The benefits of biodegradable packaging
At Notpla, we believe packaging shouldn’t outlive your lunch. That’s why we make biodegradable food packaging from seaweed, a material that breaks down naturally, just like a fruit peel. This page explores what biodegradable packaging really means, why it matters in the fight against plastic pollution, and how Notpla’s seaweed innovations are helping food businesses lead the shift to truly regenerative solutions.
What is biodegradable packaging?
Biodegradable packaging is made to break down naturally and harmlessly. returning to the earth without leaving toxins or traces behind. Unlike conventional plastic, which can linger for centuries, biodegradable materials decompose into natural elements - like water, CO₂, and organic matter - often within months, when exposed to the right conditions.
Biodegradable, compostable, recyclable - what’s the difference?
Biodegradable
Compostable
Recyclable
How does Notpla's material stack up?
Many companies use materials like cornstarch, bagasse, or PLA - but these often rely on industrial composting and can still leave behind microplastics.At Notpla, we do things differently. We use seaweed, one of the planet’s most regenerative resources. It grows fast, needs no land, fertiliser or fresh water, and leaves no trace behind.We turn this natural wonder into food packaging that’s biodegradable, and 100% free from plastic and PFAs.
Why biodegradable packaging matters for the planet
Each year, we produce over 400 million tonnes of plastic - much of it used once, then thrown away. A significant share ends up in landfills or the ocean, where it pollutes ecosystems and endangers wildlife. Biodegradable packaging helps ease this burden by:
1. Reducing landfill waste.
2. Cutting microplastics in marine environments.
3. Moving us away from fossil-based materials.
In the UK regulations are phasing out single-use plastics and favouring natural alternatives, biodegradable food packaging - like Notpla’s - is fast becoming a smart, compliant choice for forward-thinking businesses.
The benefits of biodegradable packaging?
Biodegradable packaging offers multiple benefits, not only for the planet, but also for people
and businesses.
Supports regenerative systems
Seaweed grows fast and naturally, without fertiliser or fresh water - reducing pressure on land and industrial farming.
Healthier for humans and nature
Free from synthetic additives and toxins often found in plastic packaging.
Designed for real-world disposal
Breaks down without special infrastructure, ideal for foodservice and on-the-go use.
Returns to the
earth
Decomposes in just weeks, leaving no trace behind.
How biodegradable food packaging is used in the real world
Notpla’s biodegradable takeaway food containers and biodegradable food packaging boxes are used across fast food, catering, and grab-and-go retail environments.
In stadiums and venues
In corporate offices
In fast food and self-service cafés
In cafés and local food spots
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Why choose Notpla’s biodegradable packaging?
We don’t believe in quick fixes, we believe in materials that truly belong to nature. That’s why we’ve spent years developing seaweed-based packaging that breaks down naturally, works beautifully in real-world foodservice, and helps businesses meet sustainability goals with confidence.
Recognised by the Earthshot Prize and trusted by leading venues, offices, and kitchens across Europe, we’re proud to be one of the few biodegradable food packaging manufacturers offering certified, plastic- and PFAs-free coating alternatives at scale.Whether you serve sandwiches or burgers, we’re here to help you make the switch.
Ready to leave plastic behind for good?
Recognised in the industry and beyond
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Wherever it ends up, we’ve thought of that
Recycle with paper
The natural coating doesn’t prohibit it from paper recycling streams
Home-compostable in weeks
Safely break down in weeks in a home-compost environment
General-waste guilt-free
Carefully designed to degrade naturally and leave no trace
Disappears, just like that
Notpla packaging regenerates into fertile soil, decomposing naturally in home composts, becoming food for worms, fungi, and microbes. Watch as all the PLA (a bioplstic) coated board fails to disappear, leaving behind the plastic coating laminated onto the cardboard surface which will go on to be broken down into microplastics.
Specifications
FAQs
It's only natural that you'd have questions.
Anything you're still keen to find out? Drop us a message →
Biodegradable packaging is made from natural materials that break down safely and quickly in the environment - like Notpla’s seaweed-based packaging. Unlike plastic, it doesn’t leave harmful residues or microplastics behind.
At Notpla, we make biodegradable food packaging from seaweed, one of the planet’s most regenerative materials. It grows fast without land, fertiliser, or fresh water, making it a truly low-impact choice.
Not quite. All compostable materials are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable materials are compostable. Compostables break down under specific conditions in composting environments, while biodegradable materials decompose naturally in soil, water, or the open environment - no industrial setup required.
Notpla’s biodegradable food containers are designed to return to nature with minimal fuss. They can go in home compost, garden waste, or general waste - they’ll naturally degrade in soil or marine environments.
Biodegradable packaging helps businesses meet new environmental regulations, reduce plastic waste, and appeal to eco-conscious customers. It’s also practical, no need for special disposal infrastructure, making it ideal for on-the-go and takeaway use.
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