Shellworks Secures $15 Million in Series A Funding to Expand Sustainable Material Vivomer

Shellworks Raises $15 Million in Series A Funding

Shellworks, a London-based biomaterials startup, has successfully raised $15 million in a Series A funding round. This round was led by Parisian investor Alter Equity, with participation from Nat Friedman (NFDG) and JamJar. The company, co-founded by Amir Afshar, is focused on developing Vivomer, a sustainable, bio-based material that serves as an alternative to conventional plastics.

Vivomer is engineered without microplastics or toxic additives, and it maintains stability during use while being biodegradable upon disposal. The material is produced by fermenting second-generation feedstocks, such as used cooking oil, with microbes. Shellworks has demonstrated that Vivomer can be produced at costs comparable to traditional materials like aluminum and glass, making it a viable option for brands seeking to transition away from petroleum-based packaging.

Expansion Plans

With the newly secured funding, Shellworks plans to expand its operations into the US and European Union. This strategic move aims to target the wellness sector, where demand for sustainable materials is on the rise. "For too long, the conversation around sustainable materials has been dominated by the perception that they’re too expensive for mass adoption," said Insiya Jafferjee, CEO of Shellworks. "We’re proving that’s no longer true."

Strategic Use of Funds

The Series A funds will support Shellworks in establishing regional production facilities, which will help reduce carbon footprints and strengthen supply chains. The company also plans to build a global network utilizing technologies such as blow molding to produce Vivomer products at scale.

Shellworks' innovative approach to biomaterials aligns with growing global efforts to reduce plastic waste and transition to more sustainable packaging solutions. The company's advancements in cost-effective production make it a noteworthy player in the materials economy, as noted by Félix Mounier of Alter Equity: "They’re not just creating a better material, they’re building the infrastructure to make it accessible at scale."

Shellworks continues to collaborate with various brands, including Wild, a part of Unilever, indicating the growing interest in sustainable packaging solutions. As the company expands, it aims to further contribute to the plastic-free economy by making sustainable materials more accessible and affordable.