Xampla, a materials innovation leader, has strengthened its workforce with two significant hires and two promotions to Director-level positions, positioning itself for rapid, global commercialization of its eco-friendly Morro™ materials. Following a substantial $14 million Series A funding round, this enhanced team is set to replace ten billion units of single-use plastic within five years, underscoring its commitment to sustainable food and drink packaging.
Morro’s Global Expansion Fueled by New Talent
Former BioPak UK Director Sam Walker now joins Xampla as Head of Business Development and Sales, bringing a wealth of experience in developing sustainable packaging solutions for global brands and their supply chain partners. He will manage global customer relationships, aiming to establish high-value partnerships that cater to the growing demand for Morro materials.
In his previous role at BioPak UK, Walker excelled as Director of Strategic Partnerships, expanding its customer base with prominent brands such as Deliveroo, Dishoom, Morrisons, and Wahaca. He also collaborated with supply chain entities like Bunzl. As Technical Director, Walker led product innovation, gaining in-depth knowledge of the industry’s legislative and environmental challenges.
Adding to Xampla’s marketing and communications efforts is David Cohen, newly appointed as PR & Communications Manager. With over ten years of experience elevating the profiles of global science and technology firms, Cohen will focus on fortifying Xampla’s presence in the sustainable packaging sector.
Director-Level Promotions Reflecting Growth
Xampla has also promoted its heads of Technology and Marketing to Director roles, marking a significant step in the company’s growth as a global player in plastic-free materials.
Scott Thompson assumes the newly established position of Technology Director, tasked with scaling Morro materials through innovation. His team is focused on developing new product offerings, while also enhancing the performance of existing materials. As Head of Technology & Development, Thompson was instrumental in launching Morro Coating, including the creation of high-performing grease and water barriers, paving the way for partnerships with industry leaders like Huhtamaki and Just Eat Takeaway.com.
Katrina Curl has been promoted to Marketing & Corporate Affairs Director, where she will spearhead Xampla’s global marketing and corporate initiatives. Joining Xampla in 2021 as Head of Marketing & Communications, Curl played a crucial role in the company’s development, notably by creating the Morro brand in 2023 to unify and promote Xampla’s plastic-free applications. Before Xampla, she honed her expertise by delivering award-winning campaigns for iconic brands like Unilever, Canon, and Britvic.
This progress coincides with a series of exciting developments at Xampla. In September, the company secured a $14 million Series A funding round aimed at eliminating ten billion items of single-use plastic. Additionally, Morro was recently identified as the first packaging material to be verified as plastic-free in accordance with REACH and SUPD regulations by the National Physical Laboratory, a leader in measurement science.
Alexandra French, CEO at Xampla, stated: “I am immensely proud to be leading such an outstanding team. Expanding our business development and marketing communications functions is crucial to building our global business. Broadening our product capabilities and portfolio is equally important.
“Sam is an industry veteran whose understanding of the commercial and regulatory landscape will be invaluable as we continue to forge partnerships with household names and scale Morro materials. We’re delighted to welcome him and David to the team.
“I also want to thank Scott and Katrina for their years of service and exceptional contributions. Their expertise has been pivotal in commercializing the technology behind Morro materials and bringing it to market. Their new roles are well-deserved, and their strategic leadership will support Xampla’s global aspirations.”
Sam Walker, Head of Business Development & Sales at Xampla, remarked: “Having spent my career advocating for compostable materials to take center stage, Xampla represents the next big leap in plastic-free packaging. Originating from the University of Cambridge ecosystem and featuring leading experts, our technology is robust and market-ready. As regulatory and consumer demands evolve, more brands are eager for plastic-free alternatives like Morro, making this transition a reality.”
For more information, visit www.xampla.com/morro-materials
