Sparxell’s Plant-Based Colour Technology: A Sustainable Solution for Fashion and Textiles

Sparxell, a spin-out from the University of Cambridge and a pioneer in bioinspired color technology, has successfully raised €4.2 million ($5 million) in pre-Series A funding. The primary goal of this funding is to replace harmful chemicals in the €40 billion ($48 billion) global colorants market.

The funding round is spearheaded by SWEN Capital Partners’ Blue Ocean 2 fund, with additional contributions from Alpha Star Capital and Cambridge Enterprise. This investment will propel Sparxell’s transition from pilot programs to large-scale manufacturing, with tonne-scale production facilities set to be operational by 2026.

Dr. Benjamin Droguet, the Founder and CEO of Sparxell, expressed his excitement about the funding, emphasizing that their technology offers superior performance and is set to revolutionize the industry. The funding will enable Sparxell to move from proof of concept to full-scale production and commercial launches.

The period of 2025–2026 is witnessing a significant influx of capital into bio-based color, cellulose, and sustainable materials technologies, providing a favorable backdrop for Sparxell’s pre-Series A funding. Other companies in this space, such as Octarine Bio and Cellugy, have also received substantial investments to advance their sustainable solutions.

Sparxell, founded in 2023 by Dr. Benjamin Droguet and Professor Silvia Vignolini, has developed a cutting-edge color platform technology that produces natural color pigments, inks, glitters, sequins, and films that are completely biodegradable and free from toxins. Their patented technology utilizes cellulose from wood pulp to create “100% plant-based structural color,” mimicking the vibrant colors found in nature.

Unlike traditional synthetic dyes, Sparxell’s technology focuses on using physical structures rather than harsh chemicals to achieve color. This approach not only outperforms synthetic alternatives but also reduces water usage, energy consumption, and eliminates microplastics and chemical pollution.

The investment from SWEN Capital Partners’ Blue Ocean 2 fund underscores the alignment of Sparxell’s innovation with the fund’s goals of supporting environmentally friendly solutions. Sparxell’s 100% cellulose pigments are biodegradable and seamlessly integrate into circular economy systems, transforming the end-of-life scenarios for colored textiles and packaging.

In addition to the recent funding, Sparxell has also secured a €1.9 million grant from the European Innovation Council and forged collaborations with renowned brands like Patrick McDowell and Positive Materials. The Pre-Series A funding will be instrumental in driving Sparxell’s strategic priorities, including scaling manufacturing, accelerating product certification, and expanding their team.

Alexandre Cadain, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Alpha Star Capital, commended Sparxell’s innovative approach and leadership in rebuilding color chemistry from first principles. He highlighted the scalability and effectiveness of Sparxell’s method in addressing long-standing industry challenges.

Overall, Sparxell’s commitment to sustainable and biodegradable color solutions marks a significant advancement in the industry, with a strong focus on environmental benefits and innovative technology. The future looks promising for Sparxell as they continue to revolutionize the colorants market with their nature-inspired approach.