• Swindon & Wiltshire Education, training and skills
• Monday April 27 2026

Bath Uni spinout awarded €4.1 million for new factory

A University of Bath spinout focused on eliminating microplastics has secured €4.1 million in European Union funding to support the development of a new production facility in Italy, marking a major milestone in its commercial expansion.

The funding, awarded through an EU innovation programme, will enable Naturbeads to scale up manufacturing of its biodegradable cellulose-based beads, which are designed to replace plastic microbeads used in a wide range of products including cosmetics, detergents and agricultural formulations.

The planned Italian facility will serve as Naturbeads’ first large-scale manufacturing base within the EU, positioning the company closer to key markets and customers.

Construction is expected to begin later this year, with production targeted to come online within the next two years.

Naturbeads said the investment reflects growing demand for sustainable alternatives as regulators across Europe tighten restrictions on intentionally added microplastics.

The company’s plant-based beads are designed to match the performance of conventional plastic particles while breaking down naturally in the environment.

“This funding represents a significant step forward for Naturbeads as we move from pilot-scale production to full industrial manufacturing,” a company spokesperson said.

“Establishing a facility in Italy allows us to better serve our European customers and accelerate the transition away from harmful microplastics.”

Founded to commercialise research from the University of Bath, Naturbeads has developed a proprietary process that converts cellulose from plant waste into uniform, functional beads.

These can be tailored for different industrial uses, offering manufacturers a direct substitute without requiring major changes to existing formulations.

The new facility is also expected to create jobs and contribute to regional economic development, aligning with broader EU goals to support green industry and circular economy initiatives.

Industry observers say the funding highlights increasing investor and institutional backing for sustainable materials innovation, particularly as environmental concerns and regulatory pressures reshape global supply chains.

With the EU moving toward stricter controls on microplastics, Naturbeads’ expansion comes at a pivotal moment.

The company is positioning itself to capture a growing share of the market for environmentally friendly alternatives, as manufacturers look to future-proof their products against evolving legislation.