How To Make Plastic From Seaweed | World Wide Waste | Business Insider

A California startup makes compostable replacements for thin-film plastic out of seaweed. The company sources raw materials from seaweed farms, which can provide habitat for sea life, combat ocean acidification, and create jobs.
For more, visit swaythefuture.com.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Sway came in first place for the Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Prize and was awarded $600,000. For more information, visit plasticprize.org/.
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How To Make Plastic From Seaweed | World Wide Waste | Business Insider

[@BusinessInsider]

We want your help expanding Insider's videos about the environment, climate change, and sustainability. Tell us your thoughts in this 2-3 minute survey: bit.ly/InsiderWWWsurvey 

 Thanks so much!

[@greendsnow]

The only solution is regulating who buys the oil, at what price and for what use. If a disposable plastic bag sells at $1, people start buying algae bags. And regulating organization can fund and subsidize seaweed entrepreneurs with the rest of the money.

[@FinancialShinanigan]

Glad they're focusing on changing companies' usage instead of putting the responsibility on the consumers

[@notlessgrossman163]

Indeed because so often the consumer is given virtually no choice.. try asking for paper bags and see the answer you get

[@meeraiyer2731]

!!

[@thesilentone4024]

Ask for food and you get an tomatoe full of chemicals because thats how they grow em chemicals. Ask for glass milk jugs nope 🙅🏻. Just so you know i found a store that did sell milk in glass and wow that tasted good but after a couple months it was gone forever because it wasn't a popular item. Them oh its $5 for half gallon. Yes but if you bring the empty bottle back it takes $2 off the next one. Them no to much work where's the plastic jugs.

[@joycempashby]

Yes! As soon as I heard that they gained all my respect. I remember getting side eyed at friends for saying plastic straws are the least of our problems when it comes to ocean polluting. That big companies are doing the most damage and they're shifting the blame to us. Of course we can and should all do our part but companies need to start doing their part for us to see an actual change

[@senbebe3320]

Yes so true! Often times consumers have no choice or cannot afford it but if bigger corporations (who are mostly responsible for water waste, destroying natural habitats etc) were to take responsibility this can be really great ❤️

[@mollyadam862]

"We're not asking individuals to make those choices, we're asking the corporations and the brand most responsible for producing waste to switch to our material." Aaahh..music to the ears! Love that

[@Aatell764]

No kidding one of the biggest reasons there is so much waste is companies force the responsibility on the consumer. That was the corporations plan from the beginning especially when plastic recycling became a thing.

[@bingeltube]

You heard correctly, but you need a checkup! 😊 Citizens and consumers are ultimately responsible for their choices

[@pass-the-juice]

not gonna happen then

[@mlim82480]

The corporations will just add the extra cost to the customers.

[@EldestZelot]

@@bingeltube That's a false dichotomy.

[@ameliajordan29]

Solving the problem of plastics is so huge, but every time one of these stories is done, scientists have progressed further and further into making viable sustainable or regenerative alternatives. I’m so hopeful!

[@tobiascarrier]

I REALLY hope this works and catches on. Microplastics are everywhere now. In the ocean, our drinking water, our food and in our bodies right now. I'm of the opinion that in a decade or two it will be discovered just how bad plastics really are to our health. I hope that before then we can be phasing out plastic use with something like this.

[@dd4850]

It’s already known they’re cancerous

[@drb996]

Between this, recycling glass and hemp it's possible.

[@LoveToday8]

I think the true dangers are already known. It's just more profitable to keep the status quo.🙃

[@Neoprenesiren]

We don't need two decades to know that, we already do. What they're doing to circumvent that is constantly inventing new plastics so they can say "well you don't have any proof its harmful." Which shifts reasonability to consumers and all the different types of plastics make it harder for us to make protocols to break them down since they're so diverse.

[@oxylepy2]

Apparently microplastics are also stored in the gonads.

[@deepwaters2334]

Truly amazing technology. They are taking the right path to actually achieve results too by not asking consumers to choose it and making it as similar to the amazing properties of plastic as possible.

[@orlinchirinos1981]

I like the idea of getting seaweed from ocean then turn it into plastic that degrades faster than regular plastic.

[@doricetimko332]

We need to make sure that enough seaweed stays in the environment as many species- including us- are dependent on them for life.

[@mementomori7911]

@@doricetimko332 Seaweed farms?

