Sparxell creates biodegradable colour pigments, glitters, sequins, and films from plant-based cellulose.
Their eco-friendly products, extractable from agricultural waste, feature an impressively low carbon footprint, are free of toxins, and contribute to a more resilient supply chain.
Sparxell is dedicated to creating the world’s first bioinspired, fully biodegradable, non-toxic pigments, glitters, sequins, and films using their patented technology, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional dyes.
“Traditional chemical colourants are causing major environmental harm through every stage of their lifecycle, from manufacture to degradation. Over 10,000 fossil-based chemicals are used in current colouration processes.”

Biodegradable pigments inspired by nature
Founded in 2022 by Cambridge scientists, Dr Benjamin Droguet and Professor Silvia Vignolini, Sparxell discovered ways to replicate vibrant natural colours using fully plant-based cellulose. This renewable, biodegradable resource can be extracted from waste streams.
Their proprietary technology, rooted in material science breakthroughs, harnesses cellulose-rich sources like wood pulp to create pigments and glitter. Through a patented technique, cellulose crystals are extracted and assembled into a film that reflects light and colour over a substantial area, mimicking the vibrant hues found in nature.
As a member of Cambridge Enterprise’s investment portfolio, Sparxell engages in product innovation partnerships with blue-chip companies across various industries, including leading car manufacturers, high-end fashion brands, and cosmetic goods manufacturers.
“The textile industry is a well-known emitter of dyes and microplastics, with over 1.5m tonnes entering the environment every year, while paint has recently been recognised as the largest source of microplastics in the ocean.
Our plant-based materials can be grown and sourced locally in a complete rethink of how colours are currently being manufactured while reducing transport emissions.”
Dr Benjamin Droguet

Sparxell Products
Sparxell’s innovative science has won several significant awards, including the Cambridge Enterprise Chris Abell Postdoc Business Plan Competition in 2022, the $100k Ray of Hope Award from the Biomimicry Institute in 2023, and $250k in funding from Morgan Stanley’s Sustainable Collaborative Prize.
Recently, the team secured $3.2M from The Circular Innovation Fund, a global venture capital fund jointly managed by Demeter and Cycle Capital, with L’Oréal as an anchor investor. This seed funding round also saw participation from notable investors such as Future Communities Capital, PDS Ventures, Katapult, Joyance Partners, and SNØCAP VC. The funds raised will enable Sparxell to expand its manufacturing capacity for pilot production, secure further product development partnerships, undertake more product trials with key manufacturers and distributors, and grow its team.
As Sparxell continues to evolve within the pigment industry, it sets a compelling precedent for a more sustainable future.
Image Credits: Sparxell