A London-based startup, Shellworks, is accelerating the production of its 100 percent plastic-free packaging material, Vivomer, following a $15 million capital injection. Created through microbial fermentation using feedstocks like used cooking oil, this innovative material leaves no microplastics behind and biodegrades completely in nature. Thanks to the fresh investment, the company, which already produces around 5 million units annually, plans to expand into the European and US markets, primarily targeting the wellness sector.
For decades, the packaging industry has struggled with the environmental crisis caused by traditional plastics. These materials are notoriously difficult to recycle, overwhelm landfills, and leach toxic microplastics into the soil and water systems. This is the exact problem targeted by Shellworks, a British startup founded in 2019 by Insiya Jafferee and Amir Afshar (the company’s Chief Product Officer). By combining microbiology and waste management, the company has created its flagship product: Vivomer.
Microbes and Waste: How Vivomer is Made
The core of the technology is a biological process. Shellworks utilizes microbes to ferment second-generation feedstocks, such as used cooking oil. The result of this process is Vivomer: a natural, biodegradable polymer that incorporates minerals and pigments, making it suitable for home composting.
The key ecological characteristics of the process and the final product include:
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Completely fossil-free: The material is free from fossil-based and traditional synthetic plastics.
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No toxic chemicals or microplastics: Vivomer contains no toxic additives and does not generate persistent microplastics as it breaks down.
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Natural degradation: When disposed of, the product degrades entirely into elemental compounds—specifically, just water and carbon dioxide (CO2).
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Free from harmful chemicals: The packaging is completely BPA- and PFAS-free.
A $15 Million Capital Injection and Global Expansion
To scale the technology to an industrial level, the company recently closed a $15 million Series A funding round. The investment was led by the Paris-based, social and environmental impact-focused fund Alter Equity. Other significant participants in the round included Nat Friedman, JamJar, as well as previous backers like Founder Collective, Local Globe, and Third Sphere.
The new capital will allow the company, operating out of London’s Harringay Warehouse District (N4 1LZ), to secure new brand partnerships and expand its footprint into the European Union and the United States. Shellworks plans to establish regional manufacturing facilities, placing a special emphasis on the wellness sector and traditionally difficult-to-execute technologies like blow moulding.
Functionality and Existing Market Partners
Vivomer is not only an environmentally friendly alternative but also a highly flexible one from a manufacturing standpoint. Depending on client requirements, the material:
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Can be designed as rigid or flexible.
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Can be manufactured with a matte or glossy finish.
This versatility allows for a wide range of applications: according to their catalog, pipettes, droppers, jars, bottles, and screw caps can all be made from it. The material is already being utilized by several innovative brands. For instance, the sustainable personal care company Wild sells its refillable shower gels, roll-on deodorants, and soaps in Vivomer packaging.
Competitive Pricing and Consumer Trends
Traditionally, one of the biggest drawbacks of eco-friendly plastic alternatives is their high price tag. Shellworks, however, has reached a significant milestone in closing the price gap. Although their production scale is still a fraction of traditional plastics—the company currently produces around 5 million units per year—Vivomer is already cost-competitive with aluminum, glass, and paper.
The market demand for sustainable packaging is clearly reflected in the statistics: despite inflation, 37 percent of consumers reduced their use of plastic packaging in 2025. As the company’s leadership stated regarding the recent investment: “The path to true scale is no longer speculation, but execution.”
Official Sources and References:
- Manufacturer’s Official Website: Shellworks – Vivomer
