Daniel Zeichner MP visited Cambridge-based materials innovation company Xampla to see how its natural plant polymer technology is scaling to replace plastic at commercial scale.
The visit comes as growing numbers of MPs call on ministers to recognise natural polymer technology, used in packaging, as distinct from plastic across all regulations
Natural polymer technology could become a £4.2 billion UK industry and support the development of more than 35,000 green jobs
Based on 15 years of research at the University of Cambridge, Xampla's Morro materials bring world-first technology to market; replacing the plastic in packaging with chemically unmodified plant polymers.
Five years on from his first visit to the company, based at Cambridge Science Park, the former DEFRA minister saw first-hand how Xampla's Morro™ Coating, has moved from the lab into the market.
UK materials innovation companies, like Xampla, are leading the charge against plastic pollution, and Daniel Zeichner MP is supporting efforts to ensure natural polymers are clearly recognised as plastic-free across all regulations.
Xampla’s Morro™ Coating is replacing single-use plastics in food packaging across the UK and Europe. Xampla celebrated the latest expansion of its landmark partnership with global food delivery platform Just Eat Takeaway.com across 10 European markets earlier this year.
Its natural polymer technology is created in nature and is not chemically modified, and remains fully biodegradable, home compostable and compatible with existing recycling streams.
It is thought that the natural polymer technology sector could become a £4.2 billion UK industry, supporting more than 35,000 high-skilled green jobs with the right government support.
With global plastic pollution expected to triple by 2060, MPs have urged ministers to move beyond a sole focus on recycling and back the British innovators developing nature-based alternatives that replace plastic altogether.
Daniel Zeichner, Labour MP for Cambridge and former DEFRA minister, said:
“We need to move faster from innovation to action.
“Cambridge is showing what is possible, but we now need to scale these solutions and make sure the UK leads in building a new generation of sustainable materials.
“This is about turning world-class science into real change on plastic waste, in line with the Government’s work to reduce pollution and support green growth.”
Alexandra French, CEO of Xampla, said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome Daniel back to Xampla to show him how our technology is replacing plastic at scale in real-world applications.
"The only true way to tackle plastic pollution is to eliminate it at source. Natural polymers are a practical, natural alternative to plastic and will be vital in the transition away from fossil fuel-based materials.
"A piece of packaging designed to be useful for ten minutes should not be left to pollute the planet for hundreds of years. Xampla's technology is proof that we can replace plastic altogether with natural alternatives that deliver the performance brands and consumers expect and we are proud to be leading this innovation in Cambridge.”