[@doricetimko332]

@@mementomori7911 I’m all for them if they don’t destroy the local ecosystem or industry (I live in a fishing village)

[@newschaser6414]

@@doricetimko332 the video says they use seaweed farms

[@dertythegrower]

Big respect to seaweed farmers 🧑‍🌾

[@sirdeakia]

Instead of getting high, they get low

[@florentinocarrenojr9063]

Wow this is literally the ocean trying to save itself. Nature is so beautiful 😢

[@zodsinclair8500]

Would be nice if governments could FORCE all fast food outlets to use these for thier packaging, & replace the plastic forks too....Use Cardboard boxes with no plastic lining....Maybe even Seaweed Plastic Single use Cups!

[@user-zs9ek1bx5z]

😮 *AMAZING* 👏 ... *Hope this will be successful... hope many enterprises, government & people will look on to it or implement on pro-environmental ways to drastically minimize plastic waste...*

[@rachelkoiks]

Life changing 🙌🏼 We NEED to fix our food packaging immediately. It’s literally impossible to buy food plastic free, at least where I live and they’re not recyclable either.

[@GameFuMaster]

"ultra cheap plastic" is going to not be ultra cheap once you force companies to have to responsibly recycle/dispose of them. It'll then make the sea weed version cheaper by default

[@jadecoolness101]

@@GameFuMaster good luck getting the companies to take responsibility. They bribe the government to specifically not do that... Sorry, I mean "lobby"

[@dibyadhariwal6229]

It's not changing anytime soon. Because firstly it's expensive and secondly which company would change packaging every 3-4 days?

[@nishaddash3491]

This is such a brilliant idea! I really love this! Hope big industries like P&G can take over this idea and spread it to their companies. Much faster way considering the number of companies they have under their umbrella. Big thanks to the scientists and farmers doing this!

[@choopa1670]

fantastic...i hope this woman succeeds as this is a great idea

[@peterah7957]

I'd say getting oil out if the earth to transform to plastics is pretty expensive. If more manufacturers sign up to this product, the cheaper it will get... It's a no brainer.

[@Ailtir]

Plastics are mostly made from oil byproducts so that 'cost' is moot.

[@peterah7957]

@@Ailtir Yes and it's factored in to the cost of drilling for oil, but more importantly the less plastic that are used the better off our planet is.

[@kuzadupa185]

The plastic part is secondary. A by product. To get what is needed for gasoline/fuel.

[@V2B2010]

Sargassum seaweed blooms have become a big issue in the Caribbean . This would be a great use for the seaweed!

[@MuzzaHukka]

Looks like something that could bring money to the islands

[@LadeeKY]

This is awesome. My 13 yr old ❤ this too. We feel corporations should invest in your work!

[@johnnyang2356]

Hope that your start up company could start commercial production of plastic sheets out of seaweeds early 2023!!! Our country, the Philippines could be considered to be one of your supplier of seaweeds!!!

[@ahotdj07]

So amazing. I truly hope this takes off and is successful.

[@mrmakeshft]

Finally a safer option for the betterment of the world

[@Sentrme]

Thank you!! This is a startup company I would be VERY proud to be part of!! This is a REAL solution! Well done!!! ❤️❤️

[@MistressOnyaCox]

😍I LOVE THIS LADY!! outlaw plastics like they did combustible engine!

[@nikethanavattikunta6147]

Once these really have a regenerative and sustainable process, I will surely look forward to investing in them as much as possible!

[@krissidee]

I love this idea! I hope it works and every company using plastic now switches over to this product!

[@georgemaxwell8574]

Investing appropriately today can save you a whole lot of stress in the nearest future

[@Cole.67]

How! I would really appreciate if you show me how to go about it, please can you list the platform?

[@elias4800]

This must be an investment with Mrs Charlotte Junko Walsh ,after I came across trading platform of Mrs Charlotte Junko Walsh my financial life has totally changed.

[@MuhammadAhmed-kx8el]

Same here, I earn $17,000 a week.God bless Mrs Charlotte, she has been a blessing to my family.

[@Joshua_675]

I met Expert Charlotte last year for the first time at a conference in New York City, I invested €24,000 and traded in one month making close to €190,000...

