No more P/*$+!(
No more P/*$+!(
Solgelica® is an award-winning liquid and oil barrier solution for paper-based packaging, eliminating dependence on synthetic polymers and forever chemicals. After over a decade of research, our patented technology is commercially available at scale. Recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable.
Now, you have a choice.
Solgelica® is an award-winning liquid and oil barrier solution for paper-based packaging, eliminating dependence on synthetic polymers and forever chemicals. After over a decade of research, our patented technology is commercially available at scale. Recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable.
Now, you have a choice.





OUR SOLGELICA® TECHNOLOGY
A new dawn for guilt-free single-use food packaging
Solgelica® is a paper treatment technology that creates water and oil-resistant barriers without using synthetic polymers or toxins. Using silica sand extracts combined through sol-gel chemistry with unmodified natural materials, we've developed a new material platform that protects fibre-based packaging whilst remaining friendly to the planet and human body.
Solgelica® = Sol-gel + Silica
Unlike so-called 'green' alternatives that still contain petroleum-based or plant-based P/*$+!($, Solgelica® breaks down, leaving no harmful particles in the environment or our bodies.
OUR SOLGELICA® TECHNOLOGY
A new dawn for guilt-free single-use food packaging
Solgelica® is a paper treatment technology that creates water and oil-resistant barriers without using synthetic polymers or toxins. Using silica sand extracts combined through sol-gel chemistry with unmodified natural materials, we've developed a new material platform that protects fibre-based packaging whilst remaining friendly to the planet and human body.
Solgelica® = Sol-gel + Silica
Unlike so-called 'green' alternatives that still contain petroleum-based or plant-based P/*$+!($, Solgelica® breaks down, leaving no harmful particles in the environment or our bodies.
OUR SOLGELICA® TECHNOLOGY
A new dawn for guilt-free single-use food packaging
Solgelica® is a paper treatment technology that creates water and oil-resistant barriers without using synthetic polymers or toxins. Using silica sand extracts combined through sol-gel chemistry with unmodified natural materials, we've developed a new material platform that protects fibre-based packaging whilst remaining friendly to the planet and human body.
Solgelica® = Sol-gel + Silica
Unlike so-called 'green' alternatives that still contain petroleum-based or plant-based P/*$+!($, Solgelica® breaks down, leaving no harmful particles in the environment or our bodies.

Now, you have a choice
For decades, the packaging industry has been forced to choose between performance and sustainability. Synthetic-polymer liners can work brilliantly but persist for centuries. 'Eco-friendly' alternatives often compromise on protection or quietly contain the very materials they claim to replace.
Solgelica® eliminates that compromise.
Our Solgelica® technology delivers the liquid and oil resistance your products demand, whilst ensuring the packaging performs exactly as expected. It protects, then it disappears.
Recyclable through existing infrastructure. Home compostable, biodegradable, and compositionally compliant with The Single-Use Plastics Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/904), and BfR Recommendation XXXVI.
The polluting problem we've grown accustomed to isn't going away on its own. With Solgelica®, you no longer need to be part of it.
Now, you have a choice
For decades, the packaging industry has been forced to choose between performance and sustainability. Synthetic-polymer liners can work brilliantly but persist for centuries. 'Eco-friendly' alternatives often compromise on protection or quietly contain the very materials they claim to replace.
Solgelica® eliminates that compromise.
Our Solgelica® technology delivers the liquid and oil resistance your products demand, whilst ensuring the packaging performs exactly as expected. It protects, then it disappears.
Recyclable through existing infrastructure. Home compostable, biodegradable, and compositionally compliant with The Single-Use Plastics Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/904), and BfR Recommendation XXXVI.
The polluting problem we've grown accustomed to isn't going away on its own. With Solgelica®, you no longer need to be part of it.
Now, you have a choice
For decades, the packaging industry has been forced to choose between performance and sustainability. Synthetic-polymer liners can work brilliantly but persist for centuries. 'Eco-friendly' alternatives often compromise on protection or quietly contain the very materials they claim to replace.
Solgelica® eliminates that compromise.
Our Solgelica® technology delivers the liquid and oil resistance your products demand, whilst ensuring the packaging performs exactly as expected. It protects, then it disappears.
Recyclable through existing infrastructure. Home compostable, biodegradable, and compositionally compliant with The Single-Use Plastics Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/904), and BfR Recommendation XXXVI.
The polluting problem we've grown accustomed to isn't going away on its own. With Solgelica®, you no longer need to be part of it.



OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
Globally recognised award-winning innovation technology
OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
Globally recognised award-winning innovation technology
OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
Globally recognised award-winning innovation technology
MassChallenge Diamond Winner 2020 (Switzerland)
SgMA (for its Solgelica® technology) was recognised as one of Europe's most promising impact-driven startups.
MassChallenge Diamond Winner 2020 (Switzerland)
SgMA (for its Solgelica® technology) was recognised as one of Europe's most promising impact-driven startups.
