RAIKU partners with LVMH – Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton

Tallinn-based RAIKU has partnered with LVMH – Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury goods conglomerate, to integrate its 100% natural packaging material into the luxury sector. This collaboration follows RAIKU’s selection for the LVMH Accelerator, where it was one of 30 startups chosen from over 1,500 applicants. The partnership aims to address the pressing need for sustainable packaging alternatives in luxury products, as RAIKU seeks to replace single-use plastics and reduce environmental footprints. LVMH, with its diverse portfolio of brands, is focusing on sustainability initiatives, which aligns with RAIKU’s mission. The partnership is expected to facilitate RAIKU’s entry into the luxury market, alongside plans for a new factory in France, highlighting the growing emphasis on sustainability within the industry.

RAIKU has developed a 100% natural packaging material that is currently making waves around the world due to its great looks, excellent shock absorption, and the lowest carbon footprint figures on the market. The company just received a €8.8 million deal from the European Innovation Council as a strategic technology and is now entering into collaboration with top global brands to bring its novel material to the market.

As its most recent success, the company was accepted into the LVMH Accelerator, which brings together 75 international brands with RAIKU’s packaging material. RAIKU is one of 30 companies chosen from over 1,500 applicants to participate in the program, achieving a success rate of just 2%.

Created in 1987, the LVMH Group now encompasses over 75 exceptional Maisons, each known for producing high-quality products, including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Moët & Chandon, to name a few. RAIKU, aiming to replace single-use plastics and help companies reduce their environmental footprints, is ready to introduce its innovation to the luxury sector.

Selma Delic, Sourcing & Listening Manager at LVMH Open Innovation, shared what startups gain from the LVMH accelerator:

“La Maison des Startups LVMH offers acceleration and direct connections with LVMH Maisons through global pitch sessions, bespoke demo meetings, and exclusive sessions where Maisons pitch their needs to startups. We also provide a luxury market acculturation program with conferences, coaching, and insights into Maison needs. Each startup is paired with an in-Maison mentor and receives a year-long office space at Station F in Paris, the largest startup campus.”

Karl Pärtel, Co-Founder of RAIKU, stated: “LVMH, the world’s most valuable luxury brand, generating €85 billion annually, has shown interest in our material—this is a clear indication of its enormous potential to transform the packaging market. I highly recommend that startups apply for the LVMH Accelerator, as we’ve seen firsthand how they focus on bridging innovations between their brands and emerging companies. We’re now seriously considering setting up our next factory in France.”

The LVMH Accelerator has proven to be a powerful catalyst for innovation, facilitating over 700 collaborations aimed at advancing sustainability in the luxury sector. Among its recent successes is the partnership between Berluti and LivingPackets, which resulted in the creation of “THE BOX,” a reusable smart packaging solution designed to secure high-value products while promoting environmental responsibility.

Another noteworthy collaboration is between Stella McCartney and BioFluff, which unveiled the Savian eco-friendly luxury textile line at COP28. This line features vegan materials such as hemp, linen, and nettle, reflecting McCartney’s unwavering commitment to sustainable fashion. These initiatives exemplify how the LVMH Accelerator is actively fostering creativity and eco-consciousness within the luxury industry.

Selma highlighted that sustainability is increasingly crucial for luxury brands, driven by consumer demands, regulations, and the need to preserve essential resources.

“LVMH addresses this with a strategic, comprehensive approach, integrating sustainability across its entire value chain. This includes regenerative agriculture in vineyards, biodiversity protection, and promoting sustainable practices in fashion, cosmetics, and leather goods. Through its LIFE 360 program, LVMH commits to restoring 5 million hectares of wildlife habitats by 2030, balancing resource use with environmental restoration,” says Selma.

RAIKU will participate in LVMH’s Business Accelerator Program Season 10 from July 2024 to July 2025. In addition, RAIKU is raising more capital to build a second factory in France.
Keep an eye on RAIKU’s journey throughout the year on their blog and socials as they share insights on innovating in the luxury industry.

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