Naturbeads, a University of Bath spinout, has raised £7.8m to combat microplastic pollution.
- Annually, two million tonnes of microplastics are added to cosmetics, detergents, and more.
- The European Union aims to phase out microplastics in products by 2027.
- Naturbeads focuses on eco-friendly alternatives to plastics in daily products.
- New funding will support the construction of a production plant in Italy.
Naturbeads, born from the innovative environment of the University of Bath, has successfully gathered £7.8 million in a Series A funding round to intensify its battle against the growing problem of microplastic pollution. This investment marks a significant step forward in addressing environmental concerns linked to microplastics, which are increasingly prevalent in the environment.
Annually, two million tonnes of microplastics are integrated into everyday products such as cosmetics, detergents, and paints. This alarming statistic highlights the pervasive nature of plastic pollution. In a bid to mitigate this issue, the European Union has set a timeline to phase out the use of microplastics in such products by 2027, aiming to extend this reduction to products like fertilisers subsequently.
Naturbeads sets itself apart by concentrating solely on replacing plastics found in daily products with its novel cellulose microsphere technology. This approach not only addresses environmental impacts but also offers a scalable, eco-friendly alternative that aims to reshape how products are manufactured.
With the backing of new funding, Naturbeads is gearing up to construct its first production facility in Puglia, Italy. This plant represents a critical step in scaling its technology and bringing its solutions to market globally. The investment was spearheaded by Eos Advisory, signalling confidence in Naturbeads’ mission and potential.
Partners such as Progress Tech Transfer and CDP Venture Capital have lent their support, emphasising the bold ambitions of Naturbeads’ leadership to develop an industrial-grade solution that combines high technical performance with sustainability. This reflects a broader trend towards innovative approaches to environmental sustainability in industrial applications.
Naturbeads is poised to make a significant impact on microplastic pollution with its innovative and scalable solutions.