MassChallenge Diamond Winner 2020 (Switzerland)
SgMA (for its Solgelica® technology) was recognised as one of Europe's most promising impact-driven startups.
Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award 2019 for Dr Fanya Ismail
Celebrated for groundbreaking contributions to sustainable technology.
Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award 2019 for Dr Fanya Ismail
Celebrated for groundbreaking contributions to sustainable technology.
Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award 2019 for Dr Fanya Ismail
Celebrated for groundbreaking contributions to sustainable technology.
2018 finalists in the global NextGen Cup Challenge by Closed Loop Partners, Starbucks & McDonald's
Recognised as an innovative solution for single-use hot and cold fibre cups.
2018 finalists in the global NextGen Cup Challenge by Closed Loop Partners, Starbucks & McDonald's
Recognised as an innovative solution for single-use hot and cold fibre cups.
2018 finalists in the global NextGen Cup Challenge by Closed Loop Partners, Starbucks & McDonald's
Recognised as an innovative solution for single-use hot and cold fibre cups.
Patent-Protected Technology
Granted patents and 70+ filed patent applications securing the Solgelica® platform and its applications.
Patent-Protected Technology
Granted patents and 70+ filed patent applications securing the Solgelica® platform and its applications.
Patent-Protected Technology
Granted patents and 70+ filed patent applications securing the Solgelica® platform and its applications.
Frequently asked questions
Here you will find answers to the most common questions about our Solgelica® technology and SgMA.
What is Solgelica®?
Solgelica® is a patented paper treatment technology that creates impermeable liquid-resistant and oil-resistant barriers for fibre-based food packaging. Using natural silica sand extracts through the sol-gel process combined with unmodified natural materials, Solgelica® delivers the protective performance manufacturers need without synthetic polymers, forever chemicals, or toxins. The result is barrier technology that's recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable.
What is SgMA?
SgMA (Sol-gel Materials & Applications Ltd) is the advanced materials research, development, and production company behind Solgelica®. Founded in 2017 by Dr Fanya Ismail, we specialise in developing sol-gel technology solutions addressing global material challenges across multiple industries. Our technology platform is protected by granted patents alongside over 70 patent applications across the world. SgMA is backed by leading investors and industry partners.
Who created Solgelica®?
Solgelica® was created by SgMA founder, Dr Fanya Ismail, a chemist with a PhD from the University of Manchester and a Royal Society of Chemistry scholarship. After years of working on sol-gel technology, Fanya designed the Solgelica® molecules on her kitchen table in 2012, driven by a vision to eliminate toxic chemicals in consumer products. Her innovation has earned global recognition, which includes MassChallenge Diamond Winner 2020 (Switzerland), Innovate UK's Women in Innovation Award 2019, and being a finalist in the 2018 NextGen Cup Challenge organised by Starbucks and McDonald’s.
Does Solgelica® perform as well as traditional solutions?
Yes. Solgelica® barrier technology matches the waterproof performance of traditional synthetic polymer-lined packaging. It handles both hot and cold liquids effectively, maintaining structural integrity throughout use. Independent testing confirms Solgelica® is compliant with food safety regulations, including BfR Recommendation XXXVI, and is compositionally compliant with Single-Use Plastics Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/904).
Is Solgelica® heat-sealable?
No. Converters will need to apply glue for forming cups, trays and other fibre-based food and beverage packaging.
Is Solgelica® truly recyclable, biodegradable and compostable?
Yes. This is where we differ from "eco-friendly" alternatives that still contain synthetic polymers or modified biopolymers. Solgelica® is free from toxic chemicals, and µP/*$+!($. Solgelica® is recyclable through existing recycling infrastructure, biodegradable in natural environments, and compostable. Solgelica® complies with the EU Single Use Directive requirements for sustainable packaging.
How can I use Solgelica® for my products?
Solgelica® treated paperboard is commercially available at scale for food and beverage packaging applications, including coffee cups, food trays, and other forms of paper packaging.
Will Solgelica® work with our existing production lines?
Solgelica® treated paperboard will work with many existing production lines, but this will depend on the exact details of your processes. We are always happy to discuss the compatibility of our technology with your manufacturing facilities.
What is Solgelica®?
Solgelica® is a patented paper treatment technology that creates impermeable liquid-resistant and oil-resistant barriers for fibre-based food packaging. Using natural silica sand extracts through the sol-gel process combined with unmodified natural materials, Solgelica® delivers the protective performance manufacturers need without synthetic polymers, forever chemicals, or toxins. The result is barrier technology that's recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable.
What is SgMA?
SgMA (Sol-gel Materials & Applications Ltd) is the advanced materials research, development, and production company behind Solgelica®. Founded in 2017 by Dr Fanya Ismail, we specialise in developing sol-gel technology solutions addressing global material challenges across multiple industries. Our technology platform is protected by granted patents alongside over 70 patent applications across the world. SgMA is backed by leading investors and industry partners.
Who created Solgelica®?
