Cypris Materials, Inc.

Cypris Materials, Inc. developed a sustainable structural color platform inspired by nature, offering a safer, scalable alternative to traditional pigments and dyes. The company utilized proprietary copolymer-based coating technology, leveraging brush block copolymers that self-assemble into photonic crystals. This allowed for the creation of vivid, tunable colors without the use of toxic chemicals, metals, or polychlorinated biphenyls. The technology was designed as a drop-in solution for existing paint and ink systems, functioning as both a binder and colorant while eliminating the environmental hazards and supply chain complexities associated with conventional colorant production.

This technology aimed to address significant sustainability challenges across industries such as coatings, packaging, automotive, and consumer goods. By enabling a cleaner, bio-inspired approach to color, Cypris Materials provided a way for manufacturers to improve their environmental footprint without requiring significant changes to existing application processes like spraying or screen printing. Following the successful development and commercialization of its materials, the company completed the sale of its core intellectual property to a global coatings company and officially ceased operations in August 2025.