Spin-out’s £10 million aims to replace 10 billion single use plastic items
7 Sep 2025
Cambridge university spin-out Xampla has won investment worth millions to enable it to develop plant-based polymers capable of replacing single-use plastics.
Emerald Technology Ventures, BGF and Matterwave Venture, together with previous investors Amadeus Capital Partners and Horizons Ventures, provided funding of £10.2 million for the project.
The scheme aims to scale up production of Xampla’s Morro materials – natural polymers made from regenerative plant proteins.
These will provide biodegradable alternatives capable of replacing 10 billion single use plastic items over the next five years, says Xampla.
The materials, billed by the company as a “world first” polymer alternative, will also qualify for exemption from the European Union Single-Use Plastic Directive (SUPD).
These include coatings, soluable films for food packaging, dishwasher or laundry cleaner tablets and scented products.
To date the spin-out has replaced coverings for food delivery giant Just Eat Takeaway and worked with brands including packager Huhtamaki.
In 2021, the UN environment programme estimates suggested world plastic production could top 1 billion tonnes annually. Less than 10% of plastic produced has been recycled.
Pic: Magda Ehlers
