Easton Capital has invested £8 million in Naturbeads, supporting the development of its plant-based microsphere technology aimed at addressing microplastic pollution, alongside new production facilities in Italy.

Target Company Overview

Easton Capital has recently completed an £8 million Series A investment in Naturbeads, in collaboration with a consortium of private investors led by Eos Advisory. Founded in 2018 by Professor Davide Mattia, the Chief Technology Officer, and Giovanna Laudisio, the Chief Executive Officer, Naturbeads aims to combat microplastic pollution through its innovative plant-based microsphere technology. This funding will aid in the development of their cutting-edge technology and the establishment of a new production facility in Puglia, Italy.

Industry Overview in Italy

The issue of microplastic pollution is gaining increasing recognition worldwide, particularly in Italy, where waterways and marine ecosystems are facing severe threats from plastic waste. Microplastics—defined as plastic particles less than five millimeters in size—remain in the environment indefinitely, generating significant ecological concerns. The presence of microplastics has been documented in over 1,300 marine species, thus infiltrating the food chain and raising alarming questions about their effects on both ecosystems and human health.

In recent estimates, approximately 2 million tonnes of microplastics are added to everyday products, including cosmetics, detergents, adhesives, and paints, each year. Th