Seaweed as an alternative to plastic
Plastic packaging is everywhere. From salad containers to disposable cutlery and coffee cups: we use them every day and throw them away immediately afterwards. The London-based company Notpla shows that there is another way. With innovative packaging made from seaweed, the company is working towards a world in which single-use plastic becomes unnecessary.
From the ocean to sustainable packaging
Notpla makes packaging from seaweed. This seaweed is grown in the ocean, including off the coast of Wales. According to Karlijn, head of innovation at the company, seaweed is a sustainable solution to the major problem of single-use plastic. The name Notpla literally stands for “Not Plastic”.
Many food packages today are made from paper with a thin plastic coating on the inside. This layer prevents grease or moisture from leaking through the packaging, but also makes the packaging difficult to recycle. Notpla replaces this plastic coating with a natural layer made from seaweed. As a result, the packaging becomes biodegradable and compostable.
Expanding applications
Notpla is developing an increasing number of products using seaweed, such as takeaway food packaging and compostable cutlery. With these products, the company wants to show that there are good alternatives to single-use plastic for many everyday products.
The material has major advantages: seaweed grows quickly, does not require agricultural land, fresh water or fertilisers, and also absorbs CO₂ from the ocean. According to Notpla, this not only offers an alternative to plastic, but also contributes to healthier ecosystems.
DOEN Ventures invests in Notpla thanks to the players of the Postcode Loterij.
Notpla appeared in the television programme Postcode Loterij Miljoenenjacht.