- The world’s first plastic-free, toxin-free and fully biodegradable reflective pigment, has been delivered by a collaboration between Sparxell, the Manufacturing Technology Centre and PANGAIA
- The 18-month Innovate UK-funded ELUCENT project shows how science, engineering and design can work together to create new, sustainable colour technologies
23rd SEPTEMBER 2025, LONDON: The ELUCENT project has successfully moved bio-based pigments from laboratory research to industrial readiness, delivering the world’s first plastic-free, toxin-free and fully biodegradable reflective pigment. Funded by Innovate UK, the 18-month collaboration brought together three partners: Sparxell, the University of Cambridge spin-out pioneering plant-based bioinspired colour technology; PANGAIA, the global materials science company applying next-generation innovations to fashion; and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), one of the UK’s leading independent research and technology organisations.
Together, they have demonstrated how science, design and engineering can deliver scalable, sustainable alternatives to conventional pigment systems. By combining Sparxell’s pioneering cellulose-based colour platform, PANGAIA’s expertise in design application, and the MTC’s ability to scale processes for industry, the project shows how interdisciplinary collaboration can reduce environmental impact without compromising creativity or performance. Sparxell, founded in 2023 out of the Cambridge laboratories by Dr Benjamin Droguet and Professor Silvia Vignolini, led the technology development. Their patented process uses cellulose, the world’s most abundant biopolymer, to create vibrant colour particles inspired by nature. Unlike conventional pigments, these are free from plastics and toxins and are fully biodegradable.
As design partner, PANGAIA tested the pigments on textiles in collaboration with London-based Orto Print Studio, producing printed fabric prototypes and testing durability. This step bridges lab innovation with real-world applications of these bio-based colourants in fashion and beyond.
This work is part of PANGAIA’s commitment to supporting next-generation material innovators by bringing to market solutions-driven breakthroughs in material science that transform the environmental impact of fashion and design through purposeful collaborations, merging cutting-edge science with scalable applications.
The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) ensured the pigments could be scaled beyond the lab, building custom production systems and validating performance at an industrial level.
The completion of this Innovate UK project ELUCENT marks a step change for sustainable colour. Together, Sparxell, PANGAIA, and the MTC have shown how fashion and technology can join forces to deliver circular, biodegradable alternatives to today’s synthetic pigments.
Sparxell has successfully transitioned from university research to a technically validated platform, demonstrating significant improvements in pigment formulation, liquid dispersion, and film casting performance. A commercial launch is projected for 2026.
For more information, visit: sparxell.com
About Sparxell
Founded in 2023 by University of Cambridge scientists Dr Benjamin Droguet and Professor Silvia Vignolini, Sparxell is a colour platform technology company developing the world’s first 100% plant-based, high-performance pigment technology using cellulose. The company commercialises pigments, pearls, glitters, inks, foils and sequins that are free from synthetic compounds and fully biodegradable. Its patented technology replicates vibrant natural colours using cellulose-rich feedstocks such as wood pulp, applying structural colour principles inspired by nature.
Sparxell works with partners across industries, including automotive, fashion and cosmetics, providing innovative, nature-inspired solutions that support the transition to a circular and environmentally responsible manufacturing ecosystem.
Learn more at sparxell.com
About PANGAIA
PANGAIA is a materials science company dedicated to bringing problem-solving innovations to the world through premium lifestyle products and experiences. We are a global collective—scientists, technologists, and designers—working together to achieve what cannot be accomplished alone. Our vision is to inspire and accelerate an Earth Positive Future. Our goal is to design an earth positive business model where our products are better for the planet than if they did not exist. Every product we create is born from science and purpose, each solving an environmental problem of the industry. We exist at the intersection of science, purpose and design. We are here to give back more than we take.
Learn more at pangaia.com
ABOUT INNOVATE UK
Innovate UK is the UK’s innovation agency, part of UK Research and Innovation. Their mission is to help businesses grow by supporting the development and commercialisation of new products, processes, and services.
Learn more at ukri.org
About Manufacturing Technology Center
The MTC transforms how products are designed, made and built so that they can be produced on a commercial scale – more sustainably, effectively and safely. Since 2010, our independent research and technology organisation has delivered pioneering solutions to help overhaul industries spanning Aerospace, Defence & Security, Power & Energy, Built Environments, Space, Agriculture, and Food & Drink. Always in collaboration. Always with purpose. We are proud to be part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, established by and working in partnership with Innovate UK.
Learn more at the-mtc.org
