Notpla, a contraction of 'Not plastic', is a London-based start-up that has revolutionized the food packaging industry by inventing an edible packaging made from algae. This innovative product aims to say goodbye to plastic packaging, which is not only harmful to the environment, but also to our health.
Their edible packaging consists of dried brown seaweed ground into a powder, which is then transformed into a thick, viscous fluid. Once dry, it forms a plastic-like membrane and can be shaped.
This packaging can be used:
- For cellulose-based trays for food service to protect from grease or liquids,
- For beverages and liquid foods,
- For dry products such as pasta as a transparent packaging,
- For sandwiches as a transparent film.
Notpla has already attracted the attention of several food and fast-food companies that are looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
In fact, the company has partnered with Just Eat to launch a food box covered in seaweed.
which are bubbles of water or juice wrapped in an edible and biodegradable film. To drink their contents, simply swallow them and crunch them!
These aesthetic, practical and ecological capsules can effectively replace plastic bottles, bags or glasses.
In capsule form and once in the mouth, its texture is similar to a gelatinous candy.
But if the biodegradable and compostable packaging is not swallowed by the user, it is capable of degrading in 4 to 6 weeks maximum without leaving harmful residues for the environment.
Moreover, algae have incredible assets: they are available and in large quantities and some grow up to one meter per day! They do not need drinking water or fertilizer.
The company hopes to expand its use in the cosmetics and fashion markets.
Plastic packaging is one of the biggest environmental problems of our time, with millions of tons of plastic ending up in the oceans and in landfills every year.
Initiatives like Notpla's show that there are sustainable and viable alternatives to plastic packaging that can not only protect the environment but also improve our quality of life.