Show Notes 142: Xampla - Ending plastics in food packaging

In the latest episode of the Cambridge Tech Podcast, hosts Faye Holland and James Parton dive into the vibrant tech scene of Cambridge, sharing exciting news and insights that are shaping the future of technology and sustainability. This episode is packed with valuable information for startup founders, venture capitalists, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and environmental responsibility.

Weekly Tech News Highlights

The episode kicks off with a roundup of significant developments in the Cambridge tech landscape:

• Frontier Developments: The gaming company reported a revenue boost, with expectations for FY25 revenues to reach around £90 million, marking a positive turnaround for the gaming industry.

• EnSilica: This Oxford-based producer of application-specific integrated circuits has opened a new engineering hub at the Bradfield Centre, tapping into Cambridge's renowned semiconductor ecosystem.

• Cambridge Tech Week: Exciting announcements were made regarding a pitch competition as part of the main stage event, providing a platform for tech startups to showcase their innovations.

• Upcoming Events: The podcast highlights several events, including a cybersecurity delegation from the US and various AI meetups, encouraging listeners to engage with the local tech community.

Interview with Alexandra French, CEO of Xampla

The second part of the episode features an engaging interview with Alexandra French, the CEO of Xampla, a company at the forefront of sustainable materials innovation. Xampla is revolutionising the way we think about packaging by developing plant-based alternatives to single-use plastics.

Key Insights from Alexandra:

• Creating Awareness: "One of the things that's really important for us is to create awareness and let people know about what we're doing." Alexandra emphasises the need for consumer education regarding sustainable alternatives to plastics.

• Innovative Technology: Xampla's unique approach involves using plant proteins to create biodegradable materials that can replace traditional plastics. This innovation not only addresses the plastic pollution crisis but also offers a viable solution for various packaging applications.

• Market Opportunity: With over 4 million tonnes of plastic coatings applied annually, Xampla is poised to make a significant impact. Alexandra notes, "There's so much potential and so much opportunity to replace those 4 million tons and make a real huge impact on the world."

• Partnerships for Success: The importance of strategic partnerships is a recurring theme in the conversation. Alexandra highlights collaborations with companies like Huhtamaki and Just Eat, stating, "We couldn't do this on our own... it's a real win-win model."

• Future Focus: Looking ahead, Xampla aims to expand its product offerings and market penetration, particularly in the food service sector. "Our focus is really growing that sort of market penetration for our coatings," Alexandra explains.

Why You Should Tune In

This episode not only provides a wealth of information about the latest tech developments in Cambridge but also offers a deep dive into the innovative work being done by Xampla to combat plastic pollution. Alexandra French’s insights into the challenges and opportunities in the sustainable materials space are both inspiring and thought-provoking.

Key Takeaways:

• The Cambridge tech scene is thriving, with significant advancements in gaming and sustainable technology.

• Xampla is leading the charge in creating plant-based alternatives to plastics, with a strong emphasis on partnerships and market education.

Don’t miss out on this enlightening episode! Subscribe to the Cambridge Tech Podcast for more insights and updates from the heart of the UK’s tech capital. Join us in exploring the future of technology and sustainability—your next big idea might just be a listen away!

To listen and subscribe, search for ‘Cambridge Tech Podcast’ on your favourite podcasting platform or visit cambridgetechpodcast.com.