Imagine a world where your single-use takeaway coffee cup doesn't outlive you by centuries. Sounds like a fantasy, right? Well, hold onto your (biodegradable) hats, because the future is here, and it's wrapped in seaweed.

Enter Notpla: Nature's Packaging Pioneer

We’ve all heard the stats: millions of tonnes of plastic waste flood our oceans annually, wreaking havoc on marine life and ecosystems. It's the kind of problem that makes you want to bury your head in the sand—or perhaps, the seaweed.​

In the bustling heart of London, a startup named Notpla is making waves—quite literally. Founded by Rodrigo García González and Pierre Paslier, Notpla is on a mission to replace single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives derived from seaweed and plants. 

Why Seaweed Packaging?

You might wonder, why seaweed? This oceanic wonder requires no freshwater, land, or fertilisers, and actively captures carbon while reducing ocean acidity. Plus, its rapid growth rate and minimal resource requirements position it as a sustainable crop for the future. It's like the overachiever of the plant kingdom.

Notpla's Innovations

Notpla's current product lineup is as diverse as it is eco-friendly. 

• Food Oil Pipettes: Perfect for drizzling portioned olive oil over pizzas, pasta, salad and more while on the go, at home or in a restaurant. These 100% natural seaweed-based pipettes deliver convenience without the waste. 

• Food Containers: Takeaway food containers that boast a 100% natural seaweed coating, making them compostable and eliminating waste. Once you've enjoyed your meal, the packaging can return to nature without leaving a trace—just like a fruit peel. ​

• Rigid Cutlery: Sturdy utensils made entirely from seaweed and plants. They're durable enough for your favourite takeaway and compostable when you're done. 

Making Waves Globally

Notpla's innovations haven't gone unnoticed. In 2022, they clinched the prestigious Earthshot Prize in the "Build a Waste-Free World" category, a testament to their groundbreaking work in sustainable packaging. 

Moreover, Notpla recently secured £20 million in Series A+ funding to revolutionise sustainable packaging, underscoring the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions. 

With seaweed-based solutions rising, we might soon bid farewell to plastic waste. After all, the grass isn't always greener on the other side—sometimes, it's seaweedier.

Reusables Over Single-Use (Seaweed)

Innovations like Notpla's remind us that sustainability drives creativity. While we love home-compostable options, we’ll always champion reusables first—think food containers, cutlery, and cups over single-use. That’s the heart of Go For Zero, and it’s a simple way we can all step up for our planet.

Thanks for tuning in again this week, GFZ's. For more Earth-loving stories, you can pick from so many others here!

Lots of love,

Ellie xxx