University of Bath spinout secures €4.1m of EU funding

Naturbeads is developing technology to help tackle microplastic pollution

A Bath company that has developed technology to help tackle microplastic pollution has received €4.1m of EU funding to help set up and support its production plant in southern Italy.

Naturbeads – a Bath University spinout – is developing a biodegradable, cellulose-based alterative to plastic microparticles that can be used in a range of products such as cosmetics, paints, detergents, coatings, leather and other consumers and industrial applications.

The money will be used to partially reimburse Naturbeads for the construction of a new production plant in Puglia as well as supporting research and development costs while it gears up to full commercialisation over the next two years.

The grant is part of an EU funding programme – the European Structural Fund – that helps finance bespoke economic and social development projects in selected areas.

“Due to its versatility and durability, tiny microspheres of plastic are a popular ingredient in a range of everyday products” said Giovanna Laudisio, chief executive of Naturbeads.

“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 said 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 secured funding previously, including £7.8m in a Series A round in 2024.