UK-based biomaterials company Shellworks has raised $15 million in Series A financing to scale production of its bio-based material Vivomer and expand into the United States and European wellness markets. The round was led by alter equity, with participation from NFDG, JamJar and existing backers including Founder Collective, LocalGlobe and Third Sphere.

 

Cost Competitiveness at Early Scale

 

The funding follows a milestone in manufacturing economics. Shellworks reports that Vivomer has reached cost parity with conventional packaging materials such as aluminum and glass while operating at a relatively small scale of roughly five million units. Achieving comparable pricing at this stage addresses a key adoption barrier for brands seeking to replace petroleum-based plastics.

Vivomer is produced through microbial fermentation of second-generation feedstocks, including used cooking oil. The resulting material is designed to remain stable during use but fully biodegrade at end of life. The company positions this dual performance profile as central to enabling wider commercial substitution of fossil-derived plastics.

 

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Retail Partnerships and Market Validation

 

Shellworks has secured commercial partnerships with consumer brands including Wild, part of Unilever’s portfolio, and Sonsie Skin. Vivomer-based packaging is currently available through Tesco via Wild’s product range and has recently launched at Whole Foods under the Phil’s brand.

These retail placements provide early validation that bio-based alternatives can compete on price and performance in mainstream channels. The company argues that sustainable packaging is increasingly evaluated not only on environmental criteria but also on supply chain reliability and cost stability.

 

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Expansion Strategy and Production Footprint

 

The new capital will support regional production expansion across the United States and the European Union, with a focus on the wellness sector. Shellworks is building manufacturing capabilities around complex processes such as blow molding, aiming to establish facilities in the UK, continental Europe and the U.S.

By localizing production, the company intends to reduce transport-related emissions and strengthen supply chain resilience. Investors backing the round emphasized that scaling infrastructure alongside material innovation will be critical to shifting packaging markets toward lower-carbon alternatives.

With plastic reduction targets tightening across multiple jurisdictions and brand commitments to eliminate virgin fossil-based materials increasing, Shellworks is positioning Vivomer as a cost-competitive option capable of integrating into existing retail supply chains without significant price premiums.