[@nijazruslan7520]

Honestly I believe because I have seen people around my neighborhood that actually gets 70k per month trading with a broker, thanks for the info dude am happy that I came across this information. You are best keep the good work going, I will get in touch with Mrs Charlotte ASAP and begin my investment and trading journey with her platform…

[@Gazpolling]

As long as the proccess of making it doesnt make it toxic or take super high energy then i'm in

[@rachelkoiks]

And yes to regenerative farming!

[@jazzy9983]

If I were any good at science I would love to get into this field of study, it would be awesome to actually be a part of real change.

[@UserAK89]

Amazing thanks to these hard working people who go out there way and study these things.

[@Fudog1138]

Very inspiring. Great job to The Sway team.

[@emmanuelharbor2350]

Quite a concept of regeneration.👊👊

[@i_CARLYYYYY]

Sadly we will never escape plastic. I must say though that in New Jersey, it's really nice not having a million plastic bags as ornaments in the trees. 😁

[@bluerazzberry99]

Its the way we circle our lives, food is from far away, not picked up fresh, clothes are made across the ocean, water from free natural springs never reaches the community it comes from, or you have to buy it as no longer living water. Thats the 'innovation' that needs to happen, this is a very strenuous bandaid. We did not use plastic before, but as plantbased tool for us to use sometimes, thats awesome!!

[@elder-chicken8337]

I hope this stuff blows up it is such a smart idea

[@magnoliasteele8284]

Wish these companies great success in their innovation to create a safer environment for the ocean and for future generations.

[@foxywaxy4279]

We need this.

[@THEBIGMEOW]

It's not about competition it's about people changing thier perspectives.

[@3coins.]

If it works for grocery bags, we could sure use it.

[@RA-wp9cc]

Wowowowow. This is just amazing!

[@fropello4353]

finally some good news in my YT feed.

[@vivayo4588]

Yes, NOTPLA, developed seaweed barrier for food cartons, in the UK. Just won Earthshot Prize.

[@NickDrinksWater]

This is where real change happens. We wont see a significant impact on the pollution until major companies change their product

[@Ass_of_Amalek]

I think this has a lot more potential than most of the "environmentally friendly" products you have featured. I assume it's only suitable for dry applications (basically any biodegradeable plastic replacement is, because if it was highly water-repellant, it would also repell microbes), but that's still a lot of applications. and there are many countries with bad enough waste management (which realistically means a lack of trash-fired powerplants) that making packaging biodegradeable helps a lot.

[@desiminer3344]

Hii

[@angle434]

yo

[@thetacoman4268]

If you put a layer of biodegradable wax you could waterproof the inside and store slightly moist things like fresh pasta, fruit, etc

[@BlueClouding]

What about combine with paper?

[@HoaTruong-km9rk]

@@BlueClouding the paper cup we use everyday actually has a very very thin layer of platic coat inside the cup so it can hold water.

[@azfarrrrr]

OMG WHAT A BRILLIANT IDEA 💡

[@bazinga-tt9pj]

Amazing video, amazing communication in comparison to most green washing alternatives.

[@desiminer3344]

Hii

[@lananhnguyen5760]

Solving a propblem so big can seem impossible, espessaly when we're surrounded by it on a daily basis, but the thing is that we as a species follow and lead by ecsample, so if just ONE big company is willing to make the chance and indvest in this future, the others will follow suite. I'm positive that this will mak a change, good luck!

[@tasnimsarker4653]

That's amazing. World shold accept this instead of plastic.

[@Snowwarrior]

as a spearfisher who eats seaweed regularly. This is wonderful

[@nomore-constipation]

I am so blown away by these types of leaps into the future. There has been so many ideas that have been found using the ocean vegetation, creatures and insects lately. I'm really hopeful for the next generation to continue to conquer these high issues. I'm sure there is going to be issues if it's used too much because we don't have a history on it. But I hope this is a way better option than plastics The key imo is finding a way to prevent the seaweed plastic here a liquid barrier

[@MicroMidas]

Yes! YES! and OH MY GOD YES! Just make this legally the only packaging material -ish

[@tehkuwen5222]

Delicious seaweed plastic 🤤

[@haephaestus]

Yessssssssssssss I'm sooooo happyyy seeing this....this comments section gives me much hope too.

