THE FUTURE WILL NOT BE MADE OUT OF P/*$+!(
We are pioneers of sol-gel barrier technology for a world beyond synthetic polymers.
THE FUTURE WILL NOT BE MADE OUT OF P/*$+!(
We are pioneers of sol-gel barrier technology for a world beyond synthetic polymers.
THE FUTURE WILL NOT BE MADE OUT OF P/*$+!(
We are pioneers of sol-gel barrier technology for a world beyond synthetic polymers.
Eliminating the need for toxic chemicals in consumer products
SgMA (Sol-gel Materials & Applications Ltd) is an advanced materials research, development, and production company founded in 2017 by Dr Fanya Ismail. We specialise in developing sol-gel technology solutions to address global material challenges across multiple industries.
Our technology platform is protected by granted patents alongside over 70 patent applications across the world, and backed by leading investors and industry partners.
Eliminating the need for toxic chemicals in consumer products
SgMA (Sol-gel Materials & Applications Ltd) is an advanced materials research, development, and production company founded in 2017 by Dr Fanya Ismail. We specialise in developing sol-gel technology solutions to address global material challenges across multiple industries.
Our technology platform is protected by granted patents alongside over 70 patent applications across the world, and backed by leading investors and industry partners.
Eliminating the need for toxic chemicals in consumer products
SgMA (Sol-gel Materials & Applications Ltd) is an advanced materials research, development, and production company founded in 2017 by Dr Fanya Ismail. We specialise in developing sol-gel technology solutions to address global material challenges across multiple industries.
Our technology platform is protected by granted patents alongside over 70 patent applications across the world, and backed by leading investors and industry partners.
From coffee cups to skyscrapers
Whether it's food packaging, sanitary products, construction materials or automotive components, we're proving that hydrophobic performance doesn’t require compromises that negatively impact planetary health.
Introducing Solgelica®
For decades, the packaging industry has been forced to choose between performance and sustainability. Synthetic-polymer solutions can provide brilliant results, but persist in nature for centuries. 'Eco-friendly' alternatives often compromise on protection or quietly contain the very materials they claim to replace.
We can finally eliminate this compromise.
Solgelica® is our 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.
Introducing Solgelica®
For decades, the packaging industry has been forced to choose between performance and sustainability. Synthetic-polymer solutions can provide brilliant results, but persist in nature for centuries. 'Eco-friendly' alternatives often compromise on protection or quietly contain the very materials they claim to replace.
We can finally eliminate this compromise.
Solgelica® is our 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.
Introducing Solgelica®
For decades, the packaging industry has been forced to choose between performance and sustainability. Synthetic-polymer solutions can provide brilliant results, but persist in nature for centuries. 'Eco-friendly' alternatives often compromise on protection or quietly contain the very materials they claim to replace.
We can finally eliminate this compromise.
Solgelica® is our 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.
OUR STORY
From kitchen table to global innovation hub
SgMA was founded in 2017, but our story begins much earlier, in 2012, when Fanya sat at her kitchen table designing molecules with a pen on paper. She was looking for solutions to create materials that would eliminate the need for choosing between cheap convenience and a clear conscience.
Since then, we have spent years testing, perfecting and innovating to bring to the world a truly sustainable response to a global pollution crisis. Dive deeper into our story through the links below.
WHO WE ARE
Materials science experts
Our team combines decades of expertise in chemistry, materials science, manufacturing operations, finance and commercialisation.
WHO WE ARE
Materials science experts
Our team combines decades of expertise in chemistry, materials science, manufacturing operations, finance and commercialisation.
WHO WE ARE
Materials science experts
Our team combines decades of expertise in chemistry, materials science, manufacturing operations, finance and commercialisation.
Fanya Ismail
Founder & CEO
Fanya Ismail
Founder & CEO
Fanya Ismail
Founder & CEO
Tatiana Correia
Non-Executive Director
Tatiana Correia
Non-Executive Director
Tatiana Correia
Non-Executive Director
Ismail Essack
Chief Finance Officer
Ismail Essack
Chief Finance Officer
Ismail Essack
Chief Finance Officer
Sheila Fattah
Head of Applications
Sheila Fattah
Head of Applications
Sheila Fattah
Head of Applications
David Blair
Head of Legal
David Blair
Head of Legal
David Blair
Head of Legal
Don Lawrence
Operations Manager (UK)
Don Lawrence
Operations Manager (UK)
Don Lawrence
Operations Manager (UK)
Gdo Mamondi
Operations Manager (Germany)
Gdo Mamondi
Operations Manager (Germany)
Gdo Mamondi
Operations Manager (Germany)
Al Hameed
Accounts, Office and Procedural Administrator
Al Hameed
Accounts, Office and Procedural Administrator
Al Hameed
Accounts, Office and Procedural Administrator
Hayley Russell
Trainee Intellectual Property Attorney
Hayley Russell
Trainee Intellectual Property Attorney
Hayley Russell
Trainee Intellectual Property Attorney
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 SgMA and our flagship Solgelica® technology.
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.
What is sol-gel technology?
Sol-gel technology is a process for creating glass-like materials at room temperature. By combining this chemistry with natural, unmodified materials, like abundantly available silica sand, we've developed solutions that deliver high-performance barriers and treatments without synthetic polymers or toxic chemicals. The result: materials that function as expected, then disappear completely.
What industries does SgMA work in?
Our technology platforms have applications across multiple sectors, including food and beverage packaging, sanitary products, construction materials, and other industries currently dependent on synthetic polymers or toxic chemical treatments in the manufacturing process.
Is SgMA's technology commercially available?
Yes. Our flagship platform, Solgelica®, is commercially available at scale for fibre-based hot and cold food and beverage packaging. Please contact us directly to find out more.
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.
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® 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.
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.
What is sol-gel technology?
Sol-gel technology is a process for creating glass-like materials at room temperature. By combining this chemistry with natural, unmodified materials, like abundantly available silica sand, we've developed solutions that deliver high-performance barriers and treatments without synthetic polymers or toxic chemicals. The result: materials that function as expected, then disappear completely.
What industries does SgMA work in?
Our technology platforms have applications across multiple sectors, including food and beverage packaging, sanitary products, construction materials, and other industries currently dependent on synthetic polymers or toxic chemical treatments in the manufacturing process.
Is SgMA's technology commercially available?
Yes. Our flagship platform, Solgelica®, is commercially available at scale for fibre-based hot and cold food and beverage packaging. Please contact us directly to find out more.
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.
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® 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.
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.
What is sol-gel technology?
Sol-gel technology is a process for creating glass-like materials at room temperature. By combining this chemistry with natural, unmodified materials, like abundantly available silica sand, we've developed solutions that deliver high-performance barriers and treatments without synthetic polymers or toxic chemicals. The result: materials that function as expected, then disappear completely.
What industries does SgMA work in?
Our technology platforms have applications across multiple sectors, including food and beverage packaging, sanitary products, construction materials, and other industries currently dependent on synthetic polymers or toxic chemical treatments in the manufacturing process.
Is SgMA's technology commercially available?
Yes. Our flagship platform, Solgelica®, is commercially available at scale for fibre-based hot and cold food and beverage packaging. Please contact us directly to find out more.
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.
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® 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.
Get in touch.
Office Address:
B1093a Galley Drive, Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 8GA, UK
Email Address:
info@sol-gel.co.uk
Get in touch.
Office Address:
B1093a Galley Drive, Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 8GA, UK
Email Address:
info@sol-gel.co.uk
Get in touch.
Office Address:
B1093a Galley Drive, Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 8GA, UK
Email Address:
info@sol-gel.co.uk