ELUCENT: EnvironmentaLly sUstainable Coloured and Effect pigmeNT

Shimmery substances including metal oxides, mined and synthetic minerals, plastics and bio-based **pigments,** are used to make our cosmetics, fabrics, paints, and packaging bright and colourful. However, they are serious offenders when it comes to ingredient toxicity, exploitive labour practices, depletion of non-renewable resources and carbon-intensive extraction, transport and manufacturing practices. Mineral pigment titanium has been recognised as **carcinogen** and banned from certain products, metal and mineral processing is **incredibly** **energy and chemical intensive** and mined mica is associated with tens of thousands of children and women working in **illegal mines** and terrible conditions. Even humble glitter and sequins, dye and pigment-coated plastic have been described as an **environmental disaster**, and even eco-friendlier alternatives combine mineral pigment with ocean-polluting microplastics.

**Sparxell's** **ground-breaking technology** looked to nature to create an alternative to these widely-used ingredients. Inspired by the natural shimmering effect seen on some berries and bird feathers for instance, Sparxell's technology transforms edible **cellulose nanocrystals** into a fully biodegradable and renewable pigment. It even has the potential to be net-zero, sourced locally from waste streams.

The greatest challenge for Sparxell is producing large enough amounts to satisfy the unmet needs of the industry. This project will see Sparxell move from its laboratory pilot production of 50g batches/day to a manufacturing system design capable of producing 2kg/day. By 2029, our ambition is to produce over **400,000kg/p.a.** of pigment and generate **£75m** in revenue. We are working closely with global brands who have stated that _**'this is the solution that the market has been waiting for'**_ to solve their environmental sustainability problems. With support from several of the UK's leading cosmetics and fashion brands, plus technical input from the UK's Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), this project will conduct vital R&D to overcome key technical barriers and accelerate this novel technology to market.