In the rapidly evolving life sciences sector, innovation is no longer defined solely by clinical efficacy or cutting-edge technology. Increasingly, the conversation includes sustainability, not as an afterthought, but as a core design principle.
For Allegro, a young Belgium-based MedTech company founded in 2021, this philosophy has been embedded from the start. The company’s pioneering biopolymer composite technology is initially being developed as a treatment for osteoarthritis, injected directly into the knee joint to restore the shock-absorbing function of synovial fluid. But behind the science lies an equally important story: Allegro’s deliberate commitment to minimizing environmental impact across the product’s lifecycle.
From using water-based chemistry with virtually zero waste, to sourcing renewable raw materials from food industry side streams, Allegro has engineered sustainability into both its product and its processes. The company’s approach goes beyond regulatory compliance, tackling packaging optimization, reducing unnecessary sterilization processes, and investing in durable, reusable manufacturing equipment. For CEO Lucas Decuypere, this isn’t just about corporate responsibility; it’s about creating long-term value for patients, the planet, and business.
In a conversation with Drug and Device World, Decuypere explains why sustainability should be embedded from day one, how it shapes Allegro’s technology and operations, and why the industry must move beyond “window dressing” to real, measurable change.
This interview has been edited for clarity, consistency, and length.
Phalguni Deswal (PD): Can you tell us how Allegro was formed and how your technology works?
Lucas Decuypere (LD): We started the company in 2021 with platform technology, a biopolymer composite material with unique, tunable properties. We can adjust its mechanical strength, viscosity, elasticity, and biocompatibility. Our first application is a novel treatment for osteoarthritis. The technology is delivered via a prefilled syringe into the knee joint, where it reinforces the shock-absorbing capacity of the synovial fluid. In osteoarthritis, that function is lost, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility. Our solution restores it.
PD: You recently raised €2 million for clinical trials. How is preparation for your first registrational trial going?
LD: We’re excited to move into human trials. The risk is low because we’re working within the joint using safe biopolymers. Preclinical studies have been extremely promising. But of course, the real test is in humans. As a young company, preparing for the trial means building the right team, partnering with hospitals and physicians, and tackling a mountain of regulatory paperwork.
PD: Sustainability is a central part of your product design. How have you approached this?
LD: From the very beginning, we designed with sustainability in mind. Our chemistry is 100% water-based, producing almost zero waste, less than 1%, which is exceptional in this industry. Most of our raw materials come from renewable sources, often as byproducts of the food industry, and we purify them to levels exceeding pharmaceutical grade. We avoid aggressive solvents and rely on fundamental chemistry principles to simplify production. This approach is efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective.
PD: How do you ensure sustainability isn’t just a checklist item?
LD: For us, it’s by design — literally. We started with nature, studying joint mechanics and identifying natural biopolymers that could work. That naturally led us to sustainable sourcing. Too often, companies add sustainability later as a marketing exercise. Real sustainability means embedding it from day one, not planting a few trees for social media.
PD: What about packaging and operations?
LD: Regulations dictate certain aspects of medical packaging, but we optimize where we can. By reducing plastic use, choosing compostable materials, digitizing processes, and shipping more efficiently. In manufacturing, we’re moving from disposable plastic components to reusable stainless‑steel equipment. It’s about reducing waste without compromising safety.
PD: What advice would you give other life sciences companies aiming for sustainability?
LD: First, put sustainability into your product design and user requirements from the start. Second, remember that a healthy environment supports human health — you can’t claim to improve health if your process harms the planet. Third, recognize the financial benefits. Sustainable processes can save money now and avoid costly changes later. And finally, avoid “window dressing”, focus on actions that create real value.