[@_anjali_6380]

Innovative idea for protecting the our environment and sustainability 👍

[@boingomyoingo3474]

My concern is allergies. If this will be used to wrap food or anything you consume or that touches your body, the grain based ingredients they mentioned are a problem. Those ingredients, especially wheat, should have to be disclosed on the packaging. Gluten is a very “sticky” molecule and just coming in contact, even in minor amounts, can cause contamination. Using it for clothes and other similar uses is a brilliant idea. Other than that this is a fantastic idea and I’m glad to see this kind of innovation.

[@heyo1035]

And some are allergic to seaweed and sea-originated lifeforms. Lets address the safety issues while we progress this technology

[@vivayo4588]

The tech is available, the roadblock is huge corporations like Coca Cola, Unilever et al greenwashing and not fixing their packaging, greed is the issue not the lack of tech.

[@edyann]

Seaweed is so awesome. I take seaweed pills everyday. So beneficial.

[@JasonMomos]

What are the pills for?

[@edyann]

@@JasonMomos So many benefits. Rich in protein, amino acids, iron and spirulina contains b-12. I'm plant based since 1990 so been taking them for years.

[@JasonMomos]

@@edyann Oh, good to know!

[@aditisk99]

​@@edyann You could just consume them in natural form, why pills?

[@oneshotme]

Would love to see these on the market in 10 years for everything that uses plastic!!!! Enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

[@Brezzybri741]

I hope this works out for the future of our world!

[@mymobilebuddy4392]

Wonderful prospect.

[@nadyaalkautsar9888]

I love that the business was good not only for humans but animals and environment too, we're not the only living creature :")

[@Introvertstuff]

This is brilliant

[@Vishal-g1w]

Big respects to sea weed farmers and in that sea weed they making plastics

[@fassphoto]

I hope you will archive success very soon. Most important is to able to composting at home or at public locations. Wish you very good luck. 🙌🙏🙌

[@DanielSMatthews]

Plastics that degrade can be a nightmare if they are used inadvertently for long term storage, you open some box from storage only to find a mess of plastic flakes and the contents ruined. I think that there needs to be some unambiguous marker on all plastic film and bags to indicate its lifespan under different conditions to ensure a good fit for any application.

[@rachelkoiks]

Good point. I was thinking that but couldn’t think of a solution but you’re right a simple stamp like label system will help the consumer KNOW how to use and receive their poly bag.

[@DanielSMatthews]

@@rachelkoiks It will have to be made in bulk using a roller process so holographic etching of the rollers would leave a subtle code across the entire surface such that cutting up the sheet will not cause a loss of identifying information.

[@deitachan7878]

We already use a bioplastic. You'll' find a lot straws cups and dishware out of it. It's PLA (Polylactic acid) it composts and degrades quickly in an industrial composter, a bit longer otherwise, it doesnt degrade in storage, or you can just burn it since its just co2 and water. Currently its marked as #7 since its newer but adding more categories is simple.

[@nattojelly8349]

That was what I was thinking about too. I live in a very humid climate (during summer) with dry and cold winters. I wonder what would happen to the plastic over the course of one year.

[@ldelgg]

It doesnt degrade as quickly in storage, though. Especially if its under a dry and/or cool circumstances

[@thunderb00m]

Please also include the factors that are limiting this from mass adoption by businesses and plans to overcome those

[@jrac-gl3ku]

From what I see this won't be viable for products that need to stay packed for long periods. Not every pair of jeans will be sold within 48 days. Where I do see this to be viable is as a replacement material for bubble wrap, cling wrap, maybe some adhesive tape and, if they're strong enough, shopping bags.

[@mehere8038]

@@jrac-gl3ku where are you getting 48 days from? From the video explaining that in the right decomposition conditions, it will be completely gone in 48 days? How does that have any impact whatsoever on how long it lasts in a store? The jeans will be broken down & metal on them rusted & generally unwearable after 4 months in an industrial compost bin too, yet they'll last decades stored properly in a store or closet. This plastic is the same

[@svayseavmey6615]

That's a very nice idea of producing packaging from seaweed. They are crucial for life as " Green Packaging" which contribute as eco friendly to our biodiversity convention. Love it overall : )

[@mickeymuckelrath4416]

Fascinating! I’d love an eco friendly poly bag replacement.

[@tofu4375]

This is great! I hope this gets widespread attention. :D

[@sergiojimenez7310]

what an amazing company

[@raveraxx]

Congratulations for winning the challenge

[@kzdcode9786]

I hope this will be the solution of plastic waste worldwide...

