Mathieu Flamini, former AC Milan midfielder, is tackling chemical pollution through his environmental chemistry company GFBiochemicals. The venture develops plant-based alternatives to oil-derived ingredients using levulinic acid technology, aiming to replace synthetic compounds in everyday products.

Flamini co-founded the company in 2013 with Pasquale Granata, keeping it secret from teammates initially. By late 2015, GFBiochemicals had expanded to three countries and acquired an American production facility. Media reports claimed his investment made him wealthier than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, though Flamini clarified the $20bn figure represented market size, not personal fortune.

The company operates from a former sanatorium near Aix-en-Provence, focusing on scaling levulinate production despite technical challenges. Petrochemicals dominate the $150bn global market, making this transition costly and complex. Flamini draws parallels between entrepreneurship and professional sports, warning aspiring founders that daily obstacles require relentless determination.

His combative football mindset translates to business strategy. Just as he challenged Arsenal's shirt tradition, Flamini now confronts established petrochemical giants. The former midfielder believes sustainable chemistry demands societal shifts toward accepting higher upfront costs for environmental benefits. His laboratory holds over 200 patents while pursuing what he calls a mission to end chemical pollution.