Summary

Loliware is creating alternatives to traditional single-use plastics by producing a resin from sustainably farmed seaweed. The seaweed is milled down and combined with color, minerals and water, and the resulting pellets can be used for a wide range of applications. Using its innovative SEA (Seaweed-derived, Emission-avoiding, Alternatives to plastic) Technology, the company’s resins are fully compatible with existing manufacturing plastic extruding equipment, which provide a novel and cost-effective way to replace single-use plastics at scale. Currently, the company sells the resin and licenses its technology, but also has a line of seaweed-based straws that are “designed to disappear.” The company was featured in Shark Tank and had once marketed an edible cup made out of the seaweed resin, but is now focusing on other applications with the resin, including utensils. The Blue Carbon Straw is designed to last for at least 24 hours since first use and will completely compost within 60 days. (Source)

Story

Co-founder Chelsea Briganti grwe up in Hawaii feeling a strong connection to the ocean. She met her co-founder Leigh Ann Tucker at Parsons, School of design. Together, they used their skills to create seaweed based products, starting first with the edible cup which was featured on Shark Tank, Season 7. The company has since pivoted to focusing on marketing and licensing their resin technology, and has recently come up with the Blue Carbon Straw, which can be composted after use. The company is now working with several Fortune 500 companies and partnering with Marriott and Pernod Ricard to disseminate millions of plastic-free straws.

Pic Credit: Loliware (right and top)