Xampla, the Cambridge-based natural materials company, has raised $14M (~€12M) in Series A funding to scale production of its Morro materials, a plant-based alternative to single-use plastics.
The round was co-led by Emerald Technology Ventures, BGF, and Matterwave Ventures, with participation from existing backers Amadeus Capital Partners and Horizons Ventures.
The funding will enable Xampla to replace more than 10 billion units of single-use plastics over the next five years, targeting applications such as takeaway box linings, coffee cups, sachets, dishwasher tablets, and edible packaging. The company also plans to expand into the Asia-Pacific region while growing its presence in Europe.
“This is a major vote of confidence in our revolutionary replacements for polluting plastics,” said Alexandra French, CEO of Xampla. “Our ambition is nothing less than making Morro the world’s go-to plastic replacement.”
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Morro: plastic-free, biodegradable, compostable
Developed from regenerative plant proteins after 15 years of University of Cambridge research, Morro materials are biodegradable, home-compostable, and food-safe.
- Morro Coating replaces plastic linings in cardboard packaging, maintaining recyclability while providing grease, oxygen, and moisture barriers.
- Morro Films are soluble and designed to substitute for PVA films used in dishwasher pods and laundry tablets.
- The technology also enables edible packaging for products from sweets to soups.
Xampla already works with partners including Just Eat Takeaway, Bunzl Catering Supplies, Huhtamaki, and 2M Group, and is recognised as a B Corp for its social and environmental responsibility.
Scaling global impact
Backers see Xampla as positioned to lead the packaging revolution.
“This technology hits the sweet spot: a big solution to a big problem that can reap big rewards,” said Neil Cameron, Emerald Technology Ventures.
With Series A secured, Xampla aims to industrialise its Morro platform, cementing its role as a global frontrunner in sustainable materials.
