--- title: "A&B Smart Materials reinvents superabsorbent polymers with green tech" id: "424546" type: "post" slug: "founder-interview-ab-smart-materials" published_at: "2025-09-02T09:28:03+00:00" modified_at: "2025-09-02T11:28:03+00:00" url: "https://seedlegals.com/resources/founder-interview-ab-smart-materials/" markdown_url: "https://seedlegals.com/resources/founder-interview-ab-smart-materials.md" excerpt: "Benjamin White, chemist and co-founder of A&B Smart Materials, offers an eco-friendly alternative to the superabsorbent polymers inside nappies and sanitary pads." taxonomy_category: - "Founder Interviews" - "Video Zone" --- 2 min read Expert reviewed This article has been fact-checked by a SeedLegals subject matter expert. [Meet our experts](https://seedlegals.com/authors-and-experts/) and learn more about our review process and quality assurance in our [editorial policy](https://seedlegals.com/editorial-policy/) . # A&B Smart Materials reinvents superabsorbent polymers with green tech Published: Sep 2, 2025 Contents [Key takeaways](#key-takeaways) [CEO & Co-FounderAnthony RoseCo-Founder and CEO](https://seedlegals.com/resources/author/anthony/) [Erin DeasyJunior Content Executive](https://seedlegals.com/resources/author/erin-deasy/) It’s no secret that sanitary pads, disposable nappies and agricultural water-retention products rely on superabsorbent polymers – but what most people don’t realise is that these polymers are made from fossil fuels and take centuries to break down. Co-founded by chemist [Benjamin White](https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-white-406580238/?originalSubdomain=uk) and his team, [A&B Smart Materials](https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-b-smart-materials/) is tackling these sources of microplastic pollution and the harm they cause to both the planet and human health. How? By developing fully bio-renewable alternatives that match the performance and price of current plastic-based polymers. Even better, their materials can be programmed to degrade after use – *without* releasing toxins – and can be manufactured on existing production lines with minimal changes. Regulation is pushing the industry to clean up, and licensing – not manufacturing – could be the key to rapid adoption at scale. Listen in to find out more about the science behind A&B’s breakthrough in this founder interview with SeedLegals CEO[Anthony Rose](https://seedlegals.com/resources/author/anthony/) . ## **Key takeaways** ### **The problem with absorbent plastics** - Superabsorbent polymers are used in everyday products like nappies, sanitary pads, and agricultural tools – but they’re made from fossil fuels and don’t biodegrade. - These plastics contribute to serious environmental issues, clogging infrastructure and leaching harmful microplastics into soil, water and human bodies. - Despite their environmental cost, industries continue using them because they’re effective and affordable, especially since few sustainable alternatives are available at scale. ### **A&B Smart Materials’ solution** - A&B Smart Materials has created a biodegradable, bio-renewable alternative that performs just as well as conventional polymers, at the same price point. - Their materials can be designed to degrade after a specific time frame, from 10 minutes to several months with no toxic byproducts. - Designed to slot into existing production lines, A&B’s product removes the friction for manufacturers wanting to switch to safer, greener materials. ### **Traction and growth** - Benjamin White and co-founder [Amaury van Trappen de Buggenoms](https://www.linkedin.com/in/amauryvtdb?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAACMwKz0BqYHpjj6b1fKD7tlEhfZ97EE0iVM&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_search_srp_people%3BBpP76VNiSrKtxx1%2FP3MUIQ%3D%3D) lead a growing team of scientists and commercial experts based at Begbroke Science Park in Oxford. - The company is filing patents, refining its cost-efficiency and preparing to license its technology to manufacturers like P&G and Unilever. - With upcoming EU regulations set to ban microplastic-producing products by 2028, A&B is positioned to become the go-to solution for sustainable absorbent materials. ##### SeedLegals events ### Connect with fascinating founders Sign up to our newsletter and get the best of SeedLegals events delivered directly to your inbox. By subscribing, you agree to receive information from SeedLegals. You can unsubscribe anytime. View our [privacy policy](/privacy-policy/) Related articles [– Fighting climate change with floating farms: Seafields' smart solution](https://seedlegals.com/resources/fighting-climate-change-with-floating-farms-seafields-smart-solution/) [– Reforming serial plant killers with SmartyPlants](https://seedlegals.com/resources/founder-interview-smartyplants/) ## Related posts [2 min readHindered by hundreds of applications: ReechOut addresses the hassle of the hiring processHassan Ahmed, founder of ReechOut, reverse engineers the AI problem that’s been afflicting the hiring process… and it’s ... Anthony Rose](https://seedlegals.com/resources/founder-interview-reechout/) [2 min readHiring for growth stage companiesJoin SeedLegals CEO Anthony Rose and Beacon Talent founder, David Berk, to learn how to stop burning cash on the wrong r... 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