A startup called Notpla has created a new type of packaging made from plants and seaweed. While it looks like plastic, it was designed to replace plastic, and the name is actually short for “not plastic.”
"Notpla is a seaweed-based, sustainable packaging startup on a mission to make packaging as we know it disappear naturally," Superunion senior creative director Mark Wood told Dezeen.
"Every year, 8 million tonnes of plastic are dumped in the oceans. The world’s behaviours need to change when it comes to single-use plastic," he explained.
This packaging biodegrades fully and can (if you’d like) be eaten. In four to six weeks, it can be entirely composted at home. This far, the packaging is being used to create thin film and coating for cardboard takeaway boxes, together with sachets for condiments.
The startup is also behind Ooho, sachets made from Notpla’s packaging, created to be consumed by runners during sporting events. The designers behind Notpla have created smaller versions of Ooho intended to contain liquids such as coffee, sunscreen, and toothpaste.
"The ultimate aim is to stop billions of single-use plastic packaging from ever being made by providing a positive alternative," Wood said. "We believe Notpla has the potential to turn the tide on plastic waste."
Picture: Notpla and Superunion via Dezeen