[@roromaniv]

This video gives me so much hope 💚

[@seeksustainablejapan]

So great to see this regenerative solution using carbon capture seaweed instead of the damaging fossil fuels derived plastic packaging which is so damaging on many levels

[@Sunqueen_1st]

That’s Great ! now just watch the economical environment

[@synthasandwich]

Sway, you are amazing.... Thank you!

[@srikumar4184]

Love this clip, concept & the Business Insider news!! 🎊💌

[@isha9428]

Please spread it world wide as soon as possible with a defined protocol against plastic.

[@sapphire_dragons6121]

Edible plastic = more food That’s a win-win for me, folks

[@sapphire_dragons6121]

Idc if it doesn’t taste good, food is food *insert Mr. Incredible meme*

[@sophiaisabelle01]

Seaweed is indeed versatile in many ways. If it can help reduce the amount of plastic floating around, then they should move forward with this whole concept.

[@dertythegrower]

We use it often in growing good herbs 😎

[@dertythegrower]

great for human treats with salt.. and also plants love seaweed kelp compost tea with epsom salt 😎

[@Top1Awesome]

fried seaweed is the shit!!!!!!!

[@Alexsepulveda27]

This is revolutionary

[@mandydone3061]

Good luck, this could be an earth saver, which I really wish they succeed.

[@Alo0oys]

Inspirational!

[@jojo-qr4xj]

Good innovation 💡

[@bossin_up_888]

Smart and creative! Kudos 👏 love this idea!

[@businesshub66]

Great informations with tone of juicy contents always love to come back and get something new stuffs here, I hope everybody does too...

[@maaj9754]

More power and God Bless. I do hope that we can use and market your product in the future to save the environment. And I do hope that it can come and be produced here in the Philippines as soon as possible.

[@robertcarkeek8391]

a wonderful insite into a sustainable planet future.

[@BrandonLee-ig1qg]

A seemingly necessary alternative

[@master_meep285]

Thank God your doing good thing with white powder, a lot of people use the wrong way of white powder

[@M.I.Haris_1]

I'm very excited to eat my shopping bag in the future!

[@faction4hobbies784]

Amazing work!

[@YT-GuestAccount]

4:21 "We're not asking individuals to make those choices, we're asking the coorporations and the brand who are most responsible for producing waste" - It's still our habits of consumption fostering this and still a waste of resources if you produce unnecessary single-use items like grocery bags (esp. when not based on renewable energy). *Nevertheless it's a fantastic prospect and I'm pretty excited.

[@tommcthornberry1064]

Overconsumption has been normalized. You can't blame people for being consumers when everyone's been brainwashed to be

[@YT-GuestAccount]

@@tommcthornberry1064 Oc you can and should point out and make ppl aware how individual decisions are crucial, too.

[@grandroofing1604]

If it works, i am on board. A lot of plastic is in the ocean.

[@SoulCalvin559]

Same here

[@acidset]

A lot of plastic is in you.

[@grandroofing1604]

@@acidset honesty, thats my 1st reason. i am sick of plastic especially around my food and water.

[@jagoldenpyrenees491]

That last sentence was pure genius 😂

[@Founderschannel123]

Even the plastic entered into my water bottle...dammit

[@natemx78]

aside from the greed , it needs to happens .as long as competiton doesnt lose sight of the end goal to make safer alternative to plastic and stifle innovation in the name of who gets the money for said product .either way there are many companies around the world using alternative methods for producing product to move into the future the next generation will benefit...as we currently do from our founding fathers and mothers desicions

[@mehere8038]

um the end goal IS profit for their company! This is why climate change is still a thing, it profit wasn't a factor, we would have reversed it completely decades ago, we absolutely have the tech & knowledge to do it, but it's not done, cause of profit hunting

[@medSad333]

They won the price congrats

[@michaelfrost6594]

All i can say is Thank You

[@50.bucks.]

Salute to heroism!

[@divadiva2994]

My new hero!

[@bfjrd]

I love this... This question to "can they compete to..." I think if we really implement it like force everyone to it, the price can be regulated or adjust. Think about it, its good for the environment.

[@basingh5255]

Hard to that in capitalist US

[@janenalubegapleasedecayres8434]

Good news thanks 👍. Being creative nothing l can compare with. Julia l appreciate.

[@GreasyFox]

Seaweeds and mushrooms are the wonders to solve the current resources and waste problems