Member - Naturbeads

Naturbeads. Ltd. is a UK-based startup commercializing an innovative solution developed at the University of Bath to manufacture plant-based, biodegradable perfectly spherical microbeads. PROBLEM - Every year more than 250,000 tons of plastic microbeads reach the oceans where they persist for centuries because they are non-biodegradable. These plastic particles not only contribute to plastic pollution that negatively impacts the oceans and its fauna but, when ingested by fish, can enter the human food chain with negative consequences on human health. Currently available alternatives are either not fully biodegradable, or cannot offer the same spherical shape, stability, or cost efficiency as fossil fuel-based microbeads (PE, PMMA, PTFE, Polyacrylates etc.). SOLUTION - Naturbeads proposes to replace plastic with cellulose. Cellulose is a natural, abundant, and renewable material. Every year the earth produces millions of tons of cellulose. And because cellulose is a biopolymer obtained from plants, it is also 100% biodegradable. The cellulose microbeads production process is offered to our customers as an integrated manufacturing solution comprising equipment (hardware) covered by Naturbeads IP, operating software and processes covered by Naturbeads trade secrets. Our technology produces perfectly spherical microbeads from sustainable plant cellulose, offering a valid solution to phase out plastic based microbeads. FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY – Naturbeads’ business model is to license the manufacturing of cellulose beads. Our potential licensees are ingredients manufacturers, cellulose manufacturers, and beads manufacturers. Naturbeads is addressing the high value market of microbeads for personal care and cosmetic products (£770 Million) with its first pilot scale plant. Active and incoming regulations on the use of intentionally added microplastics in consumer products will help drive the growth of our company in the coming years.