Traditional packaging produces approximately 275 million tonnes of plastic waste yearly; only about 14% gets recycled. Sustainable packaging is an obvious solution to this plastic waste problem. However, many sustainable alternatives are more expensive than traditional plastics, making them less attractive to businesses. Furthermore, bio-based plastic alternatives often lack the durability, flexibility, and barrier properties required for various packaging applications. Scaling up production to meet the market demands remains a challenge, too.
Some innovative companies, like B’zeos, have found a better way to make natural plastic alternatives through regenerative seaweed farming. Seaweed is abundant and is easier to grow at minimal cost. Through advanced material science and seaweed biopolymer chemistry, B’ZEOS develops packaging that meets the required durability, flexibility, and barrier properties.
To better understand B’zeos’ product and what makes it better, we spoke to its CEO, Guy Maurce. This interview is part of GreyB’s Scouted series. In this series, we spotlight innovative startups and talk to their founders about how their solutions can revolutionize the industry by solving problems. Readers get insider knowledge on the principal technologies and working principles behind pioneering startups like Bonumose, Better Juice, Axial3D, Skin Gourmet, etc., shared by the CEOs themselves! Explore all those interviews here in text and video format.
Author’s Note: These seaweed research trends are here to stay. Explore the recent developments and companies leading the industry.
Seaweed is not just a solution; it’s a powerful alternative that can revolutionize the packaging industry, yet it requires scientific innovation and market alignment to truly make an impact.
– Guy Maurce
Guy Maurce is the CEO of B’zeos. He founded the company in 2018, drawing inspiration from the kelp forests in Norway. Guy has a background in environmental engineering and waste management, with extensive project management experience at organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), ECWP/Reneco, and Equinor. His expertise in these areas and a deep understanding of the plastic crisis led him to establish B’ZEOS to develop sustainable seaweed packaging solutions.
Overview: How B’ZEOS is Pioneering Seaweed-Based Packaging Solutions
B’ZEOS develops sustainable packaging solutions using seaweed. Their primary focus is on creating customizable pellets that can be used to produce eco-friendly packaging materials. These pellets are compatible with existing manufacturing processes, making it easier for companies to transition to more sustainable packaging options. B’ZEOS works closely with major brands like Nestle to develop tailored solutions that meet specific industry needs while addressing the global plastic pollution problem.
Watch the whole conversation here.
Here are the highlights from the interview.
What exactly does B’ZEOS produce, and how is it different from other sustainable packaging options?
At B’ZEOS, we create customizable seaweed pellets that can produce various packaging materials. What sets us apart is our focus on compounding. We improve our material’s mechanical and barrier properties to ensure it meets the specific needs of different industries.
Our approach is unique because we don’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution. We collaborate closely with our clients to understand their requirements and create pellets that seamlessly integrate into their manufacturing processes. This allows companies to transition to more sustainable packaging without overhauling their production line.
How does B’ZEOS help companies comply with regulations in different regions?
Regulations vary across regions, but we monitor developments closely, especially in Europe and the US. For instance, the Single Use Plastic Directive in Europe has significant implications for packaging materials. Our seaweed-based solutions are natural biopolymers, which gives them an advantage under these regulations.
We work with companies to ensure our packaging solutions align with their sustainability goals and comply with local regulations. This often involves customizing our products to meet specific requirements, such as home compostability or recyclability. We also educate our clients about the environmental impact of different materials, helping them make informed decisions.
What challenges has B’ZEOS faced, and how have you overcome them?
One of our biggest challenges is entering the packaging industry, which traditionally resists change. As someone outside the industry, gaining credibility and building relationships with key players took time.
We’ve overcome this by focusing on education and collaboration. We’ve worked hard to educate major companies about the potential of seaweed-based packaging. Our partnerships with companies like Nestle have been crucial in demonstrating the viability of our solutions. We’ve also built a strong team with expertise in material science, which has helped us develop products that meet industry standards.
What are B’ZEOS’s expansion plans for the future?
Our primary goal is to scale up our production capabilities. Within six to seven years, we aim to produce 5,000 to 10,000 tons of pellets annually, allowing us to meet the growing demand from various sectors.
While we started by focusing on the food industry, we’re also exploring opportunities in other sectors, like cosmetics and electronics. However, we’re mindful that seaweed-based packaging isn’t suitable for every application. We aim to identify where our solutions can significantly impact and focus our efforts there.
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Meet our Interviewer – Vikas Jha, AVP, Solutions at GreyB
Vikas Jha is an experienced tech consultant focused on intellectual property consulting. With expertise in diverse domains like Telecom, Navigation, and Medical Devices, he helps clients navigate innovation challenges. His ability to bridge technology, innovation, and leadership makes him a valuable resource in the evolving tech landscape. Vikas has been featured on CNBC for his insights on next-gen technologies like space tech.
Read next: How Soarce creates high-performance nanomaterials from seaweed.
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Authored By: Hemanth Shenoy, Market Research
