Notpla’s latest development is a paper that integrates 30% seaweed byproducts.
Founded in London in 2017 by Pierre Paslier and Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez, Notpla (for not plastic) made a name for itself in 2019 at the London Marathon by offering runners its water and juice capsules named Ooho. The liquids were encapsulated in a biodegradable and edible film made from algae, plant extracts and minerals. In addition to liquid foods, the concept is now also being used for cosmetics and toothpaste applications.
Notpla recently launched a high-end paper, dubbed Notpla Paper, suited to secondary packaging applications. Entirely recyclable in the paper stream, the medium is composed of 30% seaweed by-products minus its gelatinous content, explains Margaux Deguerre, Notpla's Marketing and Communications Manager. With its raw appearance – the seaweed fiber is visible in the structure of the paper – the new grade is available in grammages ranging from 140, 280 and 350gm2.
Notpla also designs cardboard packaging for take-away packaging, as well as packs for the electronics and jewelry sectors. In 2022 it teamed up with Swiss luxury watchmaker ID Génève to make a seaweed-based watch box.
Late last year, the start-up won Prince William's Earthshot Award in the "Build a Waste-free World" category with a €1.2m reward to continue its development.