SGMA

SGMA (Sol-Gel Materials & Applications Ltd) is a UK advanced materials company founded in 2017 by Dr. Fanya Ismail to solve one of the most persistent and overlooked problems in sustainable packaging: the plastic coatings inside paper cups, cartons, and food packaging that make them impossible to recycle. These invisible plastic liners — found in billions of coffee cups and food containers — contaminate recycling streams and release microplastics and toxins into the environment over decades.

SGMA's breakthrough is Solgelica®: a patented paper treatment technology made from natural silica sand extracts, delivered as a coating solution using standard industry equipment. Solgelica® creates an impermeable liquid- and oil-resistant barrier on paper and fibre-based substrates without using any synthetic polymers, bioplastics, forever chemicals (PFAS), or toxins. The resulting packaging is 100% recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable — unlike virtually every alternative currently on the market.

SGMA has been recognised as one of Europe's most promising impact-driven startups, received Innovate UK funding, and is actively working with major global brands including Starbucks, McDonald's, Coca-Cola, and Yum! Brands to replace plastic-lined packaging. In 2024, Oaktree Capital Management invested £4 million to accelerate the scale-up of Solgelica® across EU and UK markets.