MATERIAL

Sparxell

AfricaAsiaBeautyCelluloseDissolvableEdibleEuropeFood & BeverageFood GradeFreezer SafeHardwoodHeat ResistantInertLeak ProofLightweightLow-CarbonNorth AmericaOceaniaOil ResistantPackagingRecyclableRegenerativeSouth AmericaSparxellTemperature-ResistantTextilesUpcycledUV-ResistantWater Soluble

A closeup image of a peacock feather, which features cellulose-based colouring / Source: Sparxell

Last updated: 6 Aug 2024

Sparxell's next-gen colour platform delivers biomimetic pigments by harnessing the self-assembling properties of cellulose nanocrystals.

Commercially Available

The colours are created using a patented technology / Source: Sparxell

Sparxell's formulated liquids allow customers to create decorative packaging elements and liquid-based products / Source: Sparxell

The non-toxic pigments can be used for colour cosmetics / Source: Sparxell

Sparxell's pigment powders are available in an unlimited range of colours / Source: Sparxell

/ Source: Sparxell

The pigments can be used to produce food-grade wrappers and foils / Source: Sparxell

Plastic-free sequins made from cellulose / Source: Sparxell

Sparxell was inspired by the fruits of Polia condensata, which features a unique arrangement of cellulosic chains in the fruit cell walls that gives it its vibrant colour / Source: Sparxell

SNAPSHOT

Inspired by nature, material science startup Sparxell's patented photonic technology replicates the vibrant hues found in plants and animals. Its versatile pigments can be tailor-made to match any colour and form, offering endless applications across multiple sectors.

PROS

Naturally biodegradable

Free from toxic additives

Highly customisable

CONS

Currently relies on virgin wood as the primary raw material

Limited orders

Sparxell

Key properties:

Dissolvable / Edible / Food Grade / Freezer Safe / Heat Resistant / Inert / Leak Proof / Lightweight / Low-Carbon / Oil Resistant / Recyclable / Regenerative / Temperature-Resistant / Upcycled / UV-Resistant / Water Soluble

Common uses:

Beauty / Food & Beverage / Packaging / Textiles

LIFE CYCLE

Sourcing

Sparxell currently uses Wood pulp from well-managed, PEFC-certified forests located in the Northern Hemisphere to make its products.
However, Cellulose-rich raw materials from agricultural and urban waste streams can also be used.
The company works with commercial extraction plants in a number of countries to source its raw materials.
Sparxell's supplier uses an optimised process to cultivate the wood pulp, opting for renewable electricity to save energy.

Production

Sparxell's patented production technology uses industrial machinery to replicate the same physical, microscopic structure that gives plants and animals – such as beetles, butterflies, and birds – their natural colours.
The core of the pigments is made by extracting cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), which are available in the cell walls of plants in varying quantities.
Beginning with wood chips, the wood elements are separated and purified to isolate the core crystalline part of cellulose.
The extracted CNCs are dispersed in water and go through a natural process of self-assembly, rearranging themselves "from a chaotic (isotropic) configuration into an ordered (cholesteric) state upon drying."
These densely packed crystals form a film that can be tailor-made to reflect a specific colour or texture.
Once the film is achieved, it can be ground and shaped into a variety of forms and hues.
Sparxell products do not contain any inks, coatings, linings, glues, adhesives, or toxic additives.
The company's production site is located on an A+ EPC refurbished site, the highest energy performance rating for commercial buildings.
An LCA conducted in partnership with the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership found that Sparxell has a carbon footprint of less than three kilograms of CO2e per kilogram of material.
The company plans to recycle and sell its cellulosic waste for other applications.

In Use

Sparxell pigments are a drop-in solution for a number of industries, including cosmetics, skincare, personal care, packaging, arts and crafts, homeware, and fashion.
The materials can be purchased as pigment powders, formulated liquids, foils and ribbons, sheets, films, glitters, and sequins, offering a wide range of applications and an unlimited colour scale.
Possible applications include wrappers for food products, automotive paints and coatings, embellishment elements for garments and fashion accessories, edible colourants for food and beverages, and colour cosmetics.
The company offers a variety of decorative options which can be requested by clients. The products can be custom-made according to any specification.
The high-performance pigments are fade-resistant and can be used in the same applications as conventional glitters and sequins.
The longevity of the pigments depends on the application, ranging from several weeks to several years.
While dyes are known to degrade over time, Sparxell pigments are long-lasting, making them ideal for paints.
The company offers full-service research and application support, assisting clients with design research and innovation, prototyping, and manufacturing.

End of Life

Sparxell products are compatible with existing recycling and home composting waste streams.
The cellulosic pigments return to nature, toxin-free.
They harmlessly biodegrade as soil microorganisms feed on the cellulose.
The decomposition rate depends on the size and condition of the product, but it would take around the same time as a leaf, sheet of paper, or a piece of wood would need to break down naturally.
Sparxell's products can be reintroduced into manufacturing processes to be recycled.

HOW TO ACTION

1

Go hyper local

Explore cellulose-rich waste streams that can be locally sourced to minimise on transportation emissions and safeguard our trees. Depending on your region, materials like hemp and bamboo could be viable raw material options.

2

Keep it clean

Prioritise biomaterials across your entire portfolio to ensure consistency. Although Sparxell's pigments are naturally biodegradable, they definitely won't be if they're applied to problematic plastics.

3

Embrace circularity

Finding a use or market for the waste generated by your production process isn't always easy, but it's necessary if you really want to embrace circularity. Sparxell plans to recycle and sell its waste - what can you do with yours?