Xampla validates plastic-free materials, secures US$14M funding boost

UK – Xampla has partnered with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) to create a verification test for its Morro materials, confirming they qualify as plastic-free and exempt from the EU’s Single Use Plastic Directive (SUPD). 

Announced on September 29, 2025, the test employs advanced spectroscopy and high-resolution microscopy to examine the chemical and physical properties of Morro’s natural plant polymers before and after processing. 

Results indicate no significant chemical modifications, aligning with the EU REACH regulation’s definition of plastics as polymers with added substances.

These materials, derived from regenerative plant proteins, offer biodegradability, home compostability, and compatibility with existing recycling systems. 

Xampla plans to substitute Morro for 10 billion single-use plastic items over the next five years, targeting applications like coatings for takeaway boxes and sachets. 

The company maintains that Morro preserves the recyclability of cardboard while providing effective barriers against grease, oxygen, and moisture.

Earlier this summer, Xampla collaborated with Bunzl UK & Ireland and Huhtamaki to apply Morro coatings to “Taste” hot food boxes, produced from responsibly sourced paper in various sizes. 

These boxes now serve national restaurant chains, transport hubs, hotels, contract caterers, and stadiums across the UK and Ireland via Bunzl’s network. In July, the partnership extended availability to these regions.

Building on this momentum, Xampla raised US$14 million in Series A funding on September 3, 2025, led by Emerald Technology Ventures with participation from Matterwave Ventures and others. 

The capital will support global expansion, including into the Asia Pacific, alongside growth in the UK and Europe. 

According to CEO Alexandra French, the investment represents strong backing for their plant-based solutions, enabling deployment of Morro in food delivery packaging through ties with Just Eat Takeaway, 2M Group of Companies, and Transcend Packaging.

Neil Cameron, partner at Emerald Technology Ventures, noted in a statement that the technology addresses a major environmental issue by integrating into current manufacturing lines without added costs. 

Ines Kolmsee from Matterwave Ventures added that Xampla’s approach ensures practical adoption for brands seeking reduced plastic reliance.

Xampla’s portfolio extends to edible and soluble films for single-serve products like sweets and soups, as well as replacements for plastic microencapsulates in homecare and beauty items.

Partnerships with FMCG brands and fragrance houses are underway to implement these in scent and active ingredient delivery. 

The firm’s patented innovations, free of PFAS, aim to counter rising global plastic production, projected to hit one billion metric tons annually, with less than 10% currently recycled.

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