What is Xampla’s Morro Materials?
Xampla’s world-first Morro materials are shaking up the plastics game. These innovative materials are crafted from natural polymers extracted straight from plants, designed to tackle the biggest polluters in the plastic world. Fully biodegradable, home compostable, and compatible with standard recycling processes, Morro materials make it easy for everyone to choose the planet. Rooted in 15 years of research at the University of Cambridge, Xampla’s technology is inspired by nature and powered by science, aiming to transform everyday products with sustainable alternatives.
The Main Benefits of Morro Materials
Here’s why Morro materials stand out:
- Plastic-free alternatives that reduce pollution
- Biodegradable and home compostable, breaking down naturally
- Compatible with existing recycling systems
- Made from a variety of plant proteins like peas, potatoes, and rapeseed
- Feedstock agnostic—flexible use of different natural polymers, including waste streams
- Multi-patented technology ensuring innovation and protection
- Drop-in solutions that work with current manufacturing equipment
- Supports circular economy principles by using renewable plant sources
- B Corp score of 106, reflecting strong social and environmental performance
Innovative Applications of Morro Materials
Morro materials aren’t just about replacing plastic—they’re about rethinking how products are made and used. For example, Morro Micro encapsulates active ingredients in personal and homecare products, ensuring nothing harmful is left behind. Morro Soluble Film offers a sustainable twist on wrapping for homecare and personal care items. Then there’s Morro Edible Film, a game-changer for FMCG brands looking to ditch single-use sachets with packaging that’s actually good enough to eat. And let’s not forget Morro Coating, the world’s first plastic-free coating designed for biodegradable, recyclable paper packaging. It’s innovation that’s practical and planet-friendly.
Technology Behind the Magic
At the heart of Xampla’s success is a multi-patented platform technology that harnesses plant proteins from diverse sources. This feedstock agnostic approach means they’re not tied down to one raw material—they can innovate with peas, potatoes, rapeseed, and even materials sourced from waste streams. This flexibility allows Xampla to champion the right natural polymer for the right application, unlocking new possibilities in the natural polymer industry. Plus, their technology is designed to be a genuine drop-in solution, meaning it fits seamlessly into existing manufacturing and processing lines—no need for costly overhauls.
Partnerships and Industry Impact
Xampla’s mission goes beyond just creating materials—they’re teaming up with some of the world’s biggest brands and manufacturers to make a real difference. By integrating Morro materials into existing supply chains, they’re helping to scale up sustainable packaging solutions quickly and effectively. This collaborative approach accelerates the shift away from polluting plastics and supports a circular economy where plants power the products of tomorrow. It’s about making sustainability accessible and practical for everyone involved.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 15: Life on Land
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Looking Ahead: The Future of Natural Polymers
With a foundation built on 15 years of research and a clear vision for the future, Xampla is set to keep pushing the boundaries of what plant-based materials can do. Their ongoing innovation in natural polymers, combined with a licensing model that encourages scale-up, means the potential applications are vast. From nutrient microcapsules to new edible and soluble films, the journey is just beginning. The goal? To make plastic substitutes that don’t just match the performance of traditional plastics but surpass them—while being kind to the planet. It’s a future where materials are natural, sustainable, and designed with the earth in mind.
