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Naturbeads raises cash for cellulose beads
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Researchers at the UK start-up Naturbeads developed biodegradable cellulose microspheres as a drop-in replacement for intentionally added microplastics in paints and cosmetics, raising $9.9 million in Series A funding to scale production. The company reported that approximately 2 million metric tonnes of microplastics are still intentionally added to products annually despite bans in many regions.
The UK start-up Naturbeads has raised $9.9 million in a series A funding round led by the venture capital firm Eos Advisory. Naturbeads makes biodegradable cellulose microspheres that can replace microplastics in applications including paints and cosmetics. The firm says it will use the funds to build its first large-scale plant, in Puglia, Italy. Despite bans in many regions, Naturbeads says, about 2 million metric tons of microplastics are intentionally added to products each year.
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Size-Controlled Preparation of Cellulose Microspheres and Preliminary Investigation of their Use as Additives in Cosmetic Products
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Researchers developed a method for producing cellulose microspheres of controlled size as a biodegradable alternative to plastic microbeads used in cosmetics. Cellulose microspheres performed comparably to conventional plastic microbeads in cosmetic formulations while being biodegradable, offering a viable substitute to reduce microplastic pollution from personal care products.
Effect of Addition of Spheroidal Cellulose Powders on Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Cosmetic Emulsions
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The cosmetics industry has historically used tiny plastic microbeads as scrubbing and texturizing agents in face creams, but these are now widely banned due to environmental harm. This study evaluated spheroidal cellulose powders — derived from plant material — as a biodegradable replacement, finding that creams containing cellulose particles of two different sizes (2 and 7 µm) performed best, delivering good skin hydration, favorable texture, and high consumer sensory ratings. The results support cellulose-based particles as a viable and genuinely biodegradable substitute for synthetic microplastics in personal care products.
A Scalable and Surfactant-Free Emulsion Method for Producing Microbeads from Varied Biomass Feedstocks
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Researchers developed a scalable, surfactant-free emulsion method for producing microbeads from non-derivatized biomass such as cellulose, offering a biodegradable alternative to plastic microbeads still used in personal care and consumer products despite national and international regulations.
Biosourced Spherical Microbeads from Brewer’s Spent Grain for Sustainable Personal Hygiene Products
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Researchers developed biodegradable microbeads from brewer's spent grain as a sustainable replacement for plastic microbeads in personal care exfoliants, which are banned in many countries due to their environmental persistence. The biosourced spherical particles showed mechanical properties comparable to plastic microbeads, offering a genuinely plastic-free alternative that breaks down naturally.
Sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based micro/nanospheres: a systematic scoping review on biodegradable materials and applications
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This review pulls together existing research on eco-friendly, biodegradable alternatives to the tiny plastic beads and particles (micro/nanospheres) commonly used in cosmetics, medicines, and industrial products—materials that often end up as microplastic pollution in our environment and bodies. The researchers found promising options made from natural and plant-based materials that could replace petroleum-based versions, but note more work is needed to make these alternatives perform as well and be tested consistently. This matters because reducing our reliance on plastic microspheres could help cut down microplastic exposure in food, water, and eventually human tissue, while still suppor
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