Shellworks Secures $15M to Revolutionize Sustainable Packaging with Vivomer
By JTZ • 2026-03-04T14:00:14.586754
In a significant breakthrough for the packaging industry, London-based biomaterials company Shellworks has raised $15 million in a Series A funding round. This investment, led by Paris-based impact investment fund alter equity, will enable Shellworks to scale its innovative bio-based material, Vivomer, designed as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. Founded in 2019, Shellworks has been at the forefront of developing environmentally friendly packaging solutions that are not only cost-competitive but also functional at scale.
The funding comes at a pivotal moment for Shellworks, as it achieves a milestone in cost competitiveness. The company has demonstrated that its material can match the cost of conventional materials such as aluminium and glass, despite operating at a smaller production scale of around five million units. This development addresses a key barrier to wider adoption and positions Shellworks to support brands seeking alternatives to petroleum-based packaging.
Insiya Jafferjee, CEO and co-founder of Shellworks, emphasized that sustainable materials have long been viewed as too costly for widespread adoption. However, with Vivomer, the company is proving that this is no longer the case. Produced by fermenting second-generation feedstocks, such as used cooking oil, with microbes, Vivomer is designed to function like conventional plastic during use while biodegrading after disposal.
The implications of this breakthrough extend beyond the packaging industry. For everyday users, this could mean a significant reduction in plastic waste and a shift towards more sustainable consumer products. From an industry perspective, the development of cost-competitive sustainable materials could reshape how companies approach packaging, with a focus on environmental sustainability and reduced carbon footprint.
As Shellworks expands into the United States and the European Union, with a focus on the growing wellness sector, the company plans to establish regional production capabilities to reduce carbon footprints and strengthen supply chain resilience. This strategic move will not only support the growth of sustainable packaging solutions but also contribute to a more environmentally conscious consumer market.
The new capital will support the development of a global production network focused on technologies such as blow moulding, with facilities planned across the UK, Europe, and the US. This expansion will enable Shellworks to meet the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions and further solidify its position as a leader in the biomaterials industry.
The significance of Shellworks' achievement lies in its potential to disrupt the traditional packaging industry. With Vivomer, the company is offering a viable alternative to conventional plastics, one that is not only sustainable but also cost-competitive. As the demand for eco-friendly products continues to grow, Shellworks is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend and drive innovation in the packaging sector.
In conclusion, the $15 million funding round is a testament to Shellworks' commitment to developing sustainable packaging solutions. With Vivomer, the company is poised to make a significant impact on the packaging industry, driving a shift towards more environmentally friendly and cost-competitive materials. As the company continues to expand and innovate, it will be exciting to see the impact of Shellworks' technology on the global packaging market.
The funding comes at a pivotal moment for Shellworks, as it achieves a milestone in cost competitiveness. The company has demonstrated that its material can match the cost of conventional materials such as aluminium and glass, despite operating at a smaller production scale of around five million units. This development addresses a key barrier to wider adoption and positions Shellworks to support brands seeking alternatives to petroleum-based packaging.
Insiya Jafferjee, CEO and co-founder of Shellworks, emphasized that sustainable materials have long been viewed as too costly for widespread adoption. However, with Vivomer, the company is proving that this is no longer the case. Produced by fermenting second-generation feedstocks, such as used cooking oil, with microbes, Vivomer is designed to function like conventional plastic during use while biodegrading after disposal.
The implications of this breakthrough extend beyond the packaging industry. For everyday users, this could mean a significant reduction in plastic waste and a shift towards more sustainable consumer products. From an industry perspective, the development of cost-competitive sustainable materials could reshape how companies approach packaging, with a focus on environmental sustainability and reduced carbon footprint.
As Shellworks expands into the United States and the European Union, with a focus on the growing wellness sector, the company plans to establish regional production capabilities to reduce carbon footprints and strengthen supply chain resilience. This strategic move will not only support the growth of sustainable packaging solutions but also contribute to a more environmentally conscious consumer market.
The new capital will support the development of a global production network focused on technologies such as blow moulding, with facilities planned across the UK, Europe, and the US. This expansion will enable Shellworks to meet the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions and further solidify its position as a leader in the biomaterials industry.
The significance of Shellworks' achievement lies in its potential to disrupt the traditional packaging industry. With Vivomer, the company is offering a viable alternative to conventional plastics, one that is not only sustainable but also cost-competitive. As the demand for eco-friendly products continues to grow, Shellworks is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend and drive innovation in the packaging sector.
In conclusion, the $15 million funding round is a testament to Shellworks' commitment to developing sustainable packaging solutions. With Vivomer, the company is poised to make a significant impact on the packaging industry, driving a shift towards more environmentally friendly and cost-competitive materials. As the company continues to expand and innovate, it will be exciting to see the impact of Shellworks' technology on the global packaging market.