Seaweed packaging is changing the future, where we'll eat the packaging

the inconvenient truth about meal delivery

it's Friday night, and you're home tired, so you turn on your delivery app. half an hour later, after accepting and enjoying the food that arrived on your doorstep, all you're left with is a mountain of plastic containers. You clean them up and put them in the recycling bin, but you have a heavy feeling in the back of your mind: "Will these really be recycled?"

the reality is different from our expectations. of the more than 400 million tons of plastic produced globally each year, less than 10 percent is recycled. In our country alone, 78 percent of our single-use plastic waste is food packaging, half of which is beverage bottles, including bottled water. The plastic that isn't recycled is incinerated or dumped into the ocean and land, polluting the environment for nearly 500 years.

what if algae replaced plastic?

a challenging question from NatFlora

a startup in the UK asked the question: "What if we could package liquids in a way that works in harmony with nature?" that's Natfly. the company's name is short for Not Plastic, and it's all about creating a world without plastic.

it was algae that caught Natpla's eye. how could this ordinary plant that grows in the ocean revolutionize eco-friendly packaging? algae is one of the fastest growing organisms on the planet. some species can grow up to a meter a day, and they don't need any land or fresh water to grow - in fact, they absorb carbon dioxide from the ocean, helping to prevent ocean acidification.

oho, the edible water bottle

natpla's first product was an edible packaging called Oho. the packaging, which looks like a transparent, thin membrane, is made from seaweed extract. it's odorless and tasteless, so it doesn't compromise the taste of the contents, but it can be flavored and colored if desired.

the best part is that you can eat the packets as they are - just pop a whole Oho in your mouth with water and drink. even if you don't eat it and throw it away, it will completely decompose naturally in six weeks. that's a huge difference compared to the 500 years it takes for a plastic bottle to decompose.

why algae packaging was chosen

we chose algae as the raw material for our eco-friendly packaging for a number of reasons. first, it's an abundant resource. with the oceans covering 70 percent of the Earth's surface, it can be produced indefinitely. Second, it can be produced sustainably. it doesn't require fertilizers or pesticides like crops, and it doesn't use fresh water. Third, it's better for the environment. as it grows, algae absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen.

as a biodegradable packaging material, it also has distinct advantages. algae-based packaging decomposes quickly in nature, so it doesn't harm soil or marine ecosystems. And the carbon footprint of its production is significantly lower than plastic.

real-world applications and results

transforming the London Marathon

the 2019 London International Marathon was the event that put Oho on the map. in an effort to improve the situation, where a whopping 920,000 plastic water bottles were discarded at the previous year's race, Oho was offered at select stages. The results were staggering. we were able to reduce plastic waste by 200,000 bottles, and the response from participants was positive.

marathon runners enjoyed the convenience of being able to pick up an Oho as they ran and consume it right away, and they didn't have to throw away empty containers. It was also cheaper to produce than plastic water bottles, proving its economic viability.

expanding into the meal delivery market

natfla didn't stop there, working with JUST EAT, the UK's leading food delivery platform, to adapt algae packaging for single-use ketchup and sauce packaging, replacing traditional plastic packaging with edible algae film.

we've also revolutionized delivery food containers, replacing the plastic coating used to waterproof paper containers with algae-based materials. The result is a container that is 100 percent biodegradable while remaining waterproof and oil-resistant. After eating your delivery, you can throw the container in the trash.

the future of eco-friendly packaging

in 2022, Natpla was awarded the Earthshot Prize, the Nobel Prize of sustainability, which means it was recognized for an innovation that isn't just an idea, but is actually changing the world.

algae packaging is just the beginning. natpla continues to develop new products. we're exploring the possibility of making cosmetic containers, laundry detergent capsules, and even electronics packaging out of algae.

similar efforts are taking place in Korea. korean startups are developing packaging using seaweed, kelp, and other familiar algae. edible straws made from nori seaweed, disposable cups made from wood thorns, and more are popping up.

frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q1: Aren't algae packaging materials more expensive than plastic? A: Initially, it was more expensive than plastic, but as it can be mass-produced, the price has become competitive. in the case of Oho, it is cheaper to produce than plastic water bottles. in the long run, it is much more economical when you consider the environmental disposal costs.

Q2: Is algae packaging really safe? A: Because it uses edible algae as raw material, it is harmless to the human body. products like Oho are actually safe enough to eat, and only those that pass the food safety standards of each country are allowed on the market.

Q3: Can all packaging be replaced with algae? A: At the moment, it is difficult to replace all packaging materials, but the scope of application continues to expand with technological advances. it is already being commercialized in liquid packaging, single-use containers, film packaging, and more, and is expected to expand into more areas in the future.

Q4: How long is the shelf life of algae packaging? A: It depends on the product and storage conditions, but in general, it can be stored from a few months to a year. Proper management of humidity and temperature can ensure sufficient shelf life.

Q5: Can I buy seaweed packaging in my country? A: It is not yet widely available, but you can buy it in some stores specializing in eco-friendly products or online. domestic companies are also stepping up development, so expect to see more products soon.

closing thoughts

guilt over plastic waste is the beginning of innovation. the case of Natpla shows how our everyday discomfort and awareness of the problem can be a powerful driver of change. algae packaging isn't just an alternative, it's a concrete answer to a sustainable future.

the time has come for us to have a choice, so the next time you order delivery, why not ask for the eco-friendly packaging option? Small choices add up to big change.

what do you think? What would happen if algae packaging became a part of our everyday lives? share your thoughts in the comments. for more green living tips, hit the subscribe button!