Make Packaging Disappear

“Notpla: UK plastic alternative developer among £1m(about USD $1.2 m) Earthshot Prize winners”  BBC

The Earthshot prize, which was founded by Prince William in 2020 honors five winners each year for their contributions to protecting the environment.

I immediately remembered the name Notpla because I saw the video of their product Ohoo, an edible, bubble encapsulating water - a couple years ago. The flexible film-like surroundings are made from seaweed and plants which you can actually eat. I remembered at the time thinking the idea was revolutionary and that these products can replace plastics!

Notpla is a seaweed-based, sustainable packaging startup in London. Beside Ohoo, they also make seaweed-coated home-compostable takeaway food boxes, oil packaged in single servings for restaurant use and more items which are 100% plastic-free. Their sales are in the UK, Austria, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Ireland, currently. 

So, what else is special about the company? 

I am pretty sure you saw paper takeout containers and trays and felt good about using them. But did you know sometimes those same takeout containers are actually lined with plastic to prevent them from leaking? If the tray was not coated with plastic, some customers might get angry about leaks or stains. 

Notpla’s takeout containers are actually coated with seaweed film, not plastic film. And they are microwaveable and leak proof and home compostable! The box has even been awarded Innovation of the year at the UK Packaging Awards 2022 and Innovation of the Year at the Responsible Packaging Expo Awards 2022.

I hope the company will expand its business in the US too! I know seaweed is the world's fastest-growing plant and a lot of scientists are realizing it's potential! 

If you are interested in reading our past article about labeling for compostables and biodegradables, click here!