Summary:
11 metric tons of plastic enter oceans annually, harming marine life.
Julia Marsh's kitchen experiments led to the founding of Sway.
Sway will launch compostable polybags for the fashion industry.
Conventional plastics cause severe environmental damage.
Sway's bags showed 60 days decomposition in tests, seeking backyard certification.
The Plastic Problem
According to the UN Environment Programme, nearly 11 metric tons of plastic enter the oceans each year, posing a significant threat to marine life, including turtles, fish, and seabirds. Discarded plastics often lead to entanglement or ingestion, resulting in fatal consequences for these creatures.
A Journey Begins
Six years ago, Julia Marsh embarked on a journey in her Brooklyn kitchen, experimenting with seaweed-derived powder to create compostable plastics. What started as a curious experiment transformed into a mission to combat the rising tide of single-use plastics.
Founding Sway
In 2020, Marsh co-founded Sway, a startup in San Leandro, aiming to replace conventional plastic packaging with eco-friendly alternatives. This year, Sway will debut its fully compostable seaweed-based polybags in collaboration with four fashion brands.
The Impact of Conventional Plastics
Traditional polybags are notorious for breaking down into microplastics, which infiltrate waterways and the food chain. Marcus Eriksen from the 5 Gyres Institute highlights the urgent need to address this pollution, as many animals mistakenly consume our trash.
A Personal Connection to the Ocean
Marsh's connection to the ocean inspires her work. She recalls her father's advice, emphasizing the importance of respecting the ocean and its ecosystems. This personal history drives her commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Collaborating for Change
Sway partners with brands like Alex Crane, which prioritizes renewable materials. Aaron Smith, COO of Alex Crane, emphasizes the inconsistency in sustainability when products are delivered in plastic bags. Other partners include Florence, founded by surfing champion John John Florence, who is motivated by firsthand experiences with ocean pollution.
Testing and Certification
Not all plastic alternatives are created equal. While many require industrial composting, tests from Cold Creek Compost show that Sway’s bags decompose nearly completely within 60 days. The company is pursuing certification for backyard composting compatibility.
Sourcing Ethically
Marsh's journey took her to Indonesia, a leading seaweed producer, where she learned about sustainable aquaculture practices. Sway sources seaweed globally, and sourcing specialist Catherine O’Hare is developing a scorecard to ensure ethical practices among suppliers.
The Challenge Ahead
Despite the launch of compostable bags, the fashion industry still relies heavily on conventional polybags. Marsh acknowledges the challenges ahead but remains optimistic: "Plastic production is only increasing. I believe in a future where seaweed becomes a mainstream part of daily life."
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