Spotlight on Spin-out, Mercel
Plastic pollution is having a devastating impact on our planet, and with the current climate crisis, it is recognised the urgent need to drive forward ‘greener’ more sustainable alternatives.
Problem:
Synthetic microplastic polymers are in a wide range of everyday products, such as laundry pods, toothpaste and cosmetics. As well as being harmful to the environment, these microplastics can work their way into the human body, and in some countries are now banned.
Solution:
Scientists from Edinburgh Napier University discovered they could make high-value nanomaterial from brown seaweed extract, with zero waste, that acts as a biodegradable alternative to microplastics. This innovation and sustainable solution led to the spin-out, Mercel.
A ‘eureka moment’ in science
There are very few ‘eureka’ moments in science, but this was one of them, when two scientists from Edinburgh Napier University realised that they could use seaweed waste to produce a bio-degradable alternative to chemical plastics.
Spinning out from Edinburgh Napier as a business, Mercel’s platform technology offers a plastic-free fully biodegradable alternative to the petro-chemical and plastic ingredients and coatings used in many household and consumer goods.
Global ambitions to replace microplastics with seaweed-based alternative
Mercel is collaborating with researchers and companies worldwide on product development and various projects to explore real-world applications for their patented, seaweed-based biodegradable alternative to chemical plastics.
With their innovative and sustainable solution, Mercel aims to empower companies and brands globally to adopt their technology, enhancing sustainability and reducing carbon footprints. The company also plans to expand the product's applications and license the technology for broader production.