Xampla, a technology company that emerged from the University of Cambridge in 2018, is on a mission to rid the world of the most polluting single-use plastics. Led by CEO Alexandra French, the company is engineering natural plant materials into biodegradable solutions for the fast-moving consumer goods industry, with a particular focus on barrier properties. Through its consumer brand Morro, Xampla aims to combine the latest packaging technologies and innovations with the growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging.
The company has developed grease, oxygen, and water barrier properties without any chemical modifications, making their solutions entirely plastic-free and exempt from the European Union's Single-Use Plastic Directive. French explains that the main applications for Xampla's material are "a replacement for plastic barrier coatings that are used on paper and board, encapsulation to replace hidden plastics, and soluble films that are edible too." With three million metric tons of plastic barrier coating applied to paper and card each year, Xampla's Morro coatings have the potential to replace 10,000 metric tons of plastic coating by 2030.
Xampla's focus on barrier performance is crucial, as it directly impacts packaging functionality and the ability to meet the needs of brands and consumers. However, the invisibility of coatings and barriers to the general public contributes to confusion around recyclability and sustainability. A poll conducted by Xampla revealed that only 14% of people felt they truly understood what constitutes a sustainable packaging alternative. To address this issue, Xampla launched its consumer-facing brand Morro and the Morro marque to provide clear branding that identifies fully biodegradable and plastic-free products.
Demand for alternative packaging solutions is driven by CPG companies seeking to move away from plastic and invest in cost-effective, sustainable alternatives. French emphasizes the importance of convenience, stating that Xampla's coating allows for disposal through recycling or composting. The company's ability to expand from the laboratory into the market has been made possible through funding, partnerships, and a focus on research and development. Xampla's choice of raw materials and feedstocks ensures abundant availability at scale.
Xampla's links with the University of Cambridge provide access to high-tech, analytical laboratory equipment, enabling the company to gain a deep understanding of the fundamental properties of polymers. The material can be integrated into existing manufacturing equipment, allowing packaging companies to easily swap their plastic coatings for plant polymer coatings using various techniques.
Europe is Xampla's target launch market, as the region is leading the way in terms of regulations, driving interest in sustainable packaging solutions. The company has long-term plans to scale up its technology and enter North America and Asia, recognizing that the rest of the world will follow the strength and demand seen in the UK and Europe. French identifies the flexible packaging market as a key area of R&D for Xampla, ensuring that their products meet the needs of their customers.
Xampla's mission to eliminate the most polluting single-use plastics through the development of biodegradable solutions for the FMCG industry is a significant step towards a more sustainable future. With a focus on barrier properties, consumer education, and convenience, the company is well-positioned to drive change in the packaging industry. As regulations and consumer demand for sustainable packaging continue to grow, Xampla's innovative solutions are poised to make a lasting impact on the global fight against plastic pollution.
