Xampla, a materials technology company based in the UK, has raised $14 million in Series A funding to accelerate the global rollout of its plant-based packaging alternatives. The company, which originated as a spin-out from the University of Cambridge, aims to replace billions of single-use plastic products with natural materials that are fully biodegradable, home compostable, and free from harmful chemicals. The funding marks a major milestone in Xampla’s journey to make polluting plastics obsolete by offering sustainable alternatives that work seamlessly across existing supply chains.

Tackling the Plastic Waste Crisis with Regenerative Plant Proteins

Plastic pollution remains one of the most urgent environmental issues of our time. Conventional plastics break down into microplastics rather than decomposing, often ending up in soil, waterways, and food chains. With an estimated 400 million tonnes of plastic waste generated every year and less than 10 percent effectively recycled, there is growing pressure on governments and industries to find scalable alternatives. Xampla’s answer is Morro, a proprietary material derived from renewable plant proteins. Morro products contain no PFAS chemicals, are completely plastic-free, and comply with stringent environmental regulations such as the EU’s Single-Use Plastic Directive.

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Morro Materials Poised to Replace Over 10 Billion Plastic Items

The $14 million investment will allow Xampla to increase manufacturing capacity and expand into new markets across the UK, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. The company projects that its Morro materials could displace more than 10 billion pieces of single-use plastic over the next five years. Morro has already demonstrated its potential to replace materials commonly used in takeaway packaging, coffee cups, sachets, and other food-grade containers. Unlike traditional coatings, Morro allows packaging like cardboard to retain recyclability while providing essential resistance to grease, oxygen, and moisture.

Backing from Leading Climate and Packaging Investment Funds

The Series A round was led by Emerald Technology Ventures, a global venture capital firm focused on sustainable packaging solutions. The firm’s managing partner, Neil Cameron, described Xampla’s innovation as a powerful response to a global crisis, with significant room to scale within a fast-growing sector. Cameron noted that the barrier coatings market alone is projected to surpass $30 billion by 2032, underscoring the commercial potential of Morro technologies.

In addition to Emerald, the round attracted participation from BGF, one of the largest growth capital investors in the UK and Ireland, as well as Matterwave Ventures, a German fund known for its focus on deep tech and industrial innovation. Returning investors Amadeus Capital Partners and Horizons Ventures also reaffirmed their confidence in Xampla’s vision by joining the round.

Strategic Expansion and Manufacturing Readiness

One of Xampla’s unique advantages lies in the compatibility of Morro with current manufacturing systems. The material is designed to be drop-in ready, meaning it can be adopted without significant changes to production lines. This lowers the barrier for companies seeking sustainable packaging options without compromising on performance or cost. BGF investor Rowan Bird highlighted this aspect as a key driver for commercial adoption, adding that Morro’s natural formulation and PFAS-free status make it especially attractive for brands focused on environmental compliance.

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Looking Ahead: A Global Push Against Single-Use Plastics

Xampla’s next chapter involves ramping up commercial partnerships and taking Morro to a global audience. With backing from some of the most influential climate-focused funds in Europe and beyond, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of a new generation of packaging innovators. CEO Alexandra French stated that the funding round reflects growing market recognition for Morro’s potential to transform the materials economy. French added that the company is no longer just offering a prototype but delivering a real, scalable solution to plastic pollution.

As pressure mounts on corporations to phase out harmful materials and align with net-zero targets, Xampla’s breakthrough could not be more timely. The company is charting a path toward a future where the materials we use every day are safe, sustainable, and aligned with the planet’s limits.

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