Kelpi, a UK-based materials innovation company, has secured clearance through the US Food and Drug Administration’s food contact notification process for its seaweed-derived biomaterial coating. The technology is designed to replace coatings made from fossil-based plastics and support more sustainable solutions across the food and beverage industry.
The FDA clearance permits Kelpi’s coating to be applied to paper and board packaging for food products sold in the United States. It can be used with all food categories at or below room temperature, including chilled and frozen products. The authorization also confirms its suitability for packaging personal care and cosmetics products, giving Kelpi entry to one of the world’s largest packaging markets while removing a significant regulatory obstacle to commercial rollout.
The development aligns with major food and beverage industry trends, including growing demand for food and drink sustainability, advances in food processing technology, and innovation in food and drink packaging. It also reflects evolving food and drink consumer trends and the need for manufacturers to respond to changing food and drink regulations.
“This is a defining milestone for Kelpi. Clearing the FDA’s food contact notification process is independent validation of both the safety and the performance of our seaweed-based technology, and it gives our commercial partners the confidence and approval required to now launch Kelpi’s biomaterial coatings in the US market,” said Hugo Adams, CEO of Kelpi.
The US decision follows a previous Letter of No Objection issued by Canada’s Bureau of Chemical Safety. Together, these approvals strengthen Kelpi’s international regulatory credentials and expand the markets available for its coating technology, supporting wider food and drink industry innovation as well as emerging food distribution trends and food and drink marketing priorities.