AlterEco Pulp, a Rome-based startup specializing in eco-sustainable packaging, has raised €3.5 million in a seed funding round to accelerate the development and deployment of its innovative packaging solutions. Founded in 2022 by the Corazzi family, AlterEco is pioneering the use of cellulosic fiber molding technology to reduce reliance on traditional plastic and paper packaging materials.

The seed round was led by Eureka! Fund I – Technology Transfer, managed by Eureka! Venture SGR. Co-investors include AZIMUT ELTIF – Venture Capital ALIcrowd III and IV, Open Venture, and the conversion of a previous €400,000 investment from CDP Venture Capital's Fondo Rilancio. The funding aims to support the company’s ambitious industrial roadmap titled “Back to (H)Earth!”.

According to Giammarco Paronitti, Co-founder and CEO of AlterEco Pulp, the company is already proving its model across various sectors including food service, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and perfumery. “We believe it is finally possible to reduce the use of plastic and paper in packaging,” said Paronitti. “The interest already shown by major international industrial groups confirms that our vision is the right one.”

AlterEco's approach is based on the use of plant-based fibers sourced from renewable annual crops such as bamboo and hemp, along with agricultural by-products like sugarcane bagasse and wheat straw. These materials are molded into high-performance packaging solutions that are compostable, recyclable, and aligned with circular economy principles.

With its own cellulose research center and registration in Italy’s National Registry of Research Companies, AlterEco collaborates with universities and scientific institutions to refine its processes and develop a vertically integrated supply chain. The goal: a complete packaging lifecycle “from the field to the pack to the field.”

“In a rapidly evolving packaging market, it's essential to offer alternative, ecological solutions,” said Anna Amati, Partner at Eureka! Fund. “AlterEco’s innovative cellulose extraction and molding technologies position it to meet increasing regulatory demands and consumer expectations for sustainability.”

As part of the industrial plan, the startup will build a state-of-the-art production facility to scale up its manufacturing capabilities. This facility will be designed to minimize environmental impact and demonstrate the commercial viability of sustainable packaging on a large scale.

Guido Bocchio, Head of Venture Capital at Azimut Libera Impresa SGR, emphasized AlterEco’s role in enabling the transition to sustainable materials: “We strongly believe in AlterEco’s potential to reshape the single-use packaging value chain with environmentally responsible alternatives.”

Virginia Filippi, President of Open Venture, added: “Our investment in AlterEco Pulp reflects our strategy to back high-potential, ESG-aligned startups. The company’s innovative model fits perfectly within the next generation of responsible packaging solutions.”

Ultimately, the funding round will empower AlterEco to contribute meaningfully to deforestation reduction, lower CO₂ emissions, and the transformation of packaging markets in Europe and beyond.