Elissa Brunato
Radiant Matter creates plant-based structural colour materials that deliver brilliant colour effects for sustainable consumer products and packaging, without pigments, plastics, metals or minerals.
Project
Radiant Matter
URL
Year founded
2020
Business stage
Seed
High-growth sectors
Advanced Manufacturing
Sector
Materials
Location
London
Funding
Funded Award Winner
The problem and opportunity
Plastic and metal-coated glitters, sequins, and finishes create severe microplastic pollution and contaminate recycling streams across apparel, cosmetics, and packaging. Overwhelmingly reliant on petroleum-derived PVC/PET or mined metals, existing options fall short because they lack sustainable shimmer, fail at end-of-life recycling or biodegradability, or introduce ethical mining risks. This undermines circularity for consumers, brands, and ecosystems.
The solution and innovation
Radiant Matter delivers a new category of plastic-free sparkle by mimicking nature’s structural colour using renewable, bio-sourced cellulose with no dyes or pigments. Early traction includes our Stella McCartney garments launched with Vogue US and Cara Delevingne, shown at the COP28 UN Climate Conference, alongside multiple brand engagements.
Market and ambition
We are targeting the multi-billion-dollar global colour effects market across textiles, packaging, and cosmetics. Backed by early validation from top-tier brands and strong pipeline interest, our growth ambition over the next 2–3 years is to secure commercial contracts and launch scalable products in high-growth verticals .
Founder perspective
Founder Elissa Brunato brings deep expertise from textiles and international production, where she witnessed firsthand widespread material waste. Well-placed to lead, she has navigated technology development, built a highly skilled team, and secured key partnerships. She passionately advocates for female-led deep tech and climate tech, mentoring women founders.
Women in Innovation Award
Recipient of an Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award 2025/26, receiving funding, tailored business support, and access to specialist training and networks. View all winners and highly commended applicants from the Women in Innovation cohort 2025/2026.