- Theme
- EU4Algae
Published on 31 March 2026
The Insider’s Perspective series shines a spotlight on the innovative and cutting-edge stakeholders shaping the algae sector’s future. In this twenty-sixth edition, we highlight Notpla, a London-based company revolutionising sustainable packaging with seaweed. Notpla focuses on transforming underutilised seaweed into high-value, environmentally responsible products, supporting Europe’s transition towards a circular, low-carbon bioeconomy. Discover how Notpla is taking science-driven innovation from lab to market, demonstrating the potential of algae to drive environmental, industrial, and societal impact.
Notpla: Leading the Way in Seaweed-Based Packaging
Notpla is an award-winning sustainable packaging company developing seaweed-based alternatives to conventional single-use plastics.
Founded in 2014, Notpla was built on a simple idea: work with nature, not against it. The company uses seaweed and plants to create high-performance materials designed to disappear naturally after use. Notpla innovations include seaweed-based coatings for foodservice packaging that are recyclable and certified home-compostable, alongside edible and dissolvable solutions that challenge the very concept of waste.
Unlike many conventional bioplastics, Notpla’s seaweed-based coatings are free from plastic and PFAS, breaking down naturally without generating microplastics. This makes them a practical solution for businesses navigating evolving EU regulation and plastic reduction targets.
Today, Notpla works across multiple sectors, including major foodservice operators, stadiums, workplaces, and universities. Its materials have already replaced more than 35 million single-use plastic items globally, proving that algae-based innovation can scale in real-world, high-volume environments.
From Seaweed to Scalable Solutions
Notpla is unlocking the versatility of algae to create scalable, high-performance material solutions.
Its early innovation, Ooho (an edible seaweed-based liquid capsule), captured global attention when trialled at the London Marathon in partnership with Lucozade in 2019, demonstrating algae’s potential to replace plastic in entirely new product formats.
Since then, Notpla has expanded into coated board packaging for food service. Traditional takeaway packaging often contains hidden plastic linings that hinder recycling and contribute to microplastic pollution. Notpla’s seaweed-based coating offers a plastic-free barrier alternative that delivers strong grease and moisture resistance while remaining recyclable and certified home-compostable.
Most recently, Notpla secured a €4 million Horizon Europe grant to develop the next generation of fibre-based coffee cups. This initiative aims to remove conventional plastic linings and advance circular, algae-based material solutions.
Notpla’s current product range includes:
- Seaweed-coated foodservice packaging (recyclable and certified home-compostable)
- Seaweed-based cutlery
- Edible films and liquid capsules
- Dissolvable films under development for the care and health sector
- Food-grade pipettes designed to replace single-use sachets
Through these innovations, Notpla is demonstrating that algae is not just a niche material, but a scalable industrial solution capable of reshaping packaging systems across Europe.
EU4Algae: Empowering Europe’s Algae Sector
From a top-down perspective, EU4Algae gives the sector a stronger voice in Europe, enabling member states to share insights, challenges, and success stories from this fast-growing industry.
From a bottom-up perspective, EU4Algae helps seaweed businesses navigate regulatory pathways more efficiently, whether in novel foods or natural polymers. The platform also provides practical toolkits for algae farmers, supporting new entrants in overcoming key production hurdles.
A thriving EU algae sector requires close collaboration between private and public stakeholders. EU4Algae plays a vital role in bringing these groups together and representing the sector at the highest level within the EU.
Driving Europe’s Algae Sector Forward
EU4Algae’s initiatives address many of the bottlenecks facing the algae industry in Europe. From standardising natural capital solutions to developing operator toolkits, improving access to capital, and supporting regulatory evaluation, the platform is making meaningful progress across a wide range of challenges.
While these initiatives will take time to fully mature, continued momentum is crucial. By influencing key EU decision-makers and maintaining sector-wide initiatives, EU4Algae can help ensure the algae industry has a strong seat at the table in shaping a sustainable future for Europe.
Stay Connected with Notpla
Learn more about Notpla’s work and follow its progress by visiting the official website and staying up to date via LinkedIn and Instagram.
Additional information
Join the #EU4Algae conversation and keep an eye on the EU4Algae Forum to stay updated on ongoing activities, initiatives, and sector updates.
Got questions? Contact us at: contact
eu4algae [dot] eu (contact[at]eu4algae[dot]eu).