In the Netherlands, a seaweed-based plastic that is best known for winning Prince of Wales’ Earthshot Prize in 2022 has been named the first—and only—plastic-free material by the European Union. The designation was awarded after a nearly year-long verification process by the EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive and exempts the material from the Netherlands’ 25-cent tax on single-use plastics.
Notpla’s material is comprised of natural extracts from seaweed and doesn’t require any chemical modifications. Company co-founder Pierre-Yves Paslier said the recognition “sets Notpla apart and aligns perfectly with [its] mission to reduce society’s dependence on plastic. We look forward to helping Dutch restaurant owners meet their plastic reduction goals.”
The Prince of Wales launched the Earthshot Prize in 2020. The prize will hand out £50 million over 10 years to organizations working to address the world’s most persistent environmental problems.