SWEN Capital Partners' Blue Ocean 2 fund led the round, with Alpha Star Capital and Cambridge Enterprise also participating.

The investment will be used to scale up manufacturing capacity, accelerate product certification for applications in textiles, cosmetics and automotive industries, and expand the team with new hires focused on business development.

Sparxell aims to move from pilot programmes to commercial-scale manufacturing, targeting tonne-scale production facilities by 2026.

The company’s patented process uses cellulose from wood pulp to create structural colour by assembling cellulose crystals that reflect specific wavelengths of light. This method produces plant-based pigments without petroleum-based chemicals, synthetic dyes, heavy metals or minerals.

The technology is designed for use in pigment powders, glitters, inks, sequins, and films across sectors including textiles, cosmetics, food and beverage, packaging, paint and coatings, and automotive.

Sparxell claims that its pigments are biodegradable and can be integrated into circular economy systems. Unlike conventional dyes that persist in the environment and complicate recycling efforts, Sparxell’s cellulose-based pigments are designed to break down naturally.

Sparxell founder and CEO Dr Benjamin Droguet said: "Our technology isn't just an alternative – it is here to stay because it delivers superior performance due to its nature-inspired features. This funding takes us from proof of concept to production and commercial launches.

“We're at an inflexion point. Brands are under pressure to eliminate synthetic toxins from their supply chains. Momentum is building in Europe around banning ‘forever chemicals’ such as PFAS. The EU microplastics ban is also now in force, while the FDA is reassessing synthetic colour additives.”

The funding follows a period in which Sparxell was awarded a €1.9m grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) earlier this year.