Naturbeads, a University of Bath spinout, has secured £7.8m in Series A funding to combat microplastic pollution.
- Two million tonnes of microplastics are used annually in products like cosmetics and detergents.
- The EU aims to phase out microplastics in certain products by 2027, highlighting the urgency of this issue.
- Naturbeads’ cellulose microsphere technology offers a scalable, eco-friendly alternative to microplastics.
- Plans are underway to construct the first production facility in Puglia, Italy, supported by investments from Eos Advisory and others.
Naturbeads, a spinout from the University of Bath, recently received a significant financial boost, securing £7.8 million through a Series A funding round. This investment positions the company at the forefront of efforts to address the pressing issue of microplastic pollution, a problem that is increasingly recognised globally. The company is focused on the development of cellulose microsphere technology, which provides a promising alternative to traditional microplastics commonly found in everyday items.
Research indicates that approximately two million tonnes of microplastics are incorporated annually into a wide array of products, including cosmetics, detergents, paints, and adhesives. This pervasive presence in consumer goods has raised environmental concerns, prompting initiatives such as the European Union’s directive to phase out these materials in certain products by 2027. The initiative underscores the critical need for innovative solutions like the ones offered by Naturbeads.
Naturbeads CEO and co-founder Dr Giovanna Laudisio highlighted the alarming proliferation of microplastics, citing their presence from remote Arctic peaks to the depths of the Mariana Trench. She emphasised that the company’s unique focus lies in targeting the microplastics embedded within daily products and providing a scalable, environmentally friendly alternative. “Our differentiator from other companies who are trying to solve challenges around plastic packaging is that we are one of few that is solely focused on the plastic found within daily products,” Dr Laudisio stated.
The company’s recent funding victory will facilitate the construction of its first production plant located in Puglia, Italy. This strategic expansion is expected to accelerate the commercialisation of their technology. The Series A round was spearheaded by Eos Advisory, with additional contributions from Progress Tech Transfer, CDP Venture Capital, and Paragon Capital Management. These investors recognise the transformative potential of Naturbeads’ platform to deliver industrial-grade solutions for various applications, incorporating a circular approach to sustainability.
Andrew Durkie, a partner at Eos Advisory, expressed confidence in the Naturbeads leadership team, recognising the ambitious scope of their mission to mitigate one of today’s most urgent environmental challenges. Alberto Calvo, managing director of Progress Tech Transfer, echoed this sentiment, noting the technical performance and circular economy focus of Naturbeads’ solutions.
Naturbeads’ innovative approach and substantial funding position them well to address the global microplastic crisis effectively.