Solgelica® was created by SgMA founder, Dr Fanya Ismail, a chemist with a PhD from the University of Manchester and a Royal Society of Chemistry scholarship. After years of working on sol-gel technology, Fanya designed the Solgelica® molecules on her kitchen table in 2012, driven by a vision to eliminate toxic chemicals in consumer products. Her innovation has earned global recognition, which includes MassChallenge Diamond Winner 2020 (Switzerland), Innovate UK's Women in Innovation Award 2019, and being a finalist in the 2018 NextGen Cup Challenge organised by Starbucks and McDonald’s.
Does Solgelica® perform as well as traditional solutions?
Yes. Solgelica® barrier technology matches the waterproof performance of traditional synthetic polymer-lined packaging. It handles both hot and cold liquids effectively, maintaining structural integrity throughout use. Independent testing confirms Solgelica® is compliant with food safety regulations, including BfR Recommendation XXXVI, and is compositionally compliant with Single-Use Plastics Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/904).
Is Solgelica® heat-sealable?
No. Converters will need to apply glue for forming cups, trays and other fibre-based food and beverage packaging.
Is Solgelica® truly recyclable, biodegradable and compostable?
Yes. This is where we differ from "eco-friendly" alternatives that still contain synthetic polymers or modified biopolymers. Solgelica® is free from toxic chemicals, and µP/*$+!($. Solgelica® is recyclable through existing recycling infrastructure, biodegradable in natural environments, and compostable. Solgelica® complies with the EU Single Use Directive requirements for sustainable packaging.
How can I use Solgelica® for my products?
Solgelica® treated paperboard is commercially available at scale for food and beverage packaging applications, including coffee cups, food trays, and other forms of paper packaging.
Will Solgelica® work with our existing production lines?
Solgelica® treated paperboard will work with many existing production lines, but this will depend on the exact details of your processes. We are always happy to discuss the compatibility of our technology with your manufacturing facilities.
What is Solgelica®?
Solgelica® is a patented paper treatment technology that creates impermeable liquid-resistant and oil-resistant barriers for fibre-based food packaging. Using natural silica sand extracts through the sol-gel process combined with unmodified natural materials, Solgelica® delivers the protective performance manufacturers need without synthetic polymers, forever chemicals, or toxins. The result is barrier technology that's recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable.
What is SgMA?
SgMA (Sol-gel Materials & Applications Ltd) is the advanced materials research, development, and production company behind Solgelica®. Founded in 2017 by Dr Fanya Ismail, we specialise in developing sol-gel technology solutions addressing global material challenges across multiple industries. Our technology platform is protected by granted patents alongside over 70 patent applications across the world. SgMA is backed by leading investors and industry partners.
Who created Solgelica®?
Solgelica® was created by SgMA founder, Dr Fanya Ismail, a chemist with a PhD from the University of Manchester and a Royal Society of Chemistry scholarship. After years of working on sol-gel technology, Fanya designed the Solgelica® molecules on her kitchen table in 2012, driven by a vision to eliminate toxic chemicals in consumer products. Her innovation has earned global recognition, which includes MassChallenge Diamond Winner 2020 (Switzerland), Innovate UK's Women in Innovation Award 2019, and being a finalist in the 2018 NextGen Cup Challenge organised by Starbucks and McDonald’s.
Does Solgelica® perform as well as traditional solutions?
Yes. Solgelica® barrier technology matches the waterproof performance of traditional synthetic polymer-lined packaging. It handles both hot and cold liquids effectively, maintaining structural integrity throughout use. Independent testing confirms Solgelica® is compliant with food safety regulations, including BfR Recommendation XXXVI, and is compositionally compliant with Single-Use Plastics Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/904).
Is Solgelica® heat-sealable?
No. Converters will need to apply glue for forming cups, trays and other fibre-based food and beverage packaging.
Is Solgelica® truly recyclable, biodegradable and compostable?
Yes. This is where we differ from "eco-friendly" alternatives that still contain synthetic polymers or modified biopolymers. Solgelica® is free from toxic chemicals, and µP/*$+!($. Solgelica® is recyclable through existing recycling infrastructure, biodegradable in natural environments, and compostable. Solgelica® complies with the EU Single Use Directive requirements for sustainable packaging.
How can I use Solgelica® for my products?
Solgelica® treated paperboard is commercially available at scale for food and beverage packaging applications, including coffee cups, food trays, and other forms of paper packaging.
Will Solgelica® work with our existing production lines?
Solgelica® treated paperboard will work with many existing production lines, but this will depend on the exact details of your processes. We are always happy to discuss the compatibility of our technology with your manufacturing facilities.
Get in touch.
Office Address:
B1093a Galley Drive, Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 8GA, UK
Email Address:
contact@solgelica.com
Get in touch.
Office Address:
B1093a Galley Drive, Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 8GA, UK
Email Address:
contact@solgelica.com
Get in touch.
Office Address:
B1093a Galley Drive, Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 8GA, UK
Email Address:
contact@solgelica.com