Next year marks the ten-year anniversary of alt plastic maker Notpla. This company, formerly known as Skipping Rock Labs, has made significant progress since its early days of experimenting in a kitchen. Co-founder and co-CEO Pierre-Yves Paslier described their initial invention, called Ooho, as algae-based membranes that could encapsulate liquids as a replacement for single-use plastic packaging.
Over the past nine years, Notpla has expanded its offerings to include a range of products made from seaweed and plants. These include takeaway food containers, cutlery, spice sachets, food oil pipettes, and applications for cosmetic and household cleaning products.
The motivation behind Notpla’s alternative to plastic stemmed from environmental concerns. Plastic pollution has had detrimental effects on marine life and ecosystems. Notpla sought inspiration from nature, particularly fruit peels which naturally protect their contents and are biodegradable. The goal was to create packaging that could be consumed, much like a cherry tomato.
Seaweed became the source material for Notpla’s innovative solutions. Seaweed is highly renewable, grows quickly, and captures carbon as it grows. With its various properties, seaweed offers diverse possibilities for packaging solutions.
Notpla’s initial product, Ooho, received positive feedback from consumers and was successfully tested at events such as the London Marathon. It has also partnered with Decathlon to replace plastic and aluminum sachets for energy gels. Additionally, Notpla’s technology has been utilized to create home compostable sachets for sauces and condiments in the food service industry.
Notpla’s recent achievement includes winning the EarthShot Prize, launched by Prince William to support solutions that repair and regenerate the planet. The company developed a biodegradable seaweed coating for takeaway food containers, eliminating the need for plastic coatings. These containers can be composted, providing sustenance for other organisms.
The timing of Notpla’s operations aligns with increasing legislative pressure to address plastic pollution. With regulations and taxes being imposed on plastic packaging, Notpla’s products offer a future-proof solution for businesses. Brands can switch away from traditional plastics and avoid bans and taxes associated with them.
Overall, Notpla’s journey over the past decade has led to significant advancements in sustainable packaging alternatives. By harnessing the power of nature, particularly seaweed, the company has created innovative solutions to combat plastic pollution in the food and beverage industry.
