Naturbeads, a spinout from the University of Bath, has secured £7.8m in Series A funding to tackle microplastic pollution in daily products.
- Naturbeads develops cellulose microsphere technology as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional microplastics, used in cosmetics and detergents.
- The European Union plans to phase out microplastics by 2027, aligning with Naturbeads’ goals for reducing plastic use.
- The funding, led by Eos Advisory, will enable the construction of a new production facility in Puglia, Italy.
- Naturbeads’ strategy and leadership aim to offer industrial-grade solutions for various applications.
Naturbeads, originating from the University of Bath, has successfully raised £7.8 million through a Series A funding round. This significant financial backing is intended to advance the company’s mission of addressing the pervasive issue of microplastic pollution in the environment.
The company is developing a cellulose microsphere technology designed to replace microplastics in everyday products such as cosmetics, detergents, and paints. This innovative approach aims to provide an environmentally friendly and scalable solution, focusing exclusively on plastics found in consumer products rather than packaging.
Microplastics have been widely detected, from the highest peaks of the Arctic to the depths of the Mariana Trench. Research suggests that if current trends continue, microplastic pollution could more than double over the next decade. This has prompted the European Union to propose a phase-out of microplastics in specific products by 2027, with further plans to reduce their presence in items like fertilisers.
The recent funding round was led by Eos Advisory and had support from investors including Progress Tech Transfer, CDP Venture Capital, and Paragon Capital Management. Eos partner Andrew Durkie expressed enthusiasm for supporting Naturbeads in its next phase of commercialisation. This financial influx will play a critical role in building the company’s first production plant in Puglia, Italy.
Dr Giovanna Laudisio, CEO and co-founder of Naturbeads, emphasized their unique position in the market, focusing on replacing plastic components within consumer products. Alberto Calvo of Progress Tech Transfer highlighted the bold vision of Naturbeads in developing an industrial-grade, fully circular solution that spans a variety of applications.
Naturbeads’ funding achievement marks a pivotal step in fighting global microplastic pollution through innovative technology and strategic expansion.
