Sparxell

Sparxell is a materials science company developing high-performance, sustainable colourants from plant-based cellulose. Founded in 2022 by Cambridge scientists Dr. Benjamin Droguet and Professor Silvia Vignolini, the company spun out of the University of Cambridge to commercialize research on replicating vibrant colours found in nature. Dr. Droguet's PhD research, under the supervision of Professor Vignolini, focused on bio-inspired photonics and how nature creates structural colour, leading to the development of Sparxell's core technology.

The company's proprietary technology engineers cellulose from renewable sources, including wood pulp and agricultural waste, to create microscopic structures that manipulate light, mimicking the brilliant, fade-resistant colours of butterfly wings and peacock feathers. This process of creating structural colour eliminates the need for synthetic dyes, mined minerals like mica and titania, and petroleum-based plastics. The resulting pigments are toxin-free, fully biodegradable, and outperform traditional colourants in vibrancy and durability. Sparxell's product line includes pigment powders, glitter, sequins, formulated liquids, and special effect biomaterials.

Sparxell targets multi-billion dollar markets by providing sustainable alternatives for industries such as cosmetics, fashion, paints, and packaging. The business model involves forming product innovation partnerships with manufacturers. The company has engaged with car manufacturers, high-end fashion brands, and cosmetic goods producers to co-develop applications for its colourants. A key milestone was the June 2025 launch of what it claims is the world's first commercially available plant-derived structural colour ink for textiles, in partnership with manufacturing specialist Positive Materials. By operating as an enabler for brands to meet regulatory demands and consumer desire for sustainability, Sparxell aims to capture a significant share of the colourants market.

As of April 2024, Sparxell had completed a $3.2 million funding round comprising seed investments and grants. Investors include The Circular Innovation Fund (with L'Oréal as an anchor investor), Future Communities Capital, PDS Ventures, Katapult, and Joyance Partners. The company has received several awards, including the $100k Ray of Hope Award from the Biomimicry Institute and funding from Morgan Stanley's Sustainable Solutions Collaborative.

Keywords: structural colour, plant-based pigments, biodegradable materials, cellulose, sustainable colourants, bio-inspired technology, photonic materials, sustainable fashion, cosmetic ingredients, material science, circular economy, non-toxic colour, eco-friendly ink, biomimicry, cleantech, chemical alternatives, textile innovation, sustainable packaging, advanced materials, greentech