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With research undertaken here at Plus X Innovation in the sciences from start-ups to international household names, we’re shining a light on the women behind the companies making waves, breaking-through and using science as a force for good.
Anne-Laure Fonteneau is developing innovative formulas at The Body Shop
Anne-Laure Fonteneau, Head of Research & Formula Development at The Body Shop, has accelerated the scientific research and development in bath & body, hair and skincare categories for over a decade. As an expert in cosmetology, she has led teams to develop innovative formula-development strategies, with a focus on bringing a leading international brand into a new era of sustainability:
‘We’re leading a project to replace a material used in some of our products that has been identified as carrying environmental risks. Working at The Body Shop, where sustainability is truly embedded in our values, makes initiatives like this especially rewarding.
My team and I are partnering with a biotechnology startup and a university to develop a safe, sustainable alternative. It’s a fantastic example of how cross sector collaboration - combining academic insight, innovative biotech, and applied formulation expertise - can accelerate progress.
Projects like this remind me how research can directly contribute to reducing our environmental footprint and creating better solutions for the planet.’
Sparking real-world change through her research, Anne-Laure has collaborated with the wider Body Shop team to deliver impactful breakthroughs in the world of skin biology. With a broad product offering, Anne-Laure is an integral part to keeping products safe in the growing catalogue of makeup, fragrances and more - with the goal of creating uplifting experiences, sparking joy and delighting customers through mood enhancing and de-stressing scents and sensations. Anne-Laure has recently collaborated on the newly revived ‘Dewberry’ range:
‘I knew we had created something truly special, but it was still incredibly rewarding to see how strongly people have connected with it. It reminded me that what we do isn’t just about products; it’s about creating uplifting experiences that genuinely matter to people. Realising that our work contributes to those small but special moments is incredibly meaningful.’
Lucy Hughes has created a home compostable alternative to plastic at MarinaTex
Starting as Lucy Hughes’ final year University Project, MarinaTex is leveraging the potential in fish skins and scales as a sustainable alternative to single use plastics. After winning the prestigious James Dyson award in 2019, Lucy has continued to grow from strength to strength, expanding her team in recent years to push a materials idea into a science-led company with sustainability and circularity at its core.
‘We absolutely wouldn’t be where we are without our team. We’ve brought together an incredible group of scientists – biologists & chemists - and they’ve helped transform an undergrad thesis into a validated technology.’
With a growing team pushing the accelerator on research, Lucy’s day-to-day is full of the weird and wonderful challenges that come with developing new materials, and Plus X Innovation has been a beacon of support since the start.
‘No two days are the same, which is part of what I love. I’m constantly horizon-scanning - staying close to new opportunities, building networks, and making sure the company’s direction is aligned with where the market is heading. It’s high-energy, fast-paced, and there’s rarely time for a coffee break!
Finding accessible lab space in Brighton is nearly impossible, so Plus X Innovation has been a lifeline. As one of the founding members, I was able to work with them to kit out the wet lab to meet our needs - all without breaking the bank, which is so important for early-stage startups. The community aspect has been invaluable. Some of my best friends today, I met in this building.’
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Kay Lucas is harnessing digital to reduce landfill at Natural Negative
Kay Lucas recently joined the Natural Negative team, collaborating with founders Phoebe Heseltine and Kumar Krishnamoorthy to further their digital platform ‘DropForm™’ as their first employee and Product Engineer. After initially meeting Phoebe in 2024 during an accelerator course run by Plus X Innovation for aspiring entrepreneurs, their collaboration has become a solution for innovators to shift to compostable next-generation bioplastics without losing momentum on their growth and development through the fusion of technology and science.
‘Since joining Natural Negative, I've learned so much more - especially about the behavior of materials from a scientific perspective rather than purely a design one. That's helped me understand the real limitations and requirements of materials needed for specific manufacturing applications.
Being part of a company that's genuinely trying to offer manufacturers an alternative that doesn't end up in landfill or the ocean has only deepened my motivation.’
Innovators under One Roof
With Kay, Phoebe and Kumar joining forces at Plus X Innovation, they won ‘Sustainability Champion of the Year’ at the 2025 Changemaker Awards, recognising their efforts in accelerating the shift to bioplastics for a more environmentally conscious future.
‘One of the things I've seen firsthand is just how difficult it is for manufacturers to switch to bioplastics, even when they want to. Materials that work in the lab can fail completely on a production line, and the cost of getting it wrong is huge - both financially and in terms of time. Knowing that the work we're doing with DropForm™ could help companies make the switch with real confidence is incredibly motivating. Honestly, I still haven't fully processed just how much of an impact we can make - it's both fascinating and humbling.’
The Plus X Innovation community continues to spark creativity and collaboration to generate long-term impact, and science is just one of the many pillars of innovation that keep our ecosystem thriving.
These women in science are revolutionising what is possible, using Plus X Innovation’s specialist facilities to prototype, create and execute ideas from concept to completion.
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