PlantSea
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersGaerwen, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
PlantSea firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- PlantSea
- Legal name
- PlantSea Ltd
- Website
- https://plantsea.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
PlantSea industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Sustainable Packaging Materials
- NAICS
- Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing (326), Other Paperboard Container Manufacturing (322219)
- SIC
- Plastics Products, Nec (3089), Papers & Allied Products (2600), Industrial Organic Chemicals (2860)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Petrochemical & Polymerization Catalysts (IMAEAIAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Compostable & Bio-based Flexible Films and Sheet (extrusion/cast/blown) (IMANANAC), Compostable & Bio-Based Packaging (PLA/PHA, Starch Blends, Cellulose Films) (IMALAMAB), Bio-based Packaging Materials (molded fiber, bio-barrier coatings, compostables) (IMAMALAI), Seaweed & Algae Aquaculture (incl. microalgae) (AFAEAAAE)
Keywords
Where PlantSea is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Gaerwen
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
PlantSea business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Seaweed Polymer Film Sales: Sale of seaweed-based plastic-free polymer film to film manufacturers and brand owners. Within 12 months of the seed round, polymer sales to leading manufacturers were targeted. Paid pilots with global brands are already underway.
- B2C Seaweed Paper and Packaging Products: Direct-to-consumer and SMB sales of seaweed paper, greeting cards, gift wrap, business stationery, and custom packaging through the e-commerce storefront (plantsea.co.uk/shop) and Etsy store.
- Custom/Made-to-Order Packaging: B2B and B2C sales of custom boxes, sleeves, business cards, flyers, and greeting cards made from seaweed paper. Pricing available per unit/quantity with bulk discounts.
- Licensing of Technology: Longer-term strategy includes licensing the seaweed polymer technology to film manufacturers and brand owners, making it a plastic-free alternative to PVOH at commercial scale.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Môr Seaweed Paper — standard seaweed paper available in multiple sizes and weights |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Artisan Seaweed Paper — limited edition seaweed paper in 90, 140, 280 GSM |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | PlantSea Sample Pack — mixed paper samples for evaluation |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Seaweed Paper Bags — pack of 10 eco-friendly bags |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Custom Greeting Cards — made-to-order seaweed paper cards |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Custom Business Cards — made-to-order seaweed paper business cards |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Custom Flyers — made-to-order seaweed paper flyers |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Seaweed Greeting Cards — retail greeting cards made from seaweed paper |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Charity Greeting Cards — seaweed paper cards with proceeds to Sea Trust Wales |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Gift Wrap — seaweed paper gift wrap |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Custom Box — made-to-order seaweed paper box |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Custom Box Sleeve — made-to-order seaweed paper sleeve |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Multi-year contract | B2B Seaweed Polymer Film — commercial polymer for film manufacturers |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
PlantSea product offering
Product offeringCore offering
PlantSea manufactures and sells seaweed-derived biomaterials through two product lines: (1) PlantSea Capsule, a plastic-free, water-soluble biopolymer film sold B2B to industrial film manufacturers as a drop-in replacement for petroleum-based PVOH/PVA in laundry capsules, dishwashing tablets, and personal care packaging; and (2) PlantSea Paper, a range of seaweed-paper and packaging products (sheets, labels, bags, boxes, greeting cards, business stationery, gift wrap, and made-to-order custom packaging) sold through its own e-commerce store and Etsy to consumers and SMBs.
Product overview
PlantSea is a materials technology company developing seaweed-based biomaterials as alternatives to petroleum-derived plastics. The product portfolio comprises two core product lines: (1) PlantSea Capsule — a seaweed-derived soluble polymer film that replaces PVOH/PVA in laundry capsules, dishwashing tablets, and personal care packaging, and (2) PlantSea Paper — a range of papers and packaging products (labels, bags, boxes, greeting cards, business stationery) made from sustainably sourced Scottish seaweed and FSC wood fibres. The capsule technology is the primary innovation targeting industrial film manufacturers, while the paper products utilize waste seaweed from film manufacturing in a circular economy model. All products are designed to be biodegradable, compostable, and marine-safe.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- PlantSea Capsule (seaweed-derived soluble polymer film) Plastic-free, water-soluble biopolymer film made from seaweed via a proprietary biorefining process, sold B2B to film manufacturers and brand owners as a drop-in replacement for PVOH/PVA in laundry capsules, dishwashing tablets, personal care packaging, and refill sachets. Dissolves completely in warm water with no microplastic residue; runs on existing filling and sealing lines.
