Summary

Notpla is tackling the problem associated with single-use plastics by creating a compostable alternative. Notpla (a play on the term ‘Not Plastic’) is neither plastic nor bioplastic, but a non-chemically modified, polysaccharide-based material. The material shared similar properties as natural organic materials (e.g., fruit peel) and is therefore compostable. The company’s signature product  Ooho – was created for drinks and specifically designed to be 100% edible. Ooho is intended to replace the need for plastic cups and bottles at events.  Other products like Coating or Seaweed Paper are not edible but can be home composted or composted at a commercial facility. The material composts within 4-6 weeks and is considered home-compostable. The company also tackles the problem of plastic coating where many boxes (e.g., takeaway, food boxes, etc.) are lines with plastic to prevent grease. The Notpla coating is completely biodegradable and therefore retains the recyclability of the box. The company also makes a compostable film material to be used to line clothing and other materials. It is made from seaweed, plant and mineral extracts. Dry contents or products with a low water content (maximum 5-15% water content) work well for films. The company sources seaweed from local European suppliers, and their current UK partner is Car-Y-Mor, a seaweed farm on the coast of Wales. (Source)

Story

Co-founders Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez and Pierre Paslier met while studying Innovation Design Engineering at Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art. They were inspired by the idea of mimicking nature’s packaging, like fruit peels and developed the idea together. Their first video of edible bubble encapsulating water went viral, and they collaborated with chemists and chemical engineers to develop Ooho. They founded the company soon after. The company partnered with Lucozade to replace single-use plastic cups at the London marathon. (Source)

Pic Credit: Notpla