Sparxell, a leader in bioinspired color technology backed by LVMH, has successfully raised $5 million in pre-Series A funding to enhance its production of plant-based pigments.
This funding round was led by SWEN Capital Partners’ Blue Ocean 2 fund, with contributions from Alpha Star Capital and Cambridge Enterprise.
The investment will be directed towards increasing manufacturing capacity, speeding up product certification for use in textiles, cosmetics, and the automotive sector, as well as expanding the team with new hires focused on business development.
Sparxell is eager to transition from pilot programs to large-scale commercial production, eyeing the establishment of tonne-scale manufacturing facilities by 2026.
Utilizing a patented approach, the company transforms cellulose from wood pulp into structural color by assembling cellulose crystals that reflect specific wavelengths of light. This innovative process enables Sparxell to create plant-based pigments without the need for petroleum-derived chemicals, synthetic dyes, heavy metals, or minerals.
The technology is versatile, allowing for applications in pigment powders, glitters, inks, sequins, and films across sectors such as textiles, cosmetics, food and beverage, packaging, coatings, and automotive.
Sparxell claims that its pigments are biodegradable and fit well within circular economy systems. Unlike conventional dyes that persist in the environment and complicate recycling, Sparxell’s cellulose-based pigments are designed to break down naturally.
Dr. Benjamin Droguet, founder and CEO of Sparxell, stated: “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.”
He further emphasized, “We’re at an inflection 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.”
The recent funding announcement follows an earlier achievement where Sparxell was awarded a €1.9 million grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) within the same year.