Naturbeads raises cash for cellulose beads

The UK start-up Naturbeads has raised $9.9 million in a series A funding round led by the venture capital firm Eos Advisory. Naturbeads makes biodegradable cellulose microspheres that can replace microplastics in applications including paints and cosmetics. The firm says it will use the funds to build its first large-scale plant, in Puglia, Italy. Despite bans in many regions, Naturbeads says, about 2 million metric tons of microplastics are intentionally added to products each year.