Sway develops seaweed-based materials that serve as compostable alternatives to traditional plastics, specifically targeting flexible packaging applications. By utilizing natural polymers from seaweed, Sway addresses plastic pollution and promotes a circular economy through regenerative design principles.
Funding
$7.1M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
+3Founders
Product
Problem
The pervasive use of traditional thin-film plastics in packaging contributes significantly to environmental pollution, with millions of tons ending up in oceans annually. These plastics, often derived from fossil fuels, persist in the environment and disrupt ecosystems. The fashion industry alone uses an estimated 180 billion thin-film polybags each year, exacerbating the problem.
Solution
Sway provides a compostable alternative to traditional plastics by harnessing the natural polymers found in seaweed. Their seaweed-based materials can be processed using existing plastic manufacturing equipment to create films for polybags, wrappers, and pouches. Sway's materials are designed to mimic the qualities of plastic without the environmental downsides, embodying a circular economy approach by designing out waste and regenerating natural systems. The resulting product is a regenerative thin-film plastic replacement that can break down in a backyard compost.
Target Audience
Sway targets apparel and outdoor brands seeking sustainable packaging solutions, as well as companies looking to reduce their reliance on traditional plastics and promote environmental responsibility.
Features
- Utilizes seaweed, a low-input feedstock that doesn't require land, freshwater, or fertilizer
- Patent-pending melt-processable seaweed resin suitable for producing films
- Can be manufactured using existing plastic manufacturing equipment
- Material is stronger than low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
- Can be produced in clear form or with colors and textures derived from the seaweed itself
- Biodegrades quickly in backyard compost environments