Naturbeads
Preventing microplastics pollution to improve human and planetary health
Every week each one of us eats 5g of plastic, the same weight as a credit card. Microplastics are everywhere, in the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe.
Unlimited ambition
Naturbeads was incorporated in May 2018, and in just a few short years it has made significant waves in the green tech sector. From the outset this organisation had its sights set high - it spent its first year researching the market before accepting funding from Innovate UK and Sky Ocean Ventures in May 2019, and then working closely with leading researchers in the field to develop its technology.
Unlimited innovation
Every week each one of us eats 5g of plastic, the same weight as a credit card. Microplastics are everywhere, in the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe. They have been found in beer, water, salt and shellfish, on remote Arctic mountains and in the depth of the Mariana Trench. Even most recently microplastics have been found in human placentas! The long term effect on our health and the health of our planet have not yet been fully investigated, but this plastic pollution is believed to have far-reaching implications making it paramount that we find alternatives.
Naturbeads is tackling this huge global challenge through its development of plant-based microbeads which can be used instead of plastic beads in a variety of cutting-edge products.
Unlimited potential
As a deep tech startup scaling up technology from TRL3 (Technology readiness level), being located in Bath close to those with in-depth scientific knowledge of the technology is critical for this startup’s operations. In addition to scaling up our existing innovations, our closeness to the University of Bath and its researchers allows Naturbeads to explore additional cutting-edge applications for our plant-based beads. In 2020 the organisation started a new collaboration with Professor Karen Edler of the University of Bath’s Department of Chemistry exploring biocatalysis - receiving two SBRI Innovate UK research contracts. In 2021 Naturbeads signed a memorandum of understanding with Professor Marianne Ellis of the University’s Chemical Engineering Department and Cellular Agriculture Ltd to explore applications for its technology in the fast-growing cultured meat industry.
Unlimited talent
Naturbeads is run by three co-founders, Giovanna, Davide and Janet. Davide and Janet co-developed the plant-based bead technology at the University of Bath and provide technical expertise. Giovanna joined the company as co-founder and CEO after a corporate experience in DuPont and in technology commercialisation at the Technology Transfer Office of the National University of Singapore, NUS Enterprise, along with a Venture Building Company in Singapore.
This multidisciplinary, highly experienced and skilled team gives Naturbeads the very best chance of challenging the global challenge of microplastic beads pollution.
Naturbeads is tackling this huge global challenge through its development of plant-based microbeads which can be used instead of plastic beads in a variety of cutting-edge products.
