Sparxell scales plant-based coloring tech to replace toxins in packaging

Sparxell has raised €4.2 million (US$5 million) in pre-Series A funding to boost its plant-based coloring technology suitable for packaging applications. 

The technology patented by the start-up, spun out of the University of Cambridge, UK, uses cellulose from wood pulp. It extracts and assembles the cellulose crystals into structures that reflect specific wavelengths of light to create fully plant-based structural color.

According to the team behind the technology, the same process creates the colors on butterfly wings. The pigments are said to outperform synthetic colorants, while reducing water and energy consumption and eliminating microplastics and chemical pollution. 

Dr. Benjamin Droguet, founder and CEO at Sparxell, says: “Our technology isn’t just an alternative — it is here to stay because it delivers superior performance due to its nature-inspired features. This funding takes us from proof of concept to production and commercial launches.”

Rebuilding color

The pre-Series A funding round to scale Sparxell’s transition from pilot programs to commercial-scale manufacturing in 2026 is led by Swen Capital Partners’ Blue Ocean 2 fund, with participation from Alpha Star Capital and Cambridge Enterprise.

Alexandre Cadain, co-founder and managing partner at Alpha Star Capital, comments: “We were drawn to Sparxell’s method and leadership: Instead of trying to retrofit sustainability into existing chemistry, they rebuilt color from first principles using a natural structure. It offers a clear answer to a long-standing industry challenge, and it works at a scale that matters.”

Sparxell aims to replace the toxic chemicals in the €40 billion (US$48 billion) global colorants market, such as petroleum-based chemicals, synthetic dyes, toxic heavy metals, and minerals.

The start-up was founded in 2023 by Cambridge scientists Dr. Droguet and professor Silvia Vignolin.

Investment momentum

Sparxell will use the funding to drive three strategic priorities: scaling manufacturing to tonne-scale production, accelerating product certification for textiles, cosmetics, and automotive applications, and hiring new staff, including for business development.

Droguet says: “We’re at an inflexion point. Brands are under pressure to eliminate synthetic toxins from their supply chains. Momentum is building in Europe around banning ‘forever chemicals’ such as PFAS. The EU microplastics ban is also now in force, while the FDA is reassessing synthetic color additives.”

Chris Gibbs, investment director at Cambridge Enterprise, comments: “This investment is an important milestone in Sparxell’s development, enabling more sustainable colorants based on natural, biodegradable pigments delivering tangible environmental benefits as the technology scales.

“We’re pleased to have worked alongside the team since their earliest stages and to continue to support them through this next phase. The team has built a great round and a great investor syndicate to take the technology global.”

Mélanie Le Guen, investment director at Swen Capital Partners’ Blue Ocean strategy, adds: “Sparxell’s innovation is fully aligned with the ambition of our Swen Blue Ocean 2 fund.”

“By reinventing color through a bio-based, biodegradable approach, Sparxell offers a tangible response to a major environmental challenge while enabling global industries to transition toward safer and more sustainable practices. We are delighted to accompany them in this next phase of growth.”

At the end-of-life of packaging, the fully cellulose pigments biodegrade and integrate into the circular economy systems, according to Sparxell. 

Previously, Sparxell also secured a €1.9 million (US$2.2 million) grant from the European Innovation Council.