Naturbeads develops a patented process to refine cellulose into perfectly round, biodegradable microbeads intended to replace plastic microplastics in cosmetics and multiple industrial applications. The company commercialises a continuous manufacturing process and built its first production plant in Puglia, Italy, targeting a 2026 product launch and a production ramp in June. Its cellulose beads are being tested in cosmetics, personal care, paints and coatings, adhesives, packaging and other applications, and the company claims they are 100% biodegradable with performance comparable to plastic microbeads. Naturbeads was founded in 2018 as a University of Bath spin-out by Professor Davide Mattia, the late Professor Janet Scott, and CEO Giovanna Laudisio. Financially, Naturbeads raised a €8.9 million Series A in 2024 led by Eos Advisory and has now received a €4.1 million EU grant to help fund its plant and R&D. The company expects regulatory changes in the EU banning certain microplastic uses to drive increased demand for its alternatives.

Total raised

$17M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Grant

Latest activity

Apr 2026