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Naturbeads raises cash for cellulose beads

C&EN Global Enterprise 2024
Craig Bettenhausen

Summary

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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