Suvi Ferraz
Anniina Mustalahti
Anne Franzas
Paavali Koivula
Hanken School of Economics
Martin Fougere
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The company’s breakthrough solution, called Brightbio, developed by Brightplus, is a recyclable, waste-based textile coating free from fluorine and toxic chemicals. It delivers the same protective qualities as conventional coatings but without environmental harm. By eliminating PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, often called ‘forever chemicals’ due to their persistence in nature) and enabling recyclability, Brightbio advances UN SDGs 6 (Clean Water), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 13 (Climate Action), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Brightbio was designed to solve one of the textile sector’s most persistent problems — coatings that contain “forever chemicals” and prevent recycling. Instead of fossil-based thermosets, Brightbio is made from industrial byproducts such as non-edible soybean oil and biomass residues. These are processed into pellets that can be used on existing lamination and extrusion lines, meaning that manufacturers do not need new equipment.
The coating is thermoplastic, not thermoset, which allows textiles to be mechanically or chemically recycled at the end of their life. It provides water- and dirt-repellent properties comparable to polyurethane or breathable membranes but without toxic substances.
This drop-in compatibility makes Brightbio a practical, scalable solution for brands seeking to transition quickly to safer, circular materials.
CEO Milja Hannu-Kuure was motivated by a personal shift toward sustainability after two decades in the electronics industry. With a background in chemistry, she felt compelled to use her expertise to create safer, more environmentally responsible materials. As she explains — “I felt that I really need to do things a bit differently in a more sustainable, environmental, and user-friendly way. I have the chemistry background to make that change real.”
The turning point came in 2019 when she realized that nearly all functional textiles relied on toxic, non-recyclable coatings. Recognizing her team’s ability to create a safer alternative, she set out to reimagine coatings from the ground up. Collaboration with manufacturers ensured that Brightbio would integrate seamlessly into existing processes, making it a solution the industry could adopt quickly.
In the short term, Brightbio has reduced the use of hazardous chemicals, lowered emissions, and enabled recyclability in textiles. Pilot projects including a collaboration with Finnish brand Lovia, brought Brightbio-coated products to market within a year, proving both performance and commercial viability.
In the long term, Brightbio could significantly reduce PFAS contamination in European water systems. Because it works with existing infrastructure, large-scale adoption can happen without costly investments. Certifications such as OEKO-TEX Class 100 confirm its safety and performance, while growing interest from manufacturers highlights its readiness to scale.
By developing Brightbio, Brightplus has opened new markets and strengthened its reputation as a leader in circular chemistry. Annual revenues between €1–1.8 million demonstrate steady traction, and venture capital raised in 2025 supports scaling production and expansion across Europe.
The company employs 15 specialists across chemistry, engineering, and business development, ensuring innovation moves efficiently from lab to market. Brightbio’s compatibility with existing production lines makes it commercially attractive and enables long-term supplier relationships.
As EU restrictions on PFAS advance, Brightplus is well positioned to meet growing demand for safe, regulation-ready coatings. This has attracted brand partnerships and investor interest, creating new opportunities for growth and global expansion.
Brightbio contributes to cleaner water systems, healthier ecosystems, and safer consumer products by eliminating PFAS and other harmful chemicals. It also transforms industrial residues into valuable coatings, reducing waste and dependence on virgin fossil resources.
For society, Brightbio empowers brands to take tangible steps toward sustainability helping them protect workers, consumers, and communities from toxic exposure while promoting circular production models. Each adoption supports global goals for clean water, responsible consumption, and climate action.
Brightbio proves that waste-based materials can outperform fossil-based ones, demonstrating that industry can shift toward regenerative, circular practices that benefit manufacturers, consumers, and the environment alike.
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Milja Hannu-Kuure, Managing Director
Brightplus is a Finnish innovation company focused on sustainable materials and circular chemistry. Its mission is to replace harmful, fossil-based coatings with safe, recyclable alternatives. The business works with global textile brands and manufacturers that aim to meet environmental regulations and improve product performance.