Sparxell, a Cambridge company focused on creating sustainable colour from plant-based cellulose, has been chosen for the latest cohort for the Morgan Stanley Sustainable Solutions Collaborative. Selected as a high-impact venture, receiving a $250,000 award in addition to a year-long collaboration with Institute for Sustainable Investing to amplify their impact and scale their innovative solutions.

Sparxell's mission is to develop the world's first bioinspired fully biodegradable non-toxic pigments, glitters, sequins, and films.

Leveraging patented technology, Sparxell has embarked on a mission to develop the world’s first bioinspired fully biodegradable non-toxic pigments, glitters, sequins, and films. Their products, extractable from agricultural waste, boast a remarkably low carbon footprint, zero toxins, and contribute to a more resilient supply chain.

 

At the heart of Sparxell’s innovation lies their proprietary technology rooted in material science breakthroughs, and their foundational research was published in the Nature Materials. The unique process behind their pigments involves harnessing 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 vibrant hues found in nature.

As a previous winner of Cambridge Enterprise’s Chris Abell Postdoc Business Plan Competition in 2022, and a member of Cambridge Enterprise’s investment portfolio, Sparxell has gone from strength to strength, building up increasing support for their commitment to sustainability.

The Morgan Stanley Sustainable Solutions Collaborative, an initiative aimed at identifying and scaling transformative innovations addressing critical sustainability challenges, announced its 2023 cohort last week. Sparxell stands among the five exceptional organizations chosen for their pioneering

This year’s Sustainable Solutions Collaborative members are dedicated to making a significant impact on our planet and society, and we are excited to support their groundbreaking work.

Jessica Alsford, Morgan Stanley's Chief Sustainability Officer and CEO of the Institute for Sustainable Investing

The inclusion of Sparxell in the Morgan Stanley Sustainable Solutions Collaborative reaffirms the company’s dedication to driving sustainability through groundbreaking technological advancements. As their evolution within the pigment industry continues, Sparxell sets a compelling precedent for a more sustainable future.