UK – UK-based startup Notpla has launched a new range of grease and water-resistant packaging formats – with a plastic-free barrier made from seaweed.
According to the company, the solutions can either be recycled or home composted at end-of-life.
Notpla says that the collection, which is also PFAS-free is made of seven packaging solutions: Notpla Small, Notpla Medium, Notpla Large, Notpla Burger Box, Notpla Square Tray, Notpla Rectangular Tray, Notpla Deep Tray.
In terms of base materials, the range is available both in PFAS-free white kraft paperboard and in PFAS-free Brown Kraft paperboard.
And, in line with the EU’s Single-Use Plastic Directive, which aims to ban synthetic materials such as PLA, PHA, and other bioplastics, Notpla reports that its new range biodegrades in nature in four to six weeks – without the need for industrial composting or special conditions.
The collection of takeaway packaging solutions has already received industry recognition, having been awarded ‘Innovation of the Year’ at the UK Packaging Award 2022, as well as the ‘Innovation Award’ at the Responsible Packaging Expo Awards 2022.
Pierre-Yves Paslier, co-CEO of Notpla, said: “We wanted to create an elegant range of packaging which elevates our customers’ food and is versatile enough to cater to all cuisines. We aim to have a maximum impact with a minimal range.”
Meanwhile, the firm has collaborated with Just Eat to supply its seaweed-coated packaging for restaurants to buy on their webshops in the UK, Austria, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Ireland.
The firm also led the change by offering this packaging solution at several football events in 2022, including the Women’s Euro final at Wembley Stadium, the Women’s Champions League Final in Turin, and the Men’s Europa League final in Seville.
Notpla bids for Earthshot glory
Meanwhile, Notpla is aiming to seal royal approval this week when Prince William unveils his latest Earthshot prizes.
In its second year, Earthshot Prize is awarded to five winners for their efforts to combat climate change. The five winners will each receive a £1 million (US$1.2 million) grant.
Notpla co-founder Pierre Paslier, 35, says that the startup has already felt the competition’s benefits. “Just being there is a massive boost to our visibility,” he said.
“So that’s already a huge asset to be part of the finalists and I think that if we win, it’s just going to be that on a much larger scale.”
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