With nearly 11 metric tons of plastic entering the oceans annually, the environmental toll of single-use plastic has reached an alarming level. In response, Sway the Future, a Bay Area startup, is introducing a promising alternative: compostable packaging made from seaweed.
From Kitchen Experiments to Broader Sustainable Solutions
The idea behind Sway the Future originated in 2018 when co-founder and CEO Julia Marsh began experimenting with a seaweed-based material in her Brooklyn apartment. As a design student at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, she sought a viable replacement for conventional plastic.
She began experimenting with an unusual seaweed-derived powder she ordered online and put it in the oven to bake. Though her early prototypes lacked the traditionally smooth appearance of plastic, they confirmed that an eco-friendly alternative was, in fact, possible.
Marsh, A Monterey Bay native, was driven to create sustainable alternatives to plastic because of her deep connection to the ocean and a desire to keep it free of litter. In 2020, she co-founded Sway, based in San Leandro, California. The company’s goal was to replace petroleum-based packaging with biodegradable alternatives.
A Sustainable Alternative for the Fashion Industry
One of Sway’s significant breakthroughs has been the development of seaweed-based “polybags,” the clear packaging used to protect garments while shipping.
Traditional polybags are among the most problematic plastics because they break down into microplastics that infiltrate waterways and food supplies. While seeking a greener option, four fashion brands, including Alex Crane and Florence, have already partnered with Sway to integrate these compostable bags into their supply chains.
For Alex Crane, a company dedicated to sustainability through renewable materials such as banana and coconut fibers, the move to compostable packaging aligns with its ethos.
The company’s chief operating officer, Aaron Smith, said, “It’s always weird when you see companies preach sustainability, and then the product comes in a plastic bag.”
Similarly, Florence, an outdoor gear brand founded by professional surfer John John Florence, sees the environmental impact firsthand. Florence’s director of innovation and sustainability, Bruce Moore, said, “He sees pollution firsthand and wants to do something about it.”
A Step Beyond Traditional Bioplastics
Many “green” plastic alternatives require industrial composting facilities, making them less effective in addressing waste issues. Sway’s seaweed-based material, however, has been shown to break down within 60 days in composting tests conducted by Cold Creek Compost in Ukiah, California.
The company seeks certifications to ensure its biodegradable products can be composted alongside other food scraps or garden waste in backyard composters.
The Potential for Seaweed Farming
Seaweed farming is a more sustainable alternative, unlike crops such as corn and sugarcane, which require significant water and land resources. Seaweed grows rapidly without fresh water, pesticides, or arable land. Farmers string seaweed spores along lines in the ocean, allowing the algae to flourish naturally.
During a trip to Indonesia in 2018, Marsh and her partner, Sway co-founder Matthew Mayes, witnessed the efficiency of seaweed farming firsthand. “The farmer would give it a haircut, and two weeks later, it would regenerate,” he said.
Additionally, these farms serve as marine habitats, providing shelter for fish and other ocean life while maintaining ecological balance.
Scaling Up for a Plastic-Free Future
Currently, Sway sources its seaweed from farms in North and South America, East Africa, Europe, and Asia. To uphold sustainable and ethical practices, Sway’s seaweed sourcing specialist is looking into evaluating suppliers based on their environmental impact, fair labor practices, and ecosystem health.
With an increasing demand for sustainable solutions, Sway’s compostable polybags mark a significant step towards reducing plastic pollution. As more industries seek alternatives to plastic, seaweed-based packaging may become a key player in the global fight against excessive plastic use.
