Shellworks, a biomaterials firm based in London, has announced the acquisition of $15 million in a Series A funding round led by Paris-based impact investment fund alter equity. This financial boost also saw participation from Nat Friedman of NFDG and JamJar, established by the creators of Innocent Drinks, along with existing backers like Founder Collective, LocalGlobe, and Third Sphere. The funding signifies Shellworks’ commitment to developing eco-friendly packaging solutions through its trademarked bio-based material, Vivomer. As industries increasingly explore alternatives to traditional plastics, Shellworks aims to provide a compelling option.
How does Vivomer contribute to eco-friendly packaging?
Vivomer is produced through a fermentation process using second-generation feedstocks, such as used cooking oil, with microbes. This bioproduct offers a comparable functionality to conventional plastics during usage but is engineered to biodegrade following disposal, paving the way for more sustainable consumer goods packaging. The creation of Vivomer underscores Shellworks’ capability to strike a balance between environmental benefits and economic feasibility.
What are Shellworks’ future plans with the new investment?
Armed with fresh capital, Shellworks plans to expand its operations in the United States and the European Union. The company intends to strengthen its presence within the wellness industry, an area witnessing significant growth. Moreover, Shellworks aims to establish regional production facilities to minimize carbon emissions and improve supply chain resilience. In an effort to build a global production network, facilities focusing on technologies like blow molding are planned across the UK, Europe, and the US.
In the past, Shellworks focused primarily on developing its technology to ensure the comparability of its products with those made from traditional plastics. Now, the company has reached a critical milestone where Vivomer can compete with traditional materials such as aluminum and glass in terms of cost. This achievement indicates a shift towards broader market viability, a previously challenging aspect due to cost constraints.
CEO and Co-founder Insiya Jafferjee remarked that the perception that sustainable materials are inherently expensive is starting to change.
“We’re proving that’s no longer true. At just a fraction of plastic’s scale, we’re already cost-competitive with alternatives like glass and aluminum,”
she noted. This market positioning offers Shellworks a distinct advantage as it progresses toward further scaling.
Shellworks plans to utilize the recent investment to enhance its production capabilities and to facilitate the creation of eco-friendly packaging solutions on a global scale. This strategy highlights the company’s aim to support brands transitioning away from petroleum-based packaging. The introduction of materials like Vivomer demonstrates Shellworks’ commitment to reducing the dependency on traditional plastics.
As the company moves ahead with its expansion and development plans, its focus remains on delivering cost-effective, sustainable packaging solutions that cater to the growing demand for environmentally friendly alternatives. The funding empowers Shellworks to implement its strategic vision while meeting consumer and industrial expectations.
