Sparxell secures US$5M funding to scale cellulose-based pigments for sustainable packaging

UK – Cambridge spin-out Sparxell has raised US$5 million (€4.23 million) in Pre-Series A funding to accelerate the commercialization of its cellulose-based colourant technology, positioning the company to deliver bio-based alternatives to conventional synthetic pigments used in packaging and consumer goods.

The patented technology utilizes cellulose derived from wood pulp, which is processed into microscopic cellulose crystals and assembled into structural colour systems that reflect specific wavelengths of light.

The resulting plant-based pigments can be incorporated into powders, inks, films, glitters, and sequins, offering potential applications across packaging, textiles, and personal care products.

Sparxell said its colourants function as a ‘drop-in’ solution for existing manufacturing processes, enabling converters and brand owners to replace petroleum-derived colour chemicals without significant process modification.

The company claims the technology can reduce water consumption by up to 90%, while also lowering energy use and eliminating microplastic pollution associated with conventional pigment and glitter materials.

The pigments are designed to be fully biodegradable at end-of-life, supporting circular economy objectives.

The funding round was led by SWEN Capital Partners’ Blue Ocean 2 impact venture fund, which focuses on addressing ocean health challenges linked to pollution and climate change.

Additional investors include Alpha Star Capital, which specializes in biomimicry and AI-driven innovation, and Cambridge Enterprise, an early backer of Sparxell since its formation at the University of Cambridge.

Dr Benjamin Droguet, founder and CEO of Sparxell, said increasing regulatory pressure is accelerating demand for safer colourant technologies.

“Every major brand knows they need to eliminate toxic chemicals and colourants, but viable alternatives have been limited,” he said.

“Momentum is building in Europe around restrictions on ‘forever chemicals’ such as PFAS, the EU microplastics ban is now in force, and the FDA is reassessing synthetic colour additives. This funding moves us from proof of concept to commercial production.”

Sparxell plans to use the investment to transition from pilot-scale development to industrial manufacturing, with tonne-scale production facilities expected to become operational this year.

The company is also running several fully funded pilot projects with industry partners and recently secured a €1.9 million grant from the European Innovation Council to support further scale-up and product development.

It has already launched commercially available plant-based textile inks in partnership with Positive Materials.

Industry analysts note growing interest in bio-based pigments as brand owners seek to reduce reliance on petrochemical additives while meeting stricter sustainability and regulatory targets.

Structural colour technologies, which rely on physical light reflection rather than synthetic dyes, are gaining traction as a promising route to eliminate hazardous substances while delivering high-performance colour stability.

If successfully scaled, Sparxell’s technology could provide packaging manufacturers with a commercially viable pathway to meet tightening environmental regulations while enhancing brand sustainability credentials, particularly in premium and decorative packaging applications where colour performance and visual impact are critical.

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