BARI — Naturbeads has secured a €4.1 million grant from the European Union on Tuesday to build a manufacturing plant in Puglia, Italy. The facility will produce biodegradable cellulose microspheres designed to replace plastic microbeads in commercial products across Europe.
The European Union funding marks a transition for Naturbeads from laboratory research into commercial production. The company stated that manufacturers use synthetic particles in goods such as cosmetics, personal care items, and industrial abrasives that frequently end up in rivers and seas.
According to Naturbeads, the new plant in Italy will manufacture plant-derived particles that break down naturally in the environment without requiring firms to alter existing product formulations. The company said the project will create technical jobs in the Puglia region, though it did not disclose an exact headcount or a construction start date.
The European Union grant arrives as regulators implement broader restrictions on intentionally added microplastics in consumer goods. Chemical distributors and cosmetics groups across Europe are currently reviewing their ingredient lists to comply with the rules while maintaining product texture and performance.
Naturbeads is currently developing the construction schedule for the Puglia site while discussing potential supply arrangements with chemical distributors. The firm has not yet named specific customers, announced commercial contracts, or provided figures regarding the factory's total production capacity.
