Ooho: The edible seaweed bubble leading a new wave in sustainable packaging
- Maya García
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
In a world increasingly defined by environmental urgency, innovation is no longer optional—it is imperative. The edible water bubble known as Ooho, developed by Notpla, represents a bold stride toward achieving the global goals laid out by the United Nations, particularly responsible consumption and production. As single-use plastics remain one of the most pressing environmental threats, Ooho offers a tangible, science-based alternative that aligns with a global movement toward a more equitable and resilient planet.
This breakthrough originated from a deceptively simple question: how can we package liquid in a way that works in harmony with nature? With global plastic production surpassing 430 million tonnes annually, and only 9% of plastic ever produced being recycled, the disproportionate environmental cost of traditional packaging called for urgent rethinking. Ooho, crafted from seaweed—a natural, renewable, and biodegradable resource challenges this unsustainable norm by replacing plastic with a fully compostable and edible material.
Developed in 2013 at London’s Imperial College by co-founders Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez and Pierre Paslier, Ooho began as a hands-on student project. Over time, it evolved from hand-crafted bubbles in a kitchen to an internationally recognised innovation. Early public reactions, marked by joyful exclamations of “Oohooo!”, reflected the product’s promise to spark real-world change. Today, it stands as a prime example of how science, design, and collaboration can reshape entire industries.
Seaweed, the material at Ooho’s core, is increasingly celebrated in sustainability circles. It absorbs up to 20 times more carbon dioxide per acre than forests, grows without fertilisers or freshwater, and supports marine biodiversity. By using seaweed as packaging, Notpla contributes to climate action while avoiding toxic chemical processes. Their commitment to zero chemical modification reflects an ethos in line with Peace and Justice, where transparency, environmental ethics, and justice and strong institutions drive innovation.
Beyond water bubbles, Notpla’s collaboration with Just Eat demonstrates the scalability of their technology. Faced with the environmental damage caused by plastic-lined takeaway boxes, Notpla applied their Ooho formula to develop a biodegradable coating free of harmful PFAs marking a substantial shift in food packaging solutions. Their portfolio has since grown to include films, coatings, and boxes that challenge the status quo of single-use plastics.
The real-world impact of Ooho is already visible. At events like the London Marathon and the Gothenburg Half Marathon, thousands of runners have been offered Ooho pods instead of plastic cups. These moments, though seemingly minor, reflect a growing collective awareness. When multiplied across industries and nations, such small choices drive significant change.
From a broader perspective, Ooho exemplifies how the global society can innovate through collaboration. Addressing the world changes ahead requires coordinated efforts between governments, private enterprises, and local communities. The path toward economic equality and sustainable development hinges not only on ideas, but on their implementation at scale.
Looking forward, innovations like Ooho offer critical pathways for the implementation of the SDGs, particularly Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 14 (Life Below Water). As countries seek to reduce carbon footprints and transition to circular economies, sustainable materials rooted in nature will play a central role.
Ooho is more than an invention, it is a symbol of possibility. It redefines our relationship with consumption, brings science and nature into synergy, and calls upon us to imagine a future where products do not burden the Earth. As the world races to meet the 2030 Agenda, such examples are vital reminders of what is possible when innovation aligns with the planet's needs.
Learn more about Notpla’s pioneering work
Youtube credits: https://www.youtube.com/@notpla