Naturbeads, a University of Bath spinout, has raised £7.8m to tackle microplastic pollution worldwide.
- Each year, two million tonnes of microplastics are added to consumer products.
- Naturbeads aims to replace plastics with eco-friendly cellulose microsphere technology.
- The EU plans to phase out microplastics in several products by 2027.
- Naturbeads will build its first production plant in Puglia, Italy.
Naturbeads, originating from the University of Bath, has successfully raised £7.8 million in a Series A funding round. The company is at the forefront of addressing the pressing issue of microplastic pollution, which remains a significant environmental challenge globally.
Microplastics, prevalent in products such as cosmetics, detergents, and paints, contribute approximately two million tonnes annually to global pollution. This increasing awareness has spurred Naturbeads to scale up its innovative cellulose microsphere technology, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic components.
The European Union, recognizing the detrimental impact of microplastics, has mandated the phasing out of these pollutants in products like adhesives and fertilizers by 2027. Naturbeads’ technology aligns with these regulatory efforts, positioning the company as a pioneer in producing scalable, sustainable solutions.
“Microplastics have been found at the top of Arctic mountains and in the depths of the Mariana Trench,” emphasized Dr. Giovanna Laudisio, CEO and co-founder of Naturbeads. “Our focus is distinct in that we tackle the plastic found within daily products, offering a viable and eco-friendly substitute.”
The substantial funding, led by Eos Advisory with contributions from Progress Tech Transfer, CDP Venture Capital, and Paragon Capital Management, is set to facilitate the construction of Naturbeads’ initial production plant in Puglia, Italy. Eos partner Andrew Durkie expressed enthusiasm, noting the importance of supporting solutions to environmental challenges.
Naturbeads’ leadership, with its bold vision, aims to deliver an industrial-grade remedy for microplastic pollution across various applications. Their platform technology ensures high performance while adhering to a circular economy model, thus reinforcing their commitment to sustainable practices across industries.
With the new funding and strategic plans, Naturbeads is poised to make significant strides in reducing microplastic pollution.
