Contact Information: Contact Name: Giovanna Laudisio E-mail: giovanna.laudisio@naturbeads.com
The Solution Naturbeads exploit the amazing properties of cellulose, a natural biopolymer, to create a platform of products to address two of the world biggest challenges: plastic pollution and dependence on fossil fuel-based products. This is achieved by an innovative, patent-pending manufacturing process, that transforms cellulose, naturally available in fibre form, in spherical shape and with controlled size in the micrometre range. These characteristics are critical for many different applications: For example, they provide a smooth and luxurious feel to creams and make up in cosmetics and improved mechanical resistance to paints. Cellulose microspheres can replace intentionally added plastic microbeads in many applications like cosmetics, paints and coatings, and also composites, additives for the oil and gas industry, biocatalysis and more. Naturbeads prevents microplastic pollution at the source and help its customers to replace a polluting ingredient with a biodegradable one. Cellulose is the material of choice because it is natural (it is what trees are made of), abundant and renewable (because every year the Earth produces millions of tons of cellulose), and biodegradable. By replacing plastic, which is fossil fuel-based, with cellulose, which is plant-based, Naturbeads reduce the consumption of fossil fuel and their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
Website: www.naturbeads.com Funding required: £5,000,000
Naturbeads is harnessing the power of cellulose, a natural and biodegradable biopolymer, to create a platform of plant-based solutions to replace plastic in multiple applications: cosmetics, paints, adhesives, composites, biotechnology and more. The first product is cellulose microspheres to replace polluting plastic microspheres (microplastics) with a global estimated market of £5B. The Problem Plastic pollution is one of the global challenges of the 21st century. While the removal of large plastic objects like bottles, fish nets and bags can be achieved by clean up initiatives and better waste management, plastic microparticles (<5mm), intentionally added to many industrial and consumers products, like cosmetics, paints, adhesives, composites, biocatalyst supports and more, are impossible to remove once they reach the environment. These microplastics are not biodegradable and accumulate over time, affecting the whole ecosystem. It is estimated that at least 250,000 tons end up in the oceans every year and at least 3 times as much in soil. Consequently, microplastics have been found in human lungs, blood, breastmilk, and placenta, with potential major adverse effects on human health. In addition, plastic is a fossil fuel derived material contributing to greenhouse gases (estimated 6 tons of CO2 for each ton of plastics). Using microplastics in many products is a design failure: Why use a material, like plastic, that lasts for centuries in a product like a shower gel that has a working life of just 5 minutes?
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