Funding Acquired by Xampla for Expansion of Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions Based on Plants

In a significant move towards a more sustainable future, Xampla, a University of Cambridge spin-off, has raised $14 million in Series A funding. This investment will drive the global expansion of Xampla's innovative Morro plant-based materials, designed to replace polluting single-use plastics.

Emerald Technology Ventures led the funding round, with participation from BGF, Matterwave Ventures, Amadeus Capital Partners, and Horizons Ventures. The target is to replace over 10 billion units of single-use plastics within five years, a feat that will see the replacement of grease-resistant takeout containers, coffee cup linings, sachets, and films used in dishwasher and laundry pods, among other items.

The Morro materials offer brands a drop-in ready alternative that runs on existing manufacturing lines, eliminating the need for changes to the production process or equipment. Brands such as Just Eat Takeaway, Huhtamaki, Bunzl Catering Supplies, and ELEMIS have already adopted Xampla's Morro materials, with Just Eat Takeaway and Huhtamaki deploying solutions at scale.

The Morro materials are plastic-free, PFAS-free, home compostable, and exempt from the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD). They are also fully compostable, making them an environmentally friendly choice.

The global expansion is significant as regulatory pressure is mounting in the targeted regions. With the new investment, Xampla aims to accelerate the global adoption of Morro products as a replacement for polluting plastics. The expansion will focus on the US and Asia-Pacific markets.

Alexandra French, CEO of Xampla, stated the company's ambition to make plastic a material of the past. "We are thrilled to have the support of our investors as we embark on this mission to revolutionise the plastics industry and create a more sustainable future," she said.

The funding will also enable Xampla to further develop its technology, ensuring that the Morro materials continue to meet the evolving needs of brands and consumers alike. With this investment, Xampla is one step closer to achieving its goal of a world without single-use plastics.