A UK startup developing a range of ‘bioinspired’ colorant technologies has raised $5 million in series A funding which will help it bring its sustainable products to market.
Sparxell, which was founded in 2023 as a spin-out of the University of Cambridge, is developing a range of nature-based pigments, inks, foils and ribbons with applications across cosmetics, fashion, and beyond.
The products leverage the properties of cellulose – one of the world’s most abundant organic materials – which, under certain conditions, can develop ‘microscopic structural textures’ that reflect light in desirable ways.
Sparxell says its pigments, powders and other products are 100% biodegradable and are free from synthetic plastics, dyes, mined metals and minerals.
“Our technology isn’t just an alternative – it is here to stay because it delivers superior performance due to its nature-inspired feature,” said Dr Benjamin Droguet, founder and CEO of Sparxell.
“This funding takes us from proof of concept to production and commercial launches.”
The funding round was led by SWEN Capital Partners’ Blue Ocean 2 fund whose investment director, Mélanie Le Guen, described Sparxell’s innovation as “a tangible response to a major environmental challenge while enabling global industries to transition toward safer and more sustainable practices.
“We are delighted to accompany them in this next phase of growth,” added Le Guen.
Estimates value the global colorants market at between $40-60 billion – a sizable industry in which many of the current processes and chemicals used are toxic or otherwise harmful to the environment.
With the global market for sustainable fashion forecast to reach $58 billion by 2035, opportunities for disruptive sustainable products are clear and Sparxell faces healthy competition for bringing an scalable solution to the market.
Just last month, for example, Danish firm Octarine Bio secured an additional €5 million ($5.8 million) in funding to bring its Series A total to €12.8 million ($15.1 million).
The Copenhagen-based company will use the funding to accelerate the commercial rollout of its PurePalette bio-based pigment platform, which it claims is a “complete drop-in replacement for synthetic dyes.”
