Taking The Plastic Out Of Packaging with Kelpi

In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Hugo Adams, CEO of Kelpi, to discuss how the company is using seaweed-based coatings to replace fossil fuel-derived plastics in packaging. Hugo explains how Kelpi combines seaweed carbohydrates with vegetable oils to create high-performance barrier coatings for paper, card, and fiber packaging that are designed to be recyclable and biodegradable. The conversation explores the challenge of small-format flexible packaging, particularly sachets and multilayer laminates, which are difficult to recycle and can contribute to plastic pollution. Hugo shares Kelpi's journey from research and development to industrial-scale production, highlighting the importance of an agile team, collaborative manufacturing partners, and real-world testing. Cory and Hugo also discuss Kelpi's partnerships with L'Oréal and Amcor, the company's B Corp certification, and its recent U.S. FDA food-contact clearance. These milestones demonstrate how emerging biomaterials can move from promising concepts toward commercial applications. The episode also explores why established brands and packaging manufacturers need to embrace external innovation, invest in emerging technologies, and work collaboratively to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuel-based plastics. Hugo emphasizes that the industry has a shared opportunity to reduce plastic pollution and protect the oceans through innovation, validation, and collaboration. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the plastic waste problem and Kelpie's mission 01:08 Hugo explains Kelpie's seaweed-based coating technology 02:54 The environmental impact of non-recyclable sachets 04:02 The significance of scale-up and partnerships 11:59 Kelpie's collaboration with L'Oreal and testing process 13:30 Participation in L'Oreal's accelerator program 16:07 Partnership with Amcor and validation of Kelpie’s technology 19:08 Kelpie's B Corp certification and company values 21:23 Upcoming industry events and future plans Resources Mentioned: Kelpi: https://www.kelpi.net/ Ellen MacArthur Foundation https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/ PaperFlex Consortium https://www.paperflexconsortium.org/ https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/press-release-the-paperflex-consortium-launched-to-accelerate-paper-based-flexible-packaging-innovation L'Oréal — Beyond Plastic Challenge https://www.kelpi.net/news L'Oréal — L'Accelerator Program https://www.kelpi.net/news/kelpi-loreal-laccelerator-program Amcor — Kelpi Partnership https://www.kelpi.net/news/kelpi-amcor-partnership-fiber-packaging Sustainable Packaging Coalition https://sustainablepackaging.org/ Sustainable Packaging Summit — Utrecht https://www.packagingsummit.earth/ Specialty Papers https://www.specialtypaperconference.com/home Contact: Listeners interested in connecting with Hugo Adams are encouraged to reach out via LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugoadams/ Support our Sponsors: 3M: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/packaging-shipping-fulfillment-us/applications/sealing-recycled-corrugate/  Specright: https://www.specright.com/  FOREST-PKG: https://www.forest-pkg.com/ https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approved Connect with Cory Connect with Cory on LinkedIn here:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/ I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap.  This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.