Disposable hygiene products, such as nappies and sanitary pads, are often an overlooked source of microplastic pollution worldwide. London-based startup Planet Smart is addressing this issue with PlanetSorb™, the world’s first naturally biodegradable SAP. This material can absorb more than one litre of liquid per gram without leaving behind microplastics.
Today, Planet Smart secured $1 million in pre-seed funding from investors including General Inception, Vertical Venture Partners, Innovate UK, and the Undaunted Accelerator to propel product launch and expand research and development.
Creating smarter biomaterials
Planet Smart was founded by Dr Gerald Marin, a materials scientist from the Philippines, and entrepreneur Maurice Rüttimann, originally from the United States. The duo met while sharing an apartment during the COVID-19 lockdown in Brussels and soon bonded over their shared concern about plastic pollution.
Marin, a new father, says the mission has become deeply personal. “Every parent knows the guilt of throwing away nappies. The first thing we do to babies the moment they’re born is wrap them in plastic. I want to change that by creating smarter biomaterials that my daughter won’t have to clean up in thirty years’ time,” he says.
PlanetSorb is a biopolymer composed of poly-amino acids, explicitly designed to replace petroleum-based SAPs that do not biodegrade. Laboratory testing confirms that PlanetSorb breaks down naturally in soil or landfill within six months, leaving no harmful microplastic residues. It is non-toxic and dermatologist-approved, offering top-tier absorbency and retention.
“Our polymer could change how entire sectors think about absorption. From nappies to soil health, the potential impact is enormous,” Marin adds.
Unlike Evonik Industries, BASF, or Sumitomo Seika Chemicals, Planet Smart balances commercial-grade performance, affordability, and environmental responsibility.
What’s next?
The recent $1 million investment will enable Planet Smart to enhance its R&D capabilities, expand its technical team, and commence commercial trials with global hygiene brands from its innovation hub in London’s White City.
Plans are also underway for a further fundraising round in 2026 to upscale manufacturing and forge licensing agreements with international partners.
“Planet Smart exemplifies the kind of high-impact, science-driven company that can move the needle on climate and waste. They’re tackling a global pollution issue with genuine commercial pragmatism,” noted Sara Jones, Vice President at General Inception.
Article Credit: techfundingnews