Amir Afshar
Co-Founder
Shellworks
Shellworks produces VIVOMER, a biomaterial made from fermented plant waste that matches the look, feel, and performance of conventional plastics while being free of BPA, phthalates, and microplastics. The material can be processed on existing injection‑moulding, blow‑moulding, and extrusion equipment and biodegrades in soil after use, offering brands a plug‑and‑play, plastic‑free packaging solution at scale.
- Biotechnology
- Clean Technology
- New Materials
Updated 5 months ago
Funding
Raised to date
$7.1MRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Funding rounds are not available yet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Conventional plastic packaging persists in the environment, generating microplastics and toxic residues that accumulate in landfills and ecosystems. Brands seeking sustainable alternatives often face limited material performance, incompatibility with existing manufacturing lines, and uncertain end‑of‑life pathways.
Solution
Shellworks offers VIVOMER, a biomaterial produced through microbial fermentation of agricultural and industrial plant waste. The material mimics the look, feel, and functional properties of traditional plastics while being free of BPA, phthalates, and microplastics. VIVOMER can be processed on standard injection‑moulding, blow‑moulding, and extrusion equipment, enabling seamless integration into existing supply chains. After use, soil microorganisms consume the material, allowing it to biodegrade without leaving harmful residues. The company provides end‑to‑end support—from custom formulation and design development to manufacturing, quality control, and localized logistics—so brands can launch plastic‑free products at scale.
Target Audience
Primary customers are consumer‑goods brands and manufacturers that require plastic‑like packaging for cosmetics, personal care, food, and household products, and that aim to meet sustainability targets without redesigning their production lines.
Features
- Produced from second‑generation plant waste via natural microbial fermentation, avoiding competition with food crops
- Fully compatible with existing plastic manufacturing equipment (injection moulding, blow moulding, extrusion)
- Certified for food contact (FDA and EU 10/2011) and free of BPA, phthalates, and PFA
- Durable performance: dishwasher‑safe, shower‑safe, stable on shelves for over three years; tested for freeze‑thaw, UV, and accelerated ageing
- End‑of‑life options include composting and biodegradation in soil, with no microplastic formation
- Localized production facilities in the UK, EU, and US reduce shipping distances and lead times
- Custom formulation, colour matching, and branding (screen‑printing, hot‑foiling, debossing) to meet specific aesthetic requirements