Naturbeads, a University of Bath spinout, has secured significant funding to tackle microplastic pollution in consumer products.
- Two million tonnes of microplastics are added to everyday items like cosmetics and detergents annually.
- The European Union aims to phase out microplastics in these products by 2027.
- Backed by new investment, the company plans to build a production plant in Italy.
- Key investors include Eos Advisory and Progress Tech Transfer, highlighting the project’s potential.
Naturbeads, emerging from the University of Bath, has successfully raised £7.8 million in a Series A funding round aimed at addressing the global challenge of microplastic pollution. The startup focuses on replacing microplastics in everyday products with cellulose microspheres, providing an eco-friendly alternative. According to their data, annually, two million tonnes of microplastics are incorporated into products like cosmetics, detergents, and paints, with mounting evidence demonstrating their environmental pervasiveness.
The European Union’s initiative to eliminate microplastics by 2027 underscores the urgency of this issue. Studies have shown microplastics reaching remote locations such as Arctic peaks and the Mariana Trench, underscoring the extensive spread of these pollutants. Naturbeads’ CEO, Dr Giovanna Laudisio, emphasised their unique approach, concentrating on microplastics in everyday products rather than just packaging, and producing scalable, environmentally friendly alternatives.
With the new capital infusion, Naturbeads is poised to construct its inaugural production facility in Puglia, Italy. Eos Advisory led this investment round with Andrew Durkie expressing confidence in Naturbeads’ innovative solutions to this pressing environmental problem. Further financial backing was extended by Progress Tech Transfer, CDP Venture Capital, and Paragon Capital Management. Alberto Calvo of Progress Tech Transfer acknowledged the strength of Naturbeads’ leadership and their extensive plan to deliver an industrial-grade solution across various applications.
The substantial investment in Naturbeads signifies a strong commitment towards sustainable solutions for microplastic pollution.
