Summary

Sway makes compostable film packaging that can disrupt the plastic-dominated packaging industry. Annually, about 500 billion plastic bags are used worldwide and less than 15% of these bags are collected for recycling. The company utilizes seaweed that is farmed responsibly by partnering with seaweed farms to usher in a new age of materials–seaweed packaging. This seaweed packaging is designed to disappear in four to six weeks once it is composted. The product also claims to have a 12-month shelf life. The seaweed used to make bags can sequester up to 20 times more carbon per acre than trees, all without requiring freshwater, land, pesticides or other inputs. The bag pilots will start with efforts through Beyond the Bag and build up to larger roll-outs with initiative partners CVS Health, Target and Walmart. (Source)

Story

Co-founder Julia Marsh has a background in design and creative direction and was in an MFA program when one day, she found herself making cups out of melted agar for her friends. She realized that she didn’t have to have a STEM background to be creative with new materials. Over the next few years, Marsh and co-founder Matt Mayes and Leland Maschmeyer built out the company and partnered with seaweed farms all over the world to develop their seaweed-based products.

Pic Credit: Sway (right and top)