Sparxell raises €4.2 million to scale plant-based colour technology for fashion and textiles
**Sparxell Secures €4.2 Million to Revolutionize Sustainable Colour Technology in Europe** European innovation in sustainable materials continues to gain momentum as Sparxell, a University of Cambridge spin-out, has successfully raised €4.2 million in pre-Series A funding. This investment is earmarked to scale its groundbreaking plant-based colour technology, a significant development aimed at replacing toxic chemicals within the substantial global colourants market, which is valued at €40 billion. The funding round, led by SWEN Capital Partners' Blue Ocean 2 fund, will enable Sparxell to transition from pilot programs to commercial-scale manufacturing, with tonne-scale production facilities slated for operation by 2026. Sparxell's proprietary technology utilizes cellulose from wood pulp to create "100% plant-based structural colour," mimicking natural phenomena like butterfly wings to produce vibrant hues. This method eliminates the need for petroleum-based chemicals, synthetic dyes, and toxic heavy metals, offering a sustainable alternative that also boasts superior performance while reducing water and energy consumption. The company's innovative approach extends to various applications, including pigment powders, inks, glitters, sequins, and films for industries ranging from fashion and textiles to cosmetics, packaging, and automotive. This investment in Sparxell aligns with a broader European trend of significant financial backing for bio-based materials and sustainable colour solutions. Recent funding rounds for companies like Octarine Bio (€5 million), Cellugy (€8.1 million), and Fiberdom (€3.5 million) collectively highlight a growing commitment across the continent to fostering digital and material sovereignty through eco-friendly innovations. As regulatory pressures mount, including impending bans on "forever chemicals" and microplastics, Sparxell is well-positioned to lead the industry's digital transformation towards safer and more sustainable practices.
Curated and translated by Europe Digital for our multilingual European audience.
Source Information
European Alternatives You Might Like
Mangopay
Mangopay is a payment infrastructure provider specializing in payments for marketplaces and platforms. It offers virtual wallet technology for managing funds, enabling features such as split payments, multi-currency support, and KYC/AML compliance. Key functionalities include automated payouts, transaction monitoring, and customizable payment flows. This service is primarily aimed at businesses that manage marketplaces, crowdfunding platforms, and sharing economy models and require complex payment solutions. Mangopay distinguishes itself by offering a flexible and scalable payment solution specifically designed for platform-based business models, allowing them to control cash flows and streamline payment processes.
Scaleway
Scaleway is a European cloud computing provider offering a range of services, including servers, storage, and networking solutions. Key features include bare metal servers, virtual machines, object storage, and managed Kubernetes. It's suitable for developers, startups, and businesses seeking cloud infrastructure for web applications, data storage, and various other workloads. Scaleway distinguishes itself through competitive pricing and a focus on European data sovereignty, with data centers in France and the Netherlands.