Overview
Ecovia Bio is a Michigan-based biotechnology company and spinout from the University of Michigan focused on the development and commercialization of sustainable, high-performance biopolymers. The company specializes in gamma polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA), a natural biodegradable polymer derived from fermentation processes, offering a transformative alternative to persistent synthetic polymers in cosmetics, personal care, agriculture, and hygiene applications.
Recent Series B funding will enable significant expansion of manufacturing capacity and position the company to serve surging global demand for biodegradable biopolymer solutions.
Core Technology: Gamma Polyglutamic Acid (γ-PGA)
Material Properties:
- 100% biobased, biodegradable polymer
- Produced through fermentation processes from renewable resources
- Fully biodegradable at end of life
- High-performance properties equivalent to or superior to synthetic alternatives
- Non-toxic and environmentally safe
- Suitable for skin contact and sensitive applications
Key Advantages:
- Replaces persistent synthetic polymers (e.g., polyacrylamide, sodium polyacrylate)
- No microplastic residue or environmental accumulation
- Delivers equivalent or superior performance
- Supports circular economy and sustainable product development
Product Portfolio
AzuraBase® Family:
- Biopolymer base materials for cosmetics formulation
- Applications: Skincare creams, serums, and moisturizers
- Benefits: Natural origin, biodegradable, high efficacy
AzuraGel® Family:
- Specialized gel and suspension materials
- Applications: Personal care products (shampoos, body washes, gels)
- Benefits: Superior texture, stability, and performance
Market Applications
Cosmetics & Personal Care:
- Skincare products (creams, serums, masks)
- Hair care (shampoos, conditioners)
- Body care (gels, lotions)
- Color cosmetics and makeup applications
- Premium and natural beauty brands
Agriculture:
- Soil conditioning and water retention
- Sustainable crop protection solutions
- Biodegradable agricultural films
Hygiene Products:
- Superabsorbent applications (diapers, feminine hygiene)
- Replaces petroleum-based superabsorbent polymers (SAPs)
- Fully biodegradable alternative to synthetic SAPs
Industrial Applications:
- Specialty coatings and binders
- Functional additives for sustainable manufacturing
Recent Developments: Series B Funding
Funding Round: Series B led by Pointe Angels (angel investor group from Grosse Pointe, Michigan)
Capacity Expansion:
- Significant expansion of Livonia production facility
- Target operational capacity: 2028
- Projected facility throughput to meet surging global customer demand
Future Growth:
- Evaluating additional production facilities to accommodate demand beyond 2028
- Securing long-term supply chain security for global partners
- Scaling to meet multi-year customer contracts
Production Facility
Location: Livonia, Michigan, USA Infrastructure: State-of-the-art fermentation and processing facility Capacity: Being expanded to meet 2028+ market demand
Competitive Advantage
Ecovia Bio’s γ-PGA technology provides:
- Sustainability: 100% biobased, fully biodegradable alternative to synthetic polymers
- Performance: Equivalent or superior properties to conventional materials
- Safety: Non-toxic, suitable for skin contact and consumer products
- Scalability: Fermentation-based production enabling reliable, scalable manufacturing
- Market Timing: Positioned for growth in sustainability-focused cosmetics and hygiene markets
Last updated: February 27, 2026