Naturbeads, a startup company founded by University of Bath researchers, has received new funding to build a new factory to increase production of its plant-based alternative to microplastic beads.

The company has developed innovative biodegradable cellulose ‘microspheres’, which will replace microplastics in a range of consumer and industrial products.

It received £7.8 million in its latest funding round, from investors including Eos Advisory, Progress Tech Transfer and CDP Venture Capital. The new funding will allow the firm to respond to growing demand for its products by creating a new production plant in Puglia, Italy.

Naturbeads was founded in 2018 following research by the late Professor Janet Scott, who was based in Bath’s Department of Chemistry, and Professor Davide Mattia, of the Department of Chemical Engineering and now the company’s Chief Technology Officer, alongside CEO Giovanna Laudisio, an alumna of the School of Management.

Professor Davide Mattia said: “Naturbeads success would not have been possible without the constant support of the University of Bath. Janet and I started working on the technology behind Naturbeads over 10 years ago with support from the CSCT, now known as the Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change.

“Naturbeads has hired several Bath alumni and the company’s R&D activities continue to be hosted at the University, creating a virtuous cycle between industry and academia. It is also a great example of the expertise within the University and the innovative collaborations that are possible between Faculties on campus.”

Naturbeads CEO and co-founder Dr Giovanna Laudisio added: “Our differentiator from other companies working to address plastic pollution, , is that we are one of few that is solely focused on the plastic found within daily products, and producing an eco-friendly, scalable alternative.”

An estimated 2 million tonnes of microplastics are added each year to everyday products including cosmetics, detergents, adhesives, paints, and others.

EU regulations to ban the use of micro plastics in cosmetics and other products were published in October 2023, with a view to phasing out their use in rinse-off products like shampoos and face washes by 2027, with other personal and home care products, and agricultural products including fertiliser to follow.

Naturbeads is already collaborating with a number of global manufacturers to integrate its cellulose microsphere ingredients into various industrial applications.