Algae play a central role in the global ecosystem, producing 30 to 50 percent of the world’s oxygen and absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. Since they grow up to ten times faster than terrestrial plants, they require no land for cultivation and also no fertilisers. Algae also help reduce marine pollution by using nutrient-rich wastewater to form biomass and algae can also absorb heavy metals. In addition, by breaking down CO2, they can also help counteract ocean acidification and help stabilise the ocean’s pH value.
Algae are also a nutrient-rich source of proteins, amino acids, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. However, their potential is still under-utilised in the food sector, especially in Europe. If algae were added to animal feed, for example, methane emissions could be significantly reduced, which would have a positive impact on the environment.
Packaging: another application for algae.
Noriware is pioneering the development of sustainable packaging solutions. After just two years of research and development, the Swiss start-up already offers two promising products.
Norifilm is a transparent, flexible packaging material for dry goods. It has the same strength as conventional plastics and can be processed using standard plastics industry machines. The material is compostable at home and will biodegrade in two to twelve weeks, depending on the film’s thickness.
Noricup is the first rigid application of Noriware. It offers stability and water resistance that is similar to conventional plastic cups. And, because it is made from algae and other natural materials, Noricup is also 100 percent compostable. Both products decompose completely in household compost systems without leaving any microplastic residue. This property alone represents a significant advance over many current bioplastic alternatives.
Encouraged by the success of this first rigid application, the young Swiss entrepreneurs have decided to shift away from the cup and concentrate their efforts on producing a granulate that opens up further application possibilities.
A renewable natural resource.
The algae from which Noriware obtains its polymers come from sustainable sources. They are specially cultivated to achieve maximum yields with minimal environmental impact. Grown in special algae farms that do not require any arable land, they do not compete in any way with food production. In addition, they require little freshwater compared to agricultural plants. Algae grow quickly and can be harvested several times a year, making them a rapidly renewable resource.
A scalable solution that pays off.
The production process for Noriware uses existing plastic manufacturing technology. This compatibility reduces the barriers for manufacturers who want to switch to more sustainable materials. Jessica Farda, co-founder and CEO of Noriware, explains: “Once at industrial scale, our product is extremely scalable. It can be produced at competitive costs. We have developed a packaging solution that is both ecological and economical.”
Entrepreneurship meets expertise.
Noriware works with some renowned Swiss technical institutions, such as the ETH Zurich and the Universities of Applied Sciences Northwestern and East Switzerland. These partnerships give the young company access to state-of-the-art research facilities and a deep well of expert knowledge. And these collaborations help to accelerate the development of Noriware’s technology and its product range.
Noriware is currently developing a granulate. This innovation aims to offer the conventional plastics industry an alternative to the bioplastics available today. Noriware’s algae-based granulate opens up new possibilities for different areas of application and for numerous manufacturing processes.
Taking the start-up’s pace into the future.
Noriware has secured pre-financing of over one million Swiss francs. The company has also received support from government and private organisations. The first commercial products are scheduled to hit the market this year. They aim to strike a balance between durability and environmentally friendly disposal.
The packaging industry is under increasing pressure to introduce sustainable solutions. Noriware’s algae-based technology is paving the way in this direction. It can utilise existing manufacturing infrastructure with products that are much more environmentally friendly. This makes Noriware a potential game-changer in the field of bioplastics. Jessica Farda underlines the company’s ambitious vision: “We are not just making a product, we are pioneering a sustainable future for the packaging industry.”
Algae produce 30–50% of the world’s oxygen and absorb CO2 from the atmosphere
Up to 70% of the algae mass can consist of carbon. 1
Learn more about the Swiss start-up Noriware at www.noriware.com
