Natural Edge, a small team founded two years ago, has been named the runner-up for the Technological Initiative Award 2024.
Their research focuses on developing sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics, particularly in product packaging. The team aimed to create a biodegradable, organic, and food-safe material using seaweed. This packaging is designed to replace the plastic wrapping commonly used for fresh fruits, vegetables, and other food products, while reducing single-use plastic waste.
The seaweed-based packaging effectively protects food from spoilage, much like traditional plastic. After successful laboratory research, the team is now transitioning towards mass production to make this sustainable solution accessible and hopefully commonly used.
SUSTAInPack have uploaded an informative video where they include a demonstration of their seaweed-based packaging, showcasing the reduced amount of browning in a sliced apple when being covered with their material. This shows that the organic material is effective against oxygen, which is what makes food brown when it comes in contact with it.
Beyond replacing traditional plastic wraps like cling film, SUSTAInPack has also developed a version which can be used to replace closed plastic packaging. The team reaffirms that the material created is a great replacement to plastic, being the only difference is that it is biodegradable and sustainable, meaning that food can remain protected while minimising negative environmental impact.