Find the answers to all of your questions about Xampla and our technology. For more information, access Xampla’s complete glossary here.
Are Xampla materials plastics or bioplastics?
Xampla materials are neither a plastic nor a bioplastic. They are unique high performance natural polymer materials sourced from abundant plant-based feedstocks, such as plant proteins.
Our materials are produced using non-chemically modified natural polymers, and are therefore exempt from upcoming regulations, such as the Single-Use Plastic Directive and the ECHA’s proposed restriction on intentionally added microplastics. Our innovative technology can be used to continue delivering products safely to consumers, whilst avoiding the unavoidable leakage into the environment of hard-to-recycle materials, such as single-use plastics and microplastics.
What are Xampla materials made from?
Xampla’s materials are made entirely from natural polymers extracted from plants. We are flexible about the type of plants we use to make our products and can use a range of feedstocks, including legumes and agricultural waste.
Our materials are not chemically modified during the manufacturing process meaning they will break down fully without leaving behind any harmful pollutants at end of life.
Is chemical modification involved in your material?
No, Xampla does not chemically modify or change the chemical structure of our natural polymer materials.
Xampla’s materials are manufactured from unmodified natural polymers that will quickly biodegrade if they reach the natural environment (whether in soil, freshwater, or the oceans).
Unlike other biodegradable materials, Xampla’s natural polymer materials do not break down into any by-products which could cause harm in the environment.
To find out more about chemical crosslinking and the difference between compostable and biodegradable read our glossary.
Is Xampla’s material biodegradable?
Xampla’s materials are manufactured from unmodified natural polymers that will quickly biodegrade if they reach the natural environment (whether in soil, freshwater, or the oceans), just as fruit or vegetables do back into nature.
Many materials need to have certain conditions to biodegrade, such as a specific humidity, temperature and aeration that are only realistic at industrial composting facilities. Xampla’s unique and patented technology offers complete biodegradation in freshwater, marine and soil natural environments, as opposed to traditional bioplastics that require specific industrial composting conditions to fully biodegrade
Will manufacturers need to invest in new machinery to be able to use Xampla materials?
No, Xampla formulates materials to drop-in into existing manufacturing processes. Our expert team of chemists, materials scientists and engineers are continuously developing solutions that integrate within existing processes, removing the most common barriers faced in replacing synthetic polymers with natural and biodegradable alternatives.
We work with existing supply chain customers to leverage their strengths in getting materials to market and their existing commercial connections to deliver to customers.
We will use existing installed Capex, and existing manufacturing knowledge. This means that our end customers benefit both from faster and lower cost deployment.
Where we produce like-for-like replacements, we work with individual customers to understand their requirements and adapt our product to their needs. We are committed to bringing our products to market with minimum disruption to existing processes.
Is Xampla’s material recyclable?
Xampla’s materials are designed to replace the most polluting plastics. These are plastics that are not currently recyclable, for example flexible films and wrappers and the hidden plastics inside homecare products such as shampoos, fabric conditioners and dishwasher tablets, which presently get washed into wastewater systems. Our materials can also be combined with recyclable materials, such as cardboard or paper, without compromising their recyclability.
Is Xampla’s material edible?
Xampla’s materials can be produced from 100% edible plant-based ingredients that are entirely natural, vegan and gluten-free.
Our edible films and nutrient microcapsules are designed to be consumed and are manufactured under food-grade standards. Other products from Xampla may not be produced in food-grade conditions but cause no harm to wildlife in the natural environment.
Can Xampla’s materials only be made from pea protein?
No, the benefit of our technology is that it can be used across a range of sustainable feedstocks. Our first products were initially made from pea protein, but we’re moving on to other plants and agricultural co-products depending on the application. The benefit of this is that we can also choose feedstocks based on the specified application properties our customers need.
What is your development process?
Xampla’s team, with expertise across industry, are here to work closely with interested partners across the supply chain: from chemical manufacturers all the way to consumer facing brands. For more information have a look at the ‘working with us’ page to see how Xampla could work with your business, or contact us directly at firstname.lastname@example.org.
What is the cost of your material?
Scalability is at the heart of Xampla’s mission, and affordability is a key pillar of this approach. Xampla materials can be produced from widely available feedstocks, including crop residues, and using an efficient process that allows us to offer solutions at prices comparable to existing synthetic materials.
Why should we choose to work with Xampla?
Xampla’s material is supported by patented, scientific research developed at one of the best scientific institutions in the world, the University of Cambridge. Our growing team of scientists, researchers and commercial experts are hired direct from industry, bringing world-leading knowledge to Xampla.
Our materials are deployed on existing machinery and manufacturing processes, meaning there is no additional costs for our customers. We work closely with our partners to deliver a seamless transition from the polluting plastics of the past to Xampla’s natural alternatives.
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