During my recent visit to the GF Smith paper factory, I was impressed by the community and hand-made processes that underpin their work. I saw firsthand the skills and processes involved in creating bespoke products from a huge variety of papers, from embossing to cutting and folding. However, one particular paper caught my attention due to its unique visual and textural qualities. It’s called NOTPLA and it’s made from seaweed in a zero-waste process. (1)
NOTPLA is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paper-making processes that typically rely on virgin tree pulp. Instead of using wood, NOTPLA uses fibres derived from seaweed. Fibre is sourced from the by-products produced by industries that extract and use gelatinous compounds found in seaweed. Designed by Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez and Pierre Paslier, NOTPLA is a full composite biodegradable paper. (2)
Seaweed is a macro-algae. Algaes are aquatic organisms which range in size from tiny single-cell organisms (micro-algae) to 100-meter-long seaweeds like kelp (macro-algae). Seaweeds, together with microalgae, play an important role in aquatic ecosystems globally. Seaweeds often grow into large underwater forests, providing nutrients and shelter for other plants and animals. Algae, both micro-algae, floating seaweeds, and single-cell organisms, produce over half of the earth’s oxygen. (3)
Sustainably farmed algae are increasingly being used in many industries, such as skin care, food sources, and bioplastics. Research suggests that feeding cattle seaweed-derived food sources reduces methane. Seaweed has also been used for centuries as a fertilizer for land-based crops. (4)
Similarly to reed beds, seaweed can be used in wastewater purification. In particular, it can help remove heavy metals from contaminated water and reduce phosphorus and nitrogen content prior to water entering rivers and seas. (4)
With increasing numbers of industries using seaweeds, from cosmetics to sofa padding, farmed and managed seaweed crops are increasingly used to ensure that these algae and their ecosystems are supported and managed in a responsible way. (5)
The use of seaweed paper and bioplastics is a significant step towards a sustainable future. It is inspiring to see designers and innovators creating practical and sustainable solutions as we continue to search for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional manufacturing processes.
Researching the processes of making NotPla paper from seaweed fibre has inspired me to explore how papers could be made from alternative plant fibres found on the damaged sites I study.
Sources:
- NOTPLA – https://www.gfsmith.com/notpla
- Ocean Service: How much oxygen comes from the ocean?
More information:
Tim Flannery, Can Seaweed help curb global warming?
