Naturbeads, a sustainability materials startup based in Bath, has secured €4.1 million in EU funding to support the development of its production facility in southern Italy.
The funding comes from the European Structural Fund and will be used to advance manufacturing capabilities for its biodegradable alternative to plastic microbeads.
What The Company Does
Naturbeads is developing plant-based microbeads made from cellulose, a natural material derived from plants, designed to replace conventional plastic microbeads used in consumer and industrial products.
The company has created a patented process that transforms cellulose into uniform microspheres with performance characteristics comparable to traditional plastic beads. These particles are intended for use in products such as cosmetics, paints, coatings, adhesives, and packaging materials.
Unlike plastic microbeads, Naturbeads’ cellulose-based particles are designed to be fully biodegradable, addressing environmental concerns linked to microplastic pollution in water systems and ecosystems.
The company is currently commercialising a continuous manufacturing process and has established its first production facility in Italy, with plans targeting product launch in 2026.
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Market context / industry background
Regulation around microplastics is tightening across the European Union, creating increased pressure on manufacturers to find sustainable alternatives. Restrictions on microplastics in rinse-off cosmetics are expected to begin in 2027, with broader product categories phased in through 2035.
These regulatory changes are driving demand for biodegradable substitutes across multiple industries, particularly in cosmetics and consumer goods, where microplastics have historically been widely used due to their durability and cost efficiency.
At the same time, growing awareness of microplastic pollution in food systems, oceans, and even human tissue is accelerating both regulatory action and industry innovation toward alternative materials.
Southern Europe, including regions such as Puglia, is increasingly being positioned as a hub for industrial innovation and advanced manufacturing, supported by EU structural funding aimed at regional development.
In parallel, companies are exploring bio-based materials derived from agricultural and industrial byproducts as potential replacements for conventional microplastics. These alternatives aim to maintain functional performance while reducing environmental persistence and long-term ecological impact. As supply chains adapt, collaboration between material science firms, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies is becoming more important to ensure scalability, compliance, and cost competitiveness. This shift is gradually reshaping product design and material selection across multiple sectors.
Founder / investor commentary
Giovanna Laudisio, CEO of Naturbeads, highlighted the environmental impact of plastic microbeads, noting that they are commonly used in short-lived consumer products but persist in ecosystems long after disposal.
She pointed to the broader issue of microplastic pollution, describing how tiny plastic particles are now found across environments ranging from oceans to polar regions, as well as in food chains and human bodies. She emphasised the need for scalable alternatives that can match performance while reducing long-term environmental harm.
Growth plans / use of funds
The EU funding will be used to support the construction and development of Naturbeads’ production facility in Puglia, southern Italy, as well as ongoing research and development activities.
The company aims to scale up its manufacturing capacity and prepare for commercial launch in 2026. The investment will also help reduce capital expenditure requirements associated with facility development while accelerating the transition from pilot-scale production to full industrial output.
Naturbeads’ long-term goal is to establish large-scale production of biodegradable microspheres to serve global demand driven by tightening regulation and sustainability commitments across industries.
About Naturbeads
Naturbeads is a materials science company developing biodegradable cellulose microspheres to replace plastic microbeads. Founded in 2018 as a spin-out from the University of Bath, the company focuses on producing plant-based, fully biodegradable particles for use in cosmetics, coatings, adhesives, and packaging. It is currently scaling production with its first manufacturing facility in Italy, targeting commercial launch in 2026.
