Xampla

Xampla is a materials technology company that develops high-performance, natural polymer-based materials from plant proteins to replace single-use and other polluting plastics. The company was founded in 2018 by Professor Tuomas Knowles and Dr. Marc Rodriguez Garcia as a spin-out from the University of Cambridge, built upon 15 years of foundational research into protein self-assembly. The core technology, inspired by the strength of spider silk, involves a novel, energy-efficient process to reassemble plant proteins from sources like peas into materials that mimic silk's molecular structure, creating a 'vegan spider silk'. This patented method produces materials that are strong, plastic-free, fully biodegradable, and home compostable without requiring chemical modification. In Autumn 2023, the company launched its consumer-facing brand, Morro, to commercialize its range of plastic-free materials. The Morro portfolio is designed as a 'drop-in' solution for existing manufacturing processes, requiring no new machinery for adoption. Its products include Morro Coating, a biodegradable and food-safe barrier for paper and cardboard packaging that replaces plastic coatings containing 'forever chemicals' (PFAS) ; Morro Soluble Film, an alternative to PVOH for products like dishwasher tablets ; Morro Edible Film, for edible and cookable packaging such as stock cube wrappers ; and Morro Micro, which encapsulates active ingredients like fragrances in personal care products, eliminating primary microplastics. Additionally, the Morro Nutri application protects vitamins in fortified beverages from degradation, allowing for clear packaging and reducing waste. Xampla operates on a B2B model, supplying its Morro resins to manufacturers and brands in the food and beverage, packaging, and home and personal care sectors. The business strategy includes direct partnerships and a licensing model, exemplified by its agreement with materials manufacturer 2M Group of Companies to scale up production. The company has established collaborations with major brands, including Gousto for the world's first edible stock-cube wrapper, Britvic for vitamin encapsulation, and packaging manufacturer Huhtamaki to deploy Morro Coating on takeaway food containers. Xampla is the UK's first university spin-out to achieve B Corp certification. The company is led by CEO Alexandra French, an experienced chemist who joined in late 2023. Xampla has secured significant funding to fuel its growth and global expansion, including a £6.2 million seed round in 2021 and raising its total investment to over $17.6 million by early 2024. Keywords: Morro materials, plastic-free packaging, biodegradable polymers, plant-based materials, vegan spider silk, natural polymers, single-use plastic alternatives, sustainable packaging, edible film, soluble film, barrier coatings, microplastic replacement, nutrient encapsulation, Cambridge University spin-out, cleantech, materials science, B Corp, food packaging, personal care ingredients, home care solutions, Tuomas Knowles, Marc Rodriguez Garcia, Alexandra French, drop-in solution, PFAS-free coating, home compostable, protein engineering