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Notpla’s seaweed-based packaging is now “the first and only” material to have been recognised as being plastic-free under the European ‘Single-use plastics’ directive. The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) – the official environmental authority of the Netherlands – mentioned thousands of other materials tested to have been classified as plastic. This includes technologies often claiming to be “plastic-free,” such as aqueous dispersion coating which contains microplastics. However, Notpla’s natural seaweed-based packaging is said to be the first and currently only material to have been recognised as being truly plastic-free, following a nine-month assessment process where evidence, results and materials were shared for the investigation. Global sustainability consultancy Eunomia Research & Consulting independently investigated the packaging and the claim of being 100% plastic-free, agreeing with the claim. Notpla uses natural extracts found in seaweed which provide the grease and moisture resistance required by food boxes for performing their function without any chemical modification. Conventional containers, as well as bioplastic alternatives, usually contain petrol-based coatings that do not biodegrade and can release harmful toxins. Notpla’s seaweed-based solution can be recycled with existing paper streams or composted at home. As the packaging is 100% plastic-free, the plastic tax does not apply, meaning that businesses and consumers will see an immediate benefit. Notpla has also announced that it is collaborating with Dutch manufacturer Conpax to distribute plastic-free food packaging throughout the Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) market. This collaboration aims to replace a minimum of 15 million items of single-use plastics that are thrown away every day in the Netherlands. Pierre Paslier, co-founder of Notpla, said: “We are thrilled to have our seaweed-based coating recognised as fully compliant with the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, and being the first to pass the most rigorous assessments in Europe, through the ILT analysis… This sets Notpla apart and aligns perfectly with our mission to reduce society’s dependence on plastic.” Roy Suiskens, director of Conpax, added: “We are very pleased with the cooperation between Notpla and Conpax as it ensures the availability of unique seaweed-coated folding carton products in the Benelux. From our own facilities in the Netherlands, we will design, manufacture and supply new sustainable single-use products made from Notpla coated board and distribute this to the Benelux market who are calling out for this exact solution.”