It began with a simple question, "how can we package liquid in a way that works in harmony with nature, rather than against it?" The vast imbalance between those few seconds it takes us to consume a drink or to pour out a sauce, versus the centuries-long lifespan of their packaging just didn't add up.
So, challenge in-hand, we looked to the natural world for inspiration and soon found seaweed. A miracle crop possessing all the necessary qualities for natural packaging, it’s incredibly flexible and strong, provides a natural barrier and - most importantly - the ability to take on new shapes.
The future of water
Notpla Co-Founders Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez and Pierre Paslier developed an edible water bubble prototype at London’s Imperial College in 2013.
In the beginning, they made each one by hand in their student kitchen, continuously testing new formulations to see if their idea had any chance of success, all the while gauging responses from friends, family and anyone else who was willing. The name Ooho was quickly born from the unanimous reaction of people's experience of these edible liquid balls - “Oohooo!”.
Fast-forward to today and Ooho is recognised the world over as a game changing experience for everyone who tries it.
Nature is our north star
Ooho is a testament to our material science philosophy, crucial in sculpting Notpla's identity and trajectory. Today, our vision is to create truly natural biomaterials capable of solving real-world challenges at scale with the greatest positive impact on our planet. We hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards, only working with natural materials without any chemical modification.
As packaging innovators, our team's superpower is collaboration, blending design and rigorous scientific research to push the limits of what packaging materials can accomplish.
A product portfolio at scale
Before long, Ooho caught the attention of Just Eat. Impressed by our approach, they challenged us to find a plastic-free solution to takeaway boxes, which often contain nasty chemicals called PFAs or an invisible plastic layer to keep your food in place. By utilising the established Ooho technology, we can provide a natural coating barrier that replaces all that plastic. Every new challenge brings new opportunities, and we aim to deliver sustainable solutions. Our portfolio of solutions continues to grow, demonstrating the power of innovation and the incredible ability of a small, liquid bubble to revolutionise an industry with supernatural materials.
Ooho Energy Gels are the sustainable solution for sporting events. By replacing single-use plastic sachets with Ooho, you can eliminate littered streets and reduce the need for cleanup. Additionally, using Ooho at your events is a great way to engage participants in your sustainability goals.
Marathon runners offered Ooho as an alternative to plastic bottles
As a conscious effort towards sustainability, event organisers are offering runners the opportunity to reduce plastic waste by introducing them to Ooho. This innovative solution has already been successful in high-profile events like the London Marathon, Gothenburg Half, Zevenheuvelenloop, Bari Half, Tough Mudder, and Vitality Half Marathon.
Notpla and Handtmann have joined forces
Introducing an innovative way for brands to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly products, offering entirely natural and plastic-free methods of packaging gels and sauces in a food-grade, edible membrane. Our custom adaptation of Handtmann’s industry-leading sausage machine ensures a continuous production capacity of up to 100 units per minute.
The solution is available now to make your brand a more sustainable choice and help it stay ahead of the market.
Our revolutionary Ooho is expanding its reach, now making its mark in vending machines at the London Aquatics Centre in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This collaboration with SHIFT is yet another milestone in our quest for a plastic-free tomorrow.
Discover more disappearing solutions for your packaging needs
Our collection includes true solutions for packaging foods, drinks, care products, and many other items you use every day. While some are edible, some compostable, and some dissolve in water — they all disappear back into nature without any harmful traces.
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A sip of sustainability: Ooho at the London Aquatics Centre
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