Naturbeads announced that it has secured €4.1 million in funding from the European Structural Fund to support the construction of its first commercial manufacturing plant and accelerate the rollout of its biodegradable microsphere technology.
The funding will be used to build a production facility in Puglia, Italy, marking a key step in the company’s transition from research and development to industrial-scale manufacturing. The plant is expected to begin production in 2026, initially producing around 20 tonnes per year with plans to scale to 500 tonnes as demand grows.
Naturbeads is developing a sustainable alternative to microplastics using cellulose, the most abundant natural polymer. Through a proprietary process, the company produces uniform biodegradable microspheres designed to match the performance and cost of traditional plastic particles, enabling a “drop-in” replacement across multiple industries.
The company’s materials can be used in a wide range of applications, including cosmetics, paints, coatings, detergents, adhesives, and biomedical products. As regulatory pressure and consumer demand for reducing microplastic pollution grow, Naturbeads positions its technology as a scalable, commercially viable solution for manufacturers looking for sustainable alternatives.
Founded in 2018 as a spinout from the University of Bath, Naturbeads has previously raised funding from investors including Eos Advisory, Progress Tech Transfer, and CDP Venture Capital. The EU grant builds on that foundation and supports the company’s move toward full commercialization.
The investment reflects broader momentum in climate and materials innovation, particularly in Europe, where regulatory frameworks and public funding programs are increasingly supporting the development of sustainable industrial technologies.
By expanding production and improving manufacturing, Naturbeads aims to become a key supplier of biodegradable microspheres, helping industries move away from fossil fuel-based microplastics while keeping performance and costs in check.
