Kelpi is a materials innovation company developing novel functional biomaterials from renewable feedstocks, such as seaweed, to replace traditional fossil-based plastics with sustainable alternatives. Our patent protected biomaterials provide outstanding water barrier properties whilst also being biodegradable at end of life. This allows for their use as sustainable packaging materials for a range of products in the food & drinks and cosmetic sector. During this project we aim to establish the full physiochemical characterisation of our biomaterials which has been proven challenging to date. To achieve this, we will be taking advantage of the expertise and problem-solving abilities of the highly skilled and experienced staff, as well as the highly specialised equipment, from our two partner institutions involved in this project - Henry Royce Institute and Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

Demand for sustainable alternatives to fossil-fuel plastics are growing throughout industry, just as consumers are demanding more sustainable packaging. This project will explore novel applications for bioplastics, applying product innovation to opportunities to displace fossil fuel plastics particularly in food packaging. Kelpi, a highly innovative biotech SME based in Bath, has developed unique biopolymers from seaweed. These biopolymers form the basis of this industrial research project to address the market opportunity of replacing rigid plastic trays and thin plastic packaging with coated card and paper. The project focuses on developing coated card and coated paper products which will meet the performance characteristics required by industry, in some cases matching or exceeding the performance of fossil fuel plastics, but with far lower carbon emissions and more effective end-of-life outcomes from composting to recycling.

Demand for sustainable alternatives to fossil-fuel plastics are growing throughout industry, just as consumers are demanding more sustainable packaging. This project will explore novel applications for bioplastics, applying product innovation to opportunities to displace fossil fuel plastics particularly in food packaging. Kelpi, a highly innovative biotech SME based in Bath, has developed unique biopolymers from seaweed. These biopolymers form the basis of this industrial research project to address the market opportunity of replacing rigid plastic trays and thin plastic packaging with coated card and paper. The project focuses on developing coated card and coated paper products which will meet the performance characteristics required by industry, in some cases matching or exceeding the performance of fossil fuel plastics, but with far lower carbon emissions and more effective end-of-life outcomes from composting to recycling.