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.

[@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

[@celozzip]

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!

[@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 ❤️

[@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.

[@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.

[@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...*

[@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!!!

[@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!

[@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

[@mrmakeshft]

Finally a safer option for the betterment of the world

[@Gazpolling]

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

[@choopa1670]

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

[@LadeeKY]

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

[@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. 😁

[@rachelkoiks]

And yes to regenerative farming!

[@ahotdj07]

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

[@nikethanavattikunta6147]

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

[@Sentrme]

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

[@vivayo4588]

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

[@krissidee]

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

[@magnoliasteele8284]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@NickDrinksWater]

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

[@Fudog1138]

Very inspiring. Great job to The Sway team.

[@Vishal-g1w]

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

[@UserAK89]

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

[@THEBIGMEOW]

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

[@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?

[@MicroMidas]

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

[@Snowwarrior]

as a spearfisher who eats seaweed regularly. This is wonderful

[@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!!

[@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.

[@Brezzybri741]

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

[@haephaestus]

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

[@azfarrrrr]

OMG WHAT A BRILLIANT IDEA 💡

[@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

[@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

[@kzdcode9786]

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

[@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 : )

[@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

[@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 😂

[@samuraiboi2735]

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

[@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.

[@GreasyFox]

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

[@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!!!!!!!

[@mymobilebuddy4392]

Wonderful prospect.

[@master_meep285]

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

[@VitalGlory]

So I just did a paper on bio plastics and it’s gets me excited. But every time I hear about bio plastics in the news, it’s the same thing. It could be YEARS before this is manufactured on large enough scales

[@nadyaalkautsar9888]

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

[@tasnimsarker4653]

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

[@vidhoard]

So cool!

[@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.

[@synthasandwich]

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

[@mandydone3061]

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

[@Shade_Dragon]

Omnomnom! Packaging! If we're just making clothes to be worn in one season and thrown away anyway, can we design something out of plant waste to be worn fir a season and break down? Can we make seaweed thread instead of polyester to hold together cheap cotton clothing?

[@ndb_1982]

Who in the name of God wears clothes once and throws it away? Ignorance at its finest.

[@lisbethdc]

@@ndb_1982 actually no. He's absolutely right. In the US and other Developed countries people are really into consumerism and fast fashion and some people wear clothes one season or even once and then throw them away. Search for clothes problem documentaries and you'll see how big of a problem this is.

[@robertcarkeek8391]

a wonderful insite into a sustainable planet future.

[@isha9428]

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

[@Sunqueen_1st]

That’s Great ! now just watch the economical environment

[@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*

[@jojo-qr4xj]

Good innovation 💡

[@tofu4375]

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

[@Alo0oys]

Inspirational!

[@mickeymuckelrath4416]

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

[@sergiojimenez7310]

what an amazing company

[@M.I.Haris_1]

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

[@MrTomtomtest]

Well yeah, the problem with using those for food is the interaction it can have with it. Some serious extra testing is gonna be needed.

[@आशीषसाहू-ख1ल]

Textiles are the ones which pollutes a lot, lot more than plastic. We need to find solution for the same as well.

[@_anjali_6380]

Innovative idea for protecting the our environment and sustainability 👍

[@johndelphiaiii7623]

Thanks thinking about how one day I'll have a seaweed backpack or fannypack, mechanical pencil

[@TristanHmar]

Make this happen in a mega scale especially for developing countries. This can be the answer to reduction of using petro plastics.

[@silvahawk]

Once these are out, would it still be okay to put them in the recycle bin?

[@nothanks9050]

Be careful out there, nothing attacks with more fury than the seaweed shark! The struggle is soon over.

[@bossin_up_888]

Smart and creative! Kudos 👏 love this idea!

[@lancemillward1912]

If recycled with other plastic it contaminates the batch and it all has to ve thrown out. There are a lot more questions than answers in a story Luke this.

[@businesshub66]

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

[@50.bucks.]

Salute to heroism!

[@korwynze6288]

WE NEED SEAWEED PLASTICWRAP THAT IS COMPOSTABLE YEEEES! fund this! FUND THIS!

[@faction4hobbies784]

Amazing work!

[@Smokie1523]

I think most of us here would agree, id be perfectly willing to pay a little more to cover the costs of offsetting emissions, instead of paying more to give executives a raise.

[@WorldCitizenW]

Looks like la Jolla. Lot's of seaweed, kelps around Catalina Island. I have seen washed up long kelp on mission bay , Coronado area beaches

[@srikumar4184]

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

[@lamarelleci]

If they could make healthcare personal protective equipment out of it that would be wonderful

[@ajLisama]

At the end of the day, it's all about the price. No matter how brilliant the product, we tend to go to the cheaper options.

[@myboredomwidens]

After all waste becomes bio-degradable, it would make the rubbish sorting super easy and council can reduce its spending on recycling and the process also better for environment.

[@michaelfrost6594]

All i can say is Thank You

[@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

[@Change-your-username]

Thats really great news!!

[@isha9428]

Great julia👍👍👌👌👏👏

[@K177a]

Awesome work

[@patricklerato1775]

Great video. you've remind me of what someone once said❤ Making money is an Action, keeping money is behavior, Growing money is Knowledge. I once attended seminar and ever since then i been waxing strong financially, and i most tell you the truth.

[@paulalexis5133]

People prefer to spend money on liabilities,Rather than investing in assets and be very profitable.

[@patrickrobert5867]

You're so correct! Save, invest and spend for necessities and a few luxuries relatives to on's total assets ratio.

[@johngabriel6613]

This must be an investment with Mrs Lauren James

[@charlottepeter1525]

@@johngabriel6613 I'm just shocked you mentioned Expert Lauren James thought am the only one trading with her

[@johngabriel6613]

@@charlottepeter1525 Haha you don't have to be surprised Mrs Lauren is really good and everyone loves genuine services,she helped me recover what I lost trying to trade on my own.

[@audreenwilliams3144]

I will buy this packaging.

[@awaresoul1389]

Thats really great!!

[@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.

[@pranaychudasama]

Thanks for such initiatives 🙏, hope it becomes more viable and cheaply available in market soon. All the best.

[@OWA777]

finally some good news

[@mondraymondo]

come oooon humans! make this happen! woo woo!!

[@KeikoMushi]

So, the decompostion time doesn't make it a long-distance transport option. However, it can be used for short-distance, short-term options. However, what chemicals are added to it?