Xampla, a UK-based start-up developing plastic alternative materials made from plants, has received $14 million in private capital.

According to the University of Cambridge spin-out, the funding will see more than 10 billion units of single-use plastic replaced with its Morro materials in the next five years, including plastic linings found in takeaway boxes, coffee cups and sachets.

Xampla's proprietary Morro materials offer a natural polymer alternative made from regenerative and natural plant protein feedstocks, including peas, rapeseed and sunflower. They are biodegradable, compostable and entirely free from plastic.

Lead investor Emerald Technology Ventures runs a specialist, venture-backed investment fund targeting the full packaging lifecycle. The fund aims to catalyse leaps in advanced materials that benefit the planet and earn significant returns.

Also leading the Series A round is BGF and Matterwave Ventures, in addition to participation from existing investors including Amadeus Capital Partners and Horizons Ventures.

Research shows there are now 8 billion tonnes of plastics and microplastics in our global environment, with less than 10% of plastic ever produced being recycled. Amid increasing concern over our worldwide reliance on plastics and the resulting pollution, businesses across the materials industry are pouring efforts into developing sustainable alternatives that can offer the same capabilities in packaging applications – an enduring challenge for the sector.

Xampla’s work in this area has included ensuring its Morro coating can maintain the recyclability of cardboard without compromising on grease, oxygen and moisture barrier properties.

Its Morro films are soluble, offering potential to replace plastic PVA films across various applications. They are also food-safe and can be used as edible replacements for packaging single-serve products like sweets and soups.

The start-up has already worked in collaboration with industry partners, replacing plastic coatings on boxes used by food delivery giant Just Eat and Bunzl Catering Supplies.

Alexandra French, chief executive at Xampla, said: “This is a major vote of confidence for our revolutionary replacements for polluting plastics, and will see us expanding into Asia Pacific as well as growing in the UK and Europe”.

Rowan Bird, investor at BGF, described Xampla’s technology as a “truly scalable and practical alternative to plastic”.

He added: “Its patented, entirely natural and PFAS-free material is not only strong in performance but also drop-in ready for existing manufacturing lines, making it an attractive option for brands looking to adopt more sustainable solutions. We believe in the strength of the team, the quality of the product, and the positive role Xampla can play in helping reduce reliance on polluting plastics.”