- PlantSea Paper Seaweed-infused paper made from upcycled seaweed waste combined with FSC wood fibres, sold to eco-conscious consumers and small businesses via the PlantSea e-commerce store and Etsy. Available in multiple weights (80, 90, 140, 250, 280 GSM) and sizes (A4, A5, A6, B1, B2, SRA2, SRA3) under Môr and Artisan variants, with distinctive sea-inspired texture and scent.
- PlantSea Labels Multi-sensory labels made from seaweed paper for packaging applications, OPRL certified for recycling and designed for sustainability-led brands.
- Môr Seaweed Paper Standard-grade seaweed paper sold in A4, B1, B2, and SRA3 sizes at 80, 140, and 250 GSM weights for designers, printers, and small businesses seeking sustainable paper stock.
- Artisan Seaweed Paper Limited-edition specialty seaweed paper in 90, 140, and 280 GSM weights and A4/SRA2 sizes, designed for premium print, design, and craft applications.
- Seaweed Paper Bags Pack of 10 eco-friendly paper bags (250 x 90 x 25mm, 90gsm) made from seaweed fibres and FSC wood fibres, sold for sustainable retail and gifting use.
- Custom Box (made-to-order) Custom-made sustainable boxes from seaweed paper designed for luxury product packaging, with natural textures and delicate hues for premium presentation. Quote-based for bulk orders.
- Custom Box Sleeve (made-to-order) Custom sleeves crafted from seaweed paper, tailored to fit specific box dimensions with customisable design options for sustainable premium packaging.
- Seaweed Greeting Cards Retail greeting cards made from OPRL-certified recyclable seaweed paper with sea-inspired texture, available in packs of 1 or 4 for eco-conscious gifting.
- Charity Greeting Cards (supporting Sea Trust Wales) Greeting cards made from recyclable seaweed paper sold in packs of 1 or 3, with 100% of proceeds supporting Sea Trust Wales' marine life protection mission.
- Custom Greeting Cards (made-to-order) Custom-printed greeting cards on seaweed paper with organic seaweed flecks, fully compostable, sold in quantities of 20–500 for brands and individuals.
- Custom Business Cards (made-to-order) Custom business cards printed on eco-friendly, recyclable, fully compostable seaweed paper with natural texture, sold in quantities to businesses and individuals.
- Custom Flyers (made-to-order) Custom-designed flyers printed on eco-friendly seaweed paper, available in A5/A6 sizes, single or double-sided, in quantities of 50–1,000.
- Gift Wrap Gift wrapping paper made from sustainably sourced Scottish seaweed and FSC wood fibres, featuring a unique sea texture for eco-conscious gifting.
- PlantSea Sample Pack Mixed sample pack of seaweed paper variants in 80–280 GSM across Môr and Artisan lines plus a printed flyer, designed for designers and buyers to evaluate the range.
Quantifiable outcome
- Only 25% of PVA/PVOH breaks down during wastewater treatment; PlantSea's seaweed film dissolves completely in warm water leaving no microplastic residue.
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use PlantSea
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
PlantSea technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
PlantSea partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- CPI (Centre for Process Innovation)coreIndustrial partner in the Royce Institute collaboration. CPI provides access to expertise and specialist industrial equipment to help PlantSea scale its biorefining process and prepare for industrial trials.
- AberInnovation (Aberystwyth University)coreR&D hub at Aberystwyth University where PlantSea launched in 2020. PlantSea originated as a small seaweed project during the 2020 lockdown at this facility. CNN filming for the Blueprint series took place at AberInnovation.
- Growing Mid WalesminorCoordinates the Agri-tech and Food Technology Cluster programme in partnership with M-Sparc, AberInnovation, AMRC Cymru, Ambition North Wales, and Welsh Government, through which Innovate UK awarded £2.95m to nine projects including PlantSea's seaweed-based sustainable packaging.
- CNNminorFeatured PlantSea on CNN's Blueprint series profiling innovators shaping the future. The segment aired on CNN Business and CNN 10, reaching over 100,000 views and generating significant brand awareness globally.
