Food and Beverage Business
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PlantSea advocates for seaweed packaging at ‘Festival of Seaweed’

PlantSea advocates for seaweed packaging at 'Festival of Seaweed' Festival of Seaweed, film, packaging, Plant Sea, PlantSea, Seaweed Food and Beverage Business

PlantSea, a start-up based in St Asaph, has developed a seaweed-based flexible film that is “100% biodegradable” and can be used as a sustainable alternative to plastic laundry pods. Represented at Wales’ first Festival of Seaweed in St Davids, the company showcased their innovative product alongside industry experts, conservationists, politicians, investors, educators, fishers, and farmers.

The process of seaweed harvesting is carefully regulated, with wild seaweed harvested under quota and aquaculture seaweed grown from spores provided by native hatcheries. Seaweed cultivation not only results in carbon sequestration during growth but also provides habitats for native marine life.

Co-founder and chief operating officer Alex Newnes emphasized the environmental impact of water-soluble laundry and dishwasher pods made of plastic. With an estimated one billion pods used annually in the UK alone, these pods break down into microplastics that contaminate water systems and food chains. PlantSea aims to promote healthy oceans and clean, plastic-free water and food chains by offering a biodegradable, compostable alternative through seaweed-based products.

Despite the UK’s ideal climate and extensive coastline, demand for seaweed-based products remains low compared to other regions. Newnes noted the importance of securing high-volume customers to support growth and create job opportunities within the industry.

In addition to their plastic-replacement film, PlantSea also produces packaging made from paper and card that incorporates waste seaweed. By utilizing sustainable materials and innovative processes, PlantSea is contributing to the movement towards food and drink sustainability and environmentally-friendly packaging solutions.

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