Umaro and Sway Receive $1.5M Dept. of Energy Grant to Turn Seaweed Waste into Sustainable Bioplastics

Bay Area companies Umaro Foods and Sway have been awarded a $1.5 million grant by the US Department of Energy to