Agri-Tech Growth Fund grant for world leader in natural plastic alternatives

Agri-Tech Growth Fund grant for world leader in natural plastic alternatives

Cambridge-based Xampla, a global leader in the creation of natural plastic alternatives made from plant protein, has been awarded a £60,000 grant by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.

The grant, which is part of the Agri-Tech Growth Fund, will aid the development of an entirely new class of biomaterial made from pea protein plants which is organic, clean label, natural, food grade, with no synthetic crosslinking, is biocompatible and biodegradable. Xampla aim to design and manufacture the pea plant protein to supply the food and drink industry.

Xampla has developed an entirely new material, made from plant protein. It’s totally natural, with no synthetic ingredients, biodegradable and biocompatible. Based on ground breaking research at Cambridge, Xampla’s UK based team has developed innovative processes to create products and solutions based on Supramolecular Engineered Protein (SEP).

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Agri-Tech Programme Manager, Martin Lutman, said: “This is an exciting and potentially revolutionary project that could bring tremendous benefits to the food and drink industry while tackling the issue of plastics.  I am delighted that the Eastern Agri-Tech Growth Initiative is able to play a part in developing Xampla’s future.”

Simon Hombersley, CEO of Xampla, said: “Xampla’s entirely natural plant materials have the potential to replace plastics on a global scale. We’re grateful for the support provided by Eastern Agri-Tech at this early stage in our development, and we’re looking forward to working with partners throughout the region as we grow our business.”

The Eastern Agri-Tech Growth Initiative is run by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority with support from New Anglia LEP, Norfolk County Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, and the local authorities covering this area.

Grants are available to organisations looking to invest in specialist equipment, new market and supply chain development, ways to improve productivity and efficiency, and the application and commercialisation of Research and Development.

To find out how the Eastern Agri-Tech Growth Initiative could help to grow your business, call Programme Manager, Martin Lutman, on 01480 277180, or email info@agritechgrants.co.uk.

(Pictured l-r are the Xampla team: Simon Hombersley, Professor Tuomas Knowles, Dr Marc Rodriguez Garcia)