Sparxell, founded in 2022 by Cambridge scientists Dr. Benjamin Droguet and Professor Silvia Vignolini, replicates vibrant colors in nature using plant-based cellulose. Their pigments are toxin-free, fully biodegradable, and provide long-lasting color intensity. Sparxell's innovative products have won prestigious awards, including Morgan Stanley’s Sustainable Collaborative Prize and the 2023 Ray of Hope Award from the Biomimicry Institute.
We're giving brands a solution that's ready now, performs better, and costs competitively at scale. Brands no longer have to choose between sustainability and performance.
Benjamin Droguet
CEO and Co-Founder
HOW IT WORK
The Science
Sparxell offers a patented roll-to-roll casting method roll-to-roll casting method, enabling the large-scale production of structurally coloured cellulose nanocrystal films and effect pigments. This widely adopted process creates striking, sustainable pigments inspired by nature’s most striking hues.
Using photonics, a breakthrough in material science, Sparxell’s pigments remain vibrant for years while being fully biodegradable in the presence of cellulose-decomposing bacteria. This ensures durability for industrial applications while supporting biodegradability for environmental sustainability when no protection measures are applied.
EARTH FIRST VISION
The Future
Sparxell, a spin-out from the University of Cambridge, is transforming coloration with the world’s first 100% natural, high-performance, biodegradable colourant. By utilizing the natural properties of plant-based cellulose, Sparxell replicates the vibrant colours found in nature—such as those on butterfly wings or bird feathers—to create sustainable colourants for cosmetics, textiles, packaging, and paints.
The global dyes and pigments market, valued at $38.2 billion in 2022, is growing at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2023 to 2030. Sparxell is leading this charge, providing industries with sustainable, high-performance alternatives that set a bold new standard for eco-friendly innovation in colouration.
people
Their DNA
Founded in 2023, Sparxell leverages over a decade of academic excellence in bioinspired technologies and has demonstrated strong early traction with nearly $225,000 in revenue in its first year. Dr. Benjamin, Co-founder and CEO, holds a PhD in Biomaterials and Nanomanufacturing from Cambridge, with extensive R&D experience at companies such as Xerox Parc and VC-backed Woodoo. His deep expertise in merging nature’s intelligence with advanced manufacturing techniques has been pivotal in developing Sparxell’s innovative cellulose-based pigments. The team is also further strengthened by Dr. Simon, COO, a Cambridge PhD in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, and Dr. Tianheng, Head of R&D, a Cambridge PhD in Photonics and Soft Matter Physics with expertise in cellulose research.
Sparxell’s advisory board includes Professor Silvia Vignolini, Chief Scientific Advisor and a world-renowned expert in bioinspired materials. Her pioneering research into structural colors, including the vibrant hues of the Polia condensata fruit, provides the scientific foundation for Sparxell’s cellulose-based pigments.