THE BIOMIMICRY INSTITUTE

"Plant-Based Alternatives to Toxic Colorants"

Conventional substances used to make our cosmetics, fabrics, paints, and packaging bright and colorful often include toxic metal or oil-derived ingredients. For example, titanium dioxide has recently been recognised as a carcinogen and banned from food and pharmaceutical products in the EU.
Furthermore, many pigments are mined in areas with high incident rates of human rights abuses, and where water is scarce. There are some bio-derived alternatives, but none have been able to compete at cost… until Sparxell.

Sparxell has developed the first environmentally sustainable, non-toxic pigments, glitters, sequins and films. Inspired by structural color found in the marble berry, their patented manufacturing technique transforms cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) into uniformly reflective, highly dispersible particles with state-of-the-art performance. The pigments are a fully biodegradable, easier to source alternative with an unlimited range of vibrant colors.

The Ray of Hope Accelerator (formerly Prize) supports nature-inspired solutions addressing the world's biggest environmental and sustainability challenges. Sparxell was selected as a finalist for the 2022 Ray of Hope Prize.

Animation: Jules Bartl
Script and Narration: Charlotte Stoddart
Sound Design: Nigel Manington
Fact checker: Rachael Bale