- Sea Trust WalesminorCharity partner for the Charity Greeting Cards product line. 100% of proceeds from Charity Greeting Cards support Sea Trust Wales in their mission to protect marine life.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves3 records
Expansion highlights7 records
PlantSea competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Notpla: UK-based maker of seaweed-derived packaging (films, sachets, coatings) that dissolves in water. Most direct competitor to PlantSea Capsule, serving similar global CPG brands with seaweed-based film replacements for plastic packaging.
- Sway: California-based startup developing seaweed-based flexible packaging films as plastic alternatives. Closely comparable technology stack (seaweed polymer) and target market (film manufacturers and consumer brands replacing single-use plastic).
- Loliware: US-based maker of seaweed-based straws and single-use packaging products. Overlaps with PlantSea in seaweed biomaterial sourcing and circular end-of-life, though focused on foodservice formats rather than soluble films.
Broad incumbents
- TIPA: Israel-headquartered established developer of compostable packaging films for food and apparel. Competes with PlantSea for brand-owner attention on compostable packaging, but is broader and more mature in flexible films vs. PlantSea's capsule focus.
- Futamura: Established Japanese manufacturer of NatureFlex cellulose-based compostable films. Incumbent in the bio-based flexible film space serving global brand owners, comparable to PlantSea Capsule on use case (drop-in film for CPG) if not on feedstock.
- Kuraray (Mowiflex / Exceval): Japanese chemical major and one of the largest incumbent PVOH/water-soluble film suppliers globally (Mowiflex, Exceval). PlantSea's primary displacement target in laundry capsule film; comparable end-product (water-soluble film for unit-dose packaging) but petrochemical-derived.
- MonoSol (Kuraray): US-based (now Kuraray-owned) global leader in PVOH water-soluble films for laundry/dishwasher pods. The dominant incumbent PlantSea is seeking to displace; comparable product format (soluble unit-dose capsule film) and end customers.
- Tipa (compostable packaging): Already a broad incumbent in compostable packaging, Tipa competes with PlantSea Paper and broader sustainable packaging positioning for premium and luxury brand customers.
Emerging players
- BioPak: Australia-headquartered supplier of compostable foodservice packaging. Comparable in sustainable packaging commercial GTM and certification stack, though serving foodservice rather than soluble-film capsule applications.
- Oceanium: UK-based biotech converting seaweed into bio-based materials and ingredients. Closely comparable in seaweed-feedstock biorefining expertise and UK ecosystem footprint, providing potential supply-chain or technology adjacency to PlantSea.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
PlantSea social profiles
Digital presencePlantSea compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
PlantSea financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
PlantSea leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
PlantSea funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds6 records
Investors6 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
PlantSea M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about PlantSea
What does PlantSea do?
PlantSea manufactures and sells seaweed-derived biomaterials through two product lines: (1) PlantSea Capsule, a plastic-free, water-soluble biopolymer film sold B2B to industrial film manufacturers as a drop-in replacement for petroleum-based PVOH/PVA in laundry capsules, dishwashing tablets, and personal care packaging; and (2) PlantSea Paper, a range of seaweed-paper and packaging products (sheets, labels, bags, boxes, greeting cards, business stationery, gift wrap, and made-to-order custom packaging) sold through its own e-commerce store and Etsy to consumers and SMBs.
Is PlantSea a public or private company?
PlantSea is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was PlantSea founded?
PlantSea was founded in 2020. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is PlantSea based?
PlantSea is headquartered in Gaerwen, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does PlantSea make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Seaweed Polymer Film Sales are the primary driver. The others are B2C Seaweed Paper and Packaging Products, custom/Made-to-Order Packaging and licensing of Technology.
Who are PlantSea's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Notpla, Sway and Loliware. Broad incumbents are TIPA, Futamura, Kuraray (Mowiflex / Exceval), MonoSol (Kuraray) and Tipa (compostable packaging). Emerging players are BioPak and Oceanium.
Does PlantSea have an API?
No public API is recorded for PlantSea.
What industry is PlantSea in?
PlantSea's product category is Sustainable Packaging Materials. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAEAIAB, Petrochemical & Polymerization Catalysts, with a secondary code of IMANANAC, Compostable & Bio-based Flexible Films and Sheet (extrusion/cast/blown). Its NAICS code is 326 and its SIC code is 3089.