Xampla has secured $14m in private capital towards its goal to replace single-use plastics with plant protein alternatives, with the funding led by Emerald Technology Ventures.
Also leading the Series A round is growth capital investor BGF and Munich-based Matterwave Ventures, along with follow-on investment from existing investors including Amadeus Capital Partners and Horizons Ventures.
Over the next five years, the funding aims to help Xampla’s Morro materials replace ‘more than ten billion units’ of single-use plastic including plastic linings found in takeaway boxes, coffee cups and sachets. The company’s Morro materials are made from regenerative plant proteins, said to be completely plastic-free, biodegradable and home compostable.
Xampla claims that unlike plastic, Morro Coating maintains the recyclability of cardboard without compromising on grease, oxygen and moisture barrier properties. The company adds that the films are soluble, giving them the potential to replace plastic PVA films in dishwasher tablets and laundry pods.
The films are also reportedly food-safe and can be used as edible replacements for packaging a range of single-serve products such as sweets and soups. Xampla says it is partnering with FMCG brands and fragrance houses to replace plastic microencapsulates used to convey scents and active ingredients in homecare and beauty products with Morro materials.
Xampla recently collaborated with Bunzl UK & Ireland to introduce Huhtamaki’s Morro coated ‘Taste’ hot food boxes to its range of food service packaging. The boxes are available across Bunzl’s network of operating companies delivering to national restaurant chains, transport hubs, hotels, contract caterers, and stadiums across the UK and Ireland.
Earlier this year, Avantium and Amcor signed a joint development agreement to explore the use of Avantium’s plant-based polymer PEF - branded as Releaf - in rigid containers for products including food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, home, and personal care. Releaf is said to have ‘superior barrier properties’ which extend the shelf life of food and beverages and a lower processing temperature that cuts energy consumption compared to traditional fossil-based plastics.
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