{"id":9535,"date":"2025-09-30T09:03:43","date_gmt":"2025-09-30T13:03:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=9535"},"modified":"2025-09-30T09:03:43","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T13:03:43","slug":"national-physical-laboratory-validates-morro-plastic-free-coating","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=9535","title":{"rendered":"National Physical Laboratory\u00a0validates Morro plastic-free coating"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The materials are described as biodegradable, home compostable and compatible with existing recycling systems. Credit: Xampla Ltd. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

UK-based bioplastics company Xampla has collaborated with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) to develop a test that confirms the company\u2019s claim that its Morro materials are plastic-free and exempt from the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD).\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

These materials are derived from natural plant polymers.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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The validation followed collaboration between NPL and Xampla through the Measurement for Business (M4B) programme, which focused on creating a method to verify plastic-free claims.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The outcome provides assurance to packaging producers that Morro materials align with UK and EU regulations on single-use plastics.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It also\u00a0establishes groundwork for a first-of-its-kind verification process.\u00a0<\/p>\n

No universal procedure currently exists for confirming whether a material is plastic-free, despite regulatory measures aimed at reducing single-use plastics.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

The EU\u2019s REACH regulation defines plastics as \u201cpolymers to which additives or other substances have been added\u201d and specifies that natural polymers not chemically altered are excluded from that category.\u00a0<\/p>\n

NPL scientists applied advanced spectroscopy and high-resolution microscopy to examine the chemical and physical characteristics of Morro\u2019s natural plant-based polymers before and after processing.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

The findings showed no meaningful chemical changes, confirming the material is not chemically modified, and therefore not classified as plastic under REACH rules.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Xampla\u2019s Morro coatings and films, already in use by organisations including Just Eat Takeaway, provide grease and water resistance comparable to plastics but are made entirely from natural polymers derived from plants.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

The materials are described as biodegradable, home compostable and compatible with existing recycling systems.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Xampla co-founder and chief technology officer Dr Marc Rodriguez Garcia stated: \u201cGiven the rapid pace of regulatory change, packaging companies desperately need credible assurance about any plastic-free product they buy.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe hope this approach \u2014 the first of its kind as far as we know \u2014 can now be replicated by others to support plastic-free innovation more broadly.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cFor Xampla, this work with NPL conclusively proves that our\u202fMorro materials\u202fare\u202fplastic-free at a chemical level and so meet existing regulations. Having the data from world-leading independent measurement scientists lets us alleviate doubts of even the most cautious customers.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

The validation has supported new contract agreements and expanded market opportunities.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In September 2025, Xampla secured $14m in private capital,<\/a> through a series A funding round, to replace single-use plastics with plant-based alternatives.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The investment is led by Emerald Technology Ventures, known for operating Europe\u2019s first venture-backed investment fund focused on the entire packaging lifecycle.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

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