Microplastics are commonly added to fabric softeners, shampoos and cosmetics, agricultural and industrial products. Many end up in the ocean, where they are ingested by marine life, blocking digestion, affecting nutrition and working their way up the food chain, potentially to humans. Every year, Europe alone releases a bulk amount of microplastics into the environment equivalent to 10bn plastic bottles.

Xampla has created a plant protein material for commercial use. Their mission is to replace the everyday single-use plastics you see all around, like sachets and flexible packaging films. And the less obvious, such as microplastics within liquids and lotions with a material that performs like synthetic polymers, but decomposes naturally and fully, without harming the environment. It has produced a vitamin microcapsule (vegan and gluten free) to allow drinks manufacturers to add nutrients to beverages without affecting the taste. A soluble film for dishwasher tablets. Food wrapper films that are both edible and cookable that won them the SEAL Business award for Sustainable Innovation.

To learn more about Xampla, their products and services visit their website