If you’ve ever watched your dog happily gnaw through a plastic toy, you might have thought, “It’s just a bit of fun, no harm done.” But behind the wagging tails and happy barks lies a problem that’s much bigger than your living room: the billions of tonnes of plastic that end up in landfill and our oceans every year. Enter Kelpy Bone, a clever, eco-friendly and natural alternative that proves sustainable dog toys are better for our pups, our planet, and our peace of mind.

A Chewed-Up Wake-Up Call

Sara, an environmental scientist and the founder of Kelpy Bone, knows the struggle all too well. Her dog’s love for chewing sparked a realisation: the plastic dog toys littering her home weren’t just an inconvenience, they were a potential health hazard. Most dog toys are made from petroleum-based plastics or synthetic rubbers, containing toxins like BPA, phthalates, and PVC. These substances are not only harmful to the environment, but dogs can absorb them through their gums and even be swallowed, meaning every enthusiastic chomp could pose a real risk to their health.

It was this wake-up call that led Sara to ask a simple question: what if there was a safer, more sustainable option?

Seaweed: Nature’s Innovative Answer

The solution was hiding in plain sight, or rather, floating in the sea. Sara discovered Notpla, an innovative technology that transforms brown seaweed into compostable, plastic-free materials, you can read more about it here. Originally used for food packaging and cosmetic films, this remarkable material became the foundation for Kelpy Bone. The result is a dog toy that’s durable, safe, and entirely biodegradable, a small chew that makes a huge difference.

Tough Enough for Chewers, Gentle on the Planet

You might be wondering: can a seaweed toy really survive a determined chewer? The answer is yes. The seaweed-based material is strong, safe, and completely plastic-free. Kelpy Bones have enough bite-resistance to withstand playful chewing, yet are soft enough to avoid damaging teeth, a balance achieved through meticulous testing and collaboration with eco-engineers. Unlike traditional plastic toys that can linger in landfills for centuries, Kelpy Bones naturally decompose in home compost in just 6–8 weeks, leaving no microplastics behind.

And the environmental benefits don’t stop at the toy itself. Not only does seaweed grow rapidly, but it also actively improves ocean health as it grows. By swapping out plastic bones for compostable alternatives, dog owners can reduce landfill waste, prevent harmful plastics from entering oceans, and support regenerative materials that actually give back to the planet.

Awards, Recognition, and a Growing Movement

The creativity of Kelpy Bone hasn’t gone unnoticed. At the 2025 Pentawards, Notpla and Plastek UK received the Silver Award for Supplier Innovation of the Year, recognising the launch of Kelpy Bone as the world’s first seaweed-based dog toy. This award celebrates the potential of natural materials to match, and even surpass, the performance of traditional plastics. With plans to expand beyond Australia, Kelpy Bone is proving that fun, functional, and regenerative play is possible on a global scale.

From Chew to Change

Choosing a Kelpy Bone isn’t just a thoughtful gift for your dog, it’s a vote for healthier pets, cleaner oceans and a planet-friendly lifestyle. Every compostable toy is a step away from the plastic-filled dog toy category, and a step toward a future where sustainability is fun, practical, and achievable.

So the next time you toss a toy across the living room, think beyond the wagging tail. Playtime can be a positive choice for both your pup and the planet. Send this to your pet-loving friends!

Thanks for tuning in again this week, GFZ's. Ready for another Feel Good story? Have a look at our blog here about Aussie students cleaning the air outside their schools. It's a goodie!

Lots of love, 
Ellie xx