Revolutionising the packaging industry with nature-inspired innovations

The environmental impact of plastic waste is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Traditional plastics (petroleum based) are toxic, causing the release of harmful chemicals into our bodies and the environment, as well as microplastics that harm animals and ecosystems. The need for sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics is more urgent than ever, particularly in industries like food packaging, where single-use plastics are prevalent. Searo Labs aims to address the challenges posed by plastic production and waste by creating biodegradable alternatives for products including flexible and rigid packaging, personal sanitary products, single-use cutlery, and more.

Transforming seaweed into smart packaging

Searo Labs utilizes natural polymers derived from seaweed to create eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics. Searo Labs utilises seaweed polymers to engineer materials that are strong, moldable, and transparent – ideal for applications like clear fruit punnets and flexible films. These natural polymers not only serve as effective replacements for traditional plastics but also decompose rapidly in natural settings, contributing to soil health when composted.

An additional environmental advantage of Searo Labs’ technology is its role in carbon capture. The seaweed used in the production process absorbs carbon dioxide during its growth, and when the packaging is composted, some of this carbon is returned to the soil, acting as a carbon sink. This process not only reduces carbon emissions but also aligns with Searo Labs’ commitment to creating products that positively impact the environment, society and the global packaging industry.

Fostering a sustainable vision

Happiness Capital’s partnership with Searo Labs has been instrumental, providing the financial backing necessary to scale production alongside an understanding of the long- term vision for the company. From the outset, Happiness Capital recognized the long- term potential of Searo Labs’ innovative seaweed-based materials and committed to a relationship that extended beyond immediate financial returns. As the founders of Searo Labs shared, “Happiness Capital isn’t in it for a quick buck; they’re in it to effect real, long-term change, allowing us the time to refine our technology and build a sustainable ecosystem.”

This collaboration has enabled Searo Labs to focus on developing a comprehensive solution to the global plastic crisis, with the confidence that their investors are aligned with their vision for a sustainable future. With the strategic guidance and patient investment from Happiness Capital, Searo Labs is well-positioned to bring their revolutionary materials to market, ultimately replacing harmful single-use plastics with eco-friendly alternatives.

Advancing toward mass-market impact

Since its inception, Searo Labs has achieved significant milestones, including the successful development and trial of its flexible film packaging, which is optimized for fresh food flow- wrapping applications and extending shelf-life. The company has secured a supply agreement with the largest organic seaweed producer, ensuring a robust and transparent supply chain. With scalable production capabilities in place, Searo Labs is poised to tackle the globally important issues of plastic and food waste with over 350 million metric tonnes of plastic waste and over 631 million metric tonnes of food waste generated each year.

Looking ahead, Searo Labs is seeking funding to scale up its operations, including for its first manufacturing module and to unlock unique manufacturing solutions through licencing models. The company aims to have its products on shelves by the second half of 2025, with a target of mass-market penetration within three years. As Searo Labs continues to grow, it remains focused on its mission to replace plastic packaging with sustainable alternatives, helping to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste on a global scale.