Xampla

Xampla is a material science company that develops high-performance, plant-based polymers to replace single-use and microplastics. Spun out of the University of Cambridge in 2018, the company commercializes over 15 years of research into protein self-assembly, inspired by the strength of spider silk. The technology was initially developed by a team led by Professor Tuomas Knowles, who was later joined by co-founder and CTO Dr. Marc Rodriguez-Garcia.

The company's core business involves producing a resin from various plant proteins—such as peas, potatoes, and rapeseed—that can be formed into films, coatings, and microcapsules without chemical modification. This makes the resulting materials fully biodegradable, home compostable, and in some cases, edible. Xampla's products are designed as a "drop-in" solution, meaning they can be integrated into existing manufacturing equipment without requiring new capital investment from clients. Its business model includes direct material sales and licensing partnerships with manufacturers, converters, and brands in sectors like packaging, food and beverage, and personal care.

Under its consumer-facing brand, Morro™, Xampla markets several products. These include Morro™ Coating, a plastic-free barrier for paper and cardboard packaging; Morro™ Soluble Film, an alternative to soluble plastics for items like dishwasher tablets; Morro™ Edible Film, famously used to create the world's first edible stock-cube wrapper in partnership with Gousto; and Morro™ Micro, which replaces plastic microcapsules in home and personal care products. The company also offers nutrient encapsulation technology to protect vitamins in fortified beverages from degradation.

Since its first hire in 2020, Xampla has grown to over 40 employees and secured approximately $18 million in funding from investors including Horizons Ventures, Amadeus Capital Partners, and CIECH Ventures. The company has established key partnerships with global brands like Britvic and ELEMIS, and manufacturing partners such as 2M Group of Companies and Huhtamaki to scale production and distribution.

Keywords: plastic-free materials, biodegradable packaging, plant protein polymers, sustainable materials, single-use plastic alternatives, material science, food packaging coating, edible packaging, home compostable, microplastic replacement, soluble films, drop-in solution, cleantech, B-Corp, Cambridge spin-out, natural polymers, nutrient encapsulation, Morro, sustainable packaging, plastic-free coatings