CINEA - European Climate Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency

09/22/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/22/2025 03:05

Green Assist: Turning hair waste into smart solutions for healthy oceans and soil

Each year, tonnes of human hair are discarded as waste. Imagine that discarded human hair isn't just waste, but a solution to pressing environmental challenges. That's the vision of CLIC RECYCLE , a Spanish-based clean-tech startup scaling its environmental solutions with support from Green Assist.

Founded in 2020, CLIC RECYCLE collects hair waste from salons across Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands through its innovative Hair Recycling Service. This reduces landfill and incineration waste, natural resource depletion, and CO2 emissions. The true innovation is in how this waste is transformed into two groundbreaking product lines:

  • CLIC SEA for Ocean Protection: These nature-based solutions adsorb hydrocarbons and heavy metals from water, reducing pollution and plastic waste. They also offer real-time data on water quality for port authorities, users, and regulators.
  • CLIC TERRA for Soil Regeneration: This biodegradable smart mulch supports agriculture by restoring soils, conserving water, enhancing biodiversity, and replacing agricultural plastics. It also provides valuable real-time data for farmers.

Both solutions put the circular economy into action by reducing waste and creating environmental benefits from otherwise discarded material.

Scaling impact with Green Assist

To move from start-up to scale-up, CLIC RECYCLE applied for support from Green Assist.

Between May and December 2024, a tailored team of experts supported the company with financial modelling, funding strategies, market validation, and environmental impact assessment. Green Assist also conducted a comprehensive life-cycle assessment of the project, confirming that CLIC SEA and CLIC TERRA outperform conventional alternatives in pollution prevention, carbon savings, and water efficiency. Improved strategic communication also helped engage investors and address regulatory frameworks.

Today, CLIC RECYCLE stands on solid ground with a validated business model, patented products, and proven environmental impact. With a clear roadmap for growth, the company is now seeking strategic partners and investors to expand and replicate its solutions across Europe and worldwide.

"Green Assist gave us critical insights to strengthen our financial and environmental impact while validating the environmental story at the heart of our innovation. This support has been key to preparing for our next phase of growth," said Valerie Itey, Founder and CEO of CLIC RECYCLE.

By transforming hair waste into smart, regenerative solutions, CLIC RECYCLE proves that circular economy and technology can work hand in hand to restore ecosystems, empower communities, and accelerate the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Green Assist aims to build a pipeline for high-impact green investment projects in sectors related to biodiversity, natural capital and circular economy, as well as in non-environmental sectors.

Learn more about how Green Assist can help you get free tailored support for your green project or contact us at cinea-green-assist ec[dot] europa[dot] eu (cinea-green-assist[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu) .

CINEA - European Climate Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency published this content on September 22, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 22, 2025 at 09:05 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]