A Bath-based company that has developed technology to combat microplastic pollution has secured €4.1 million in EU funding to establish and support its production facility in southern Italy.
Naturbeads, a spinout from the University of Bath, is creating a biodegradable, cellulose-based alternative to plastic microparticles. These can be used in a wide range of products, including cosmetics, paints, detergents, coatings, leather, and other consumer and industrial applications.
The funding will partially reimburse Naturbeads for constructing a new production plant in Puglia and will support research and development costs as the company prepares for full commercialisation over the next two years.
The grant is part of the European Structural Fund, an EU programme that finances tailored economic and social development projects in selected regions.
Giovanna Laudisio, chief executive of Naturbeads, said: "Due to its versatility and durability, tiny microspheres of plastic are a popular ingredient in a range of everyday products. For example, they’re routinely found in makeup that stays on your skin for only a few hours … but when you wash your face, they end up in the drain and from there in the oceans where they last for centuries.
"Tiny particles of plastic are found in our food, our bodies – they’ve even been discovered in Antarctica – and are putting at risk both our personal health and the health of the planet."
Ms Laudisio added that the company would "ramp up" production at its factory in June as it prepares to start full commercialisation.
"We’re nature’s fix to using microplastics as we tackle the problem at source while maintaining the same performance and cost as plastics," she said. "The use of our innovative technology isn’t restricted to cosmetic goods. It can be employed in multiple industries to eliminate the use of microplastics in making paints, coatings, detergents, adhesive, softeners – even biomedical devices."
Naturbeads has previously secured funding, including £7.8 million in a Series A round in 2024.
