our mission
Solving advanced packaging challenges with engineered, high-performance cellulose materials.
We believe that, to find solutions that work, you first need to discover where the pain point is and, from there, think, collaborate, innovate and create with full transparency.
The problem
Today, packaging sensitive foods forces a choice between performance and sustainability. These are the three problems we have identified:
Performance vs. sustainability
Conventional materials deliver high performance but pose major environmental challenges.
Sustainable alternatives can have technical limitations that hinder their industrial adoption.
Protection and shelf life
Sensitive foods can be affected by moisture absorption, oxidation, loss of texture and quality degradation.
Transition to more sustainable materials
Industry needs alternatives that can combine:
Performance + Sustainability + Industrial compatibility
Smart cellulose-based films, designed to combine performance, sustainability and industrial compatibility.
What we do
We design smart cellulose-based films tailored for food packaging, with precise control over:
Controlled barrier against water absorption.
Water drops on the film: moisture transfer test
Protection against product oxidation.
Freshly cut orange protected with cellulose film
Stable performance with high-fat products.
Cellulose film on chocolate, a fat-rich product
Structural strength during handling and shelf life.
Flexibility and strength of the film when handled
Our goal is to match or exceed the performance of plastic while keeping biodegradability and reducing the use of any toxic material that could pollute the environment.
Technology platform
Design, validate, prototype, deliver
Functional materials designed for each application, from natural cellulose to the final package.
Platform vision
A platform beyond packaging
We start with real, high-value packaging applications while developing a functional materials platform with potential to expand into other advanced sectors.
Food packaging
Electronics and wearables
Energy and electrochemical materials
Biomedical
Research and innovation ecosystem
We are currently exploring technical and research collaborations with leading universities, technology centres and industrial partners.
Partners
Who it's for
Three ways to work with iLerlab
Food manufacturers
Do you package premium products and need a truly compostable barrier?
- Confectionery, such as turrón
- High-fat products
- Sensitive to moisture, oxidation and texture changes
- High value / premium
Industry and partners
Want to validate sustainable materials in your process? We’ll work with you.
- Materials design and formulation
- Barrier testing and mechanical analysis
- Prototyping, coating and scale-up
- Collaborative testing and technical documentation
Investors
Looking for materials deep-tech with real-world application? Let’s talk.
TRL 4, confirmed patentability and a clear first application: premium food packaging.
Doesn’t your case fit any of these three? Tell us what you need and we’ll get back to you.