ColorForge is the beauty industry’s technology partner for reimagining cosmetics. Their team is dedicated to developing an additive manufacturing process that is eco-friendly, inclusive of consumers, and durable for an agile supply chain. Using a custom-built 3D printer, the team at ColorForge uses binder jetting to produce powder-based products such as blush, eye shadows, bronzers, etc, to produce custom cosmetics at an industry scale.
Traditional cosmetics manufacturers stamp out several units of the same product. Still, this process is extensive, time-consuming, and often limits consumers of shades or colors that aren’t a perfect match. These manufacturers require 5000 units ordered in every color or shade before manufacturing begins, producing only seven foundations, leaving manufacturers sitting on a large stockpile of products, often leading to many items being disposed of before they even hit the shelf. They usually use plastic-based additives, which are not suitable for the environment. The ColorForge cosmetic manufacturing process is unique due to its sustainability. The products are printed in a biodegradable shell, so they had to build their printer to meet this personal goal. ColorForge is focused on ‘just in time’ manufacturing—it is produced as the customer needs it. This new technology allows 1800 shades and colors to be made in 5 hours, all of which can be unique if desired.
John LaHood, founder of ColorForge, began developing this technology in 2014. He bought a 25-year-old 3D printer and spent a few years modifying it to establish the foundation of his needs. They were able to develop and achieve a patent on this printer process. ColorForge was launched in 2019, just before the pandemic hit, and was a visionary movement that quickly gained traction. John and his wife, Caroline, began flying around the world to meet with beauty supply partners and gain vital feedback, but when COVID-19 shut down travels and borders, they needed to pivot, allowing them time to reassess their approach. They decided to minimize concessions and found a startup in the UK willing to collaborate with them to build their customized printer, the first of its kind.
The ColorForge core team is still relatively small, with only four team members, but the support they have in their extended network promises a vibrant future for this startup. So far, they have focused on developing the technology, and now they are working to establish a business aspect and build partnerships. “When you have an idea, you think it will be off the ground within a year- this has been a 10-year process. We’ve had to learn to be patient and strategic in developing our team and partnerships,” Caroline LaHood shared. “We are probably another 2-years out before we are ready to pursue outside funding.” The team has been funding its progress by competing in international pitch competitions and fundraising. In 2020, ColorForge won Top Innovation in Beauty, where it competed globally.
In April, ColorForge secured an office space at Peoria Next, opening them up to an entirely new network and providing them with the support they needed to see the full potential of their dream happening here in Peoria. “John started in the basement, and it was so isolating, and we weren’t aware of the entrepreneurial ecosystem here in Peoria,” Caroline confessed. Caroline shares that having the resources at Peoria Next Innovation Center and being so closely connected with the resources at Bradley makes Peoria Next the perfect home for ColorForge. Stay current on ColorForge as they continue to pave the way for the future of cosmetics by visiting their website.
