Learning from nature: How samplers are at the forefront of the global movement against plastic pollution

Sampler is a pioneer in sustainable materials technology and at the forefront of the global movement against plastic pollution.

Founded in 2018 as a spin-out of the University of Cambridge, Xampla’s journey has been driven by a mission to become the world leader in natural polymers, delivering plastic-free, durable, natural plant-based materials. It has been characterized by achievements and ambitious plans. Fully biodegradable, it protects and delivers products and ingredients without harming the planet and helps eliminate the most polluting plastics.

Xampla offers a range of plastic-free materials with its newly launched consumer brand Morro. Plastic-free applications include:

• Moro coatings offer a natural alternative to plastics used in food packaging coatings for paper and cardboard.

• Moro Soluble Film is an alternative to the soluble plastics currently used in the packaging of dishwasher tablets and laundry pods.

• Morro Edible Film is a flexible film that provides packaging that is actually edible.

• Morro Micro replaces hidden microplastics in personal care products and household products.

• Molo Nutri can enhance the nutrients in your food and drinks.

Xampla’s innovative approach is rooted in the use of plants to create a variety of drop-in, high-performance materials without chemical modification. This strategy distinguishes his Xampla from other biodegradable plastics that rely on chemical modifications to obtain the desired performance, and chemical modifications typically affect the rate of biodegradation.

Xampla’s technology was developed from over 15 years of protein research by Professor Tuomas Knowles at the University of Cambridge, which led to the development of a patented Moro plant-based material. These materials are characterized by high strength and excellent oxygen barrier properties, making them ideal replacements for plastics in a variety of applications.

Source: Sampler

This innovation has earned Xampla recognition as one of the world’s most promising global cleantech companies in the CleanTech 100 ranking, highlighting its potential to impact significant environmental change. His recognition of Xampla in these rankings highlights his Xampla’s role in providing sustainable solutions for today’s conscious consumers and brands.

Xampla is also the first UK university spin-out company to achieve B-Corp status, a certification that indicates a company’s high standards of social and environmental performance.

“Processing natural polymers into high-performance materials allows us to use inexpensive, widely available, renewable plant materials as opposed to synthetic, non-biodegradable polymers,” said Xampla CTO. Mark Rodriguez said. “These materials are an innovative, plastic-free solution that allows brands to deliver the functionality they need, while ensuring that Moro is completely biodegradable in the environment.”

Source: Sampler

Molo material is used by global drinks manufacturer Britvic in an innovative partnership where Molo Nutri is used to encapsulate vitamin D in soft drinks. Providing superior barrier protection against UV light and pasteurization, this partnership means that for the first time, beverage manufacturers can incorporate the health benefits of vitamin D into beverages packaged in clear, recyclable plastic bottles.

Britvic research shows that clear bottles are 40% more likely to be recycled by consumers than their colored counterparts. Xampla also partnered with meal kit provider Gousto to create the world’s first edible stock cube wrapper. This unique, ready-to-cook packaging saves consumers time, saves plastic waste and has the potential to reduce up to 17 tons of plastic per year, and was awarded the Sustainable Innovation Award by SEAL Business Sustainability. I am.

Paul Graham, GB Managing Director at Britvic PLC, said: “In just over three years, we have seen Xampla’s ground-breaking vitamin microcapsules evolve from concept to production line. It was amazing to see how it seamlessly integrated into our existing processes. “We look forward to further developing our partnership as we launch and hit stores in just a few months.”

Xampla’s collaborations with Gousto and Britvic highlight the versatility and appeal of their wide range of materials. The company is also actively exploring the use of agricultural by-products and waste streams as raw materials for its products, as highlighted by its recent partnership with ELEMIS.

This approach is a strategic move to balance the competing needs of food production and materials manufacturing. Sampler demonstrates a holistic approach to sustainability by reusing what would otherwise be waste, creating value from untapped resources and reducing the environmental impact of both agriculture and material production. doing.

In November 2023, Sampler announced a significant partnership with 2M Group of Companies to scale up the production and distribution of biodegradable plant-based materials to ton/day scale. This collaboration is a major step in commercializing the Morro brand and expanding the range of sustainable products available on the market for both brands and consumers.

“Sustainability is one of our core business values ​​and a key part of our future growth strategy. We are excited to work with the Xampla team over the coming months to deliver this exciting innovation to our customers. We’re looking forward to it,” said OBE Chair Mottie Kessler. said CEO 2M. “We see great potential in Xampla’s technology and Morro brand, and are excited about the opportunity to support the transformation of the portfolio towards more sustainable technologies.”

“These are very exciting times for Xampla and our consumer brand Morro,” said Alexandra French, CEO of Xampla. “The partnership with 2M is a major milestone that will take Moro to the next stage of commercialization. We can work together to eliminate Stick.”

Source: Sampler

Xampla’s progress has been fueled by significant funding and support from high profile investors totaling £17.5m. The company’s funding round included participation from deep tech investors Amadeus Capital Partners and Cambridge Enterprises, and Sky Ocean Ventures, Sky Media Group’s impact investment fund (now Founders Factory’s Planet).・Part of the Fund) and the University of Cambridge Enterprise Fund VI also participated. At Park Walk.

Investor comments reflect confidence in Xampla’s approach and potential. Amelia Armour, Amadeus Capital Partners, highlighted the global importance of Sampler’s alternative plants in tackling plastic pollution, highlighting the vision investors share with Sampler and one of today’s most pressing environmental challenges. He emphasized efforts to address the issue. The company’s ambitions are further fueled by growing consumer demand for sustainable products. With more than 40% of shoppers willing to pay more for sustainability, Xampla designs materials to meet customers’ performance requirements and aims for price parity with traditional plastics. It is working.

This initiative, coupled with the growing global focus on sustainable packaging and healthy food and beverage products, supports Sampler’s vision of a future dominated by plant-based materials. Sampler’s journey from research concept to leader in sustainable materials is a testament to the power of innovation to address environmental challenges. Through cutting-edge science, strategic partnerships, and investor support, Xampla is not only developing alternatives to traditional plastics, but also reshaping the materials science landscape and paving the way to a more sustainable future. .

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This article was originally published on Lucidity Insights, Entrepreneur Middle East’s partner in developing special reports on the technology and entrepreneurial ecosystems of the Middle East and Africa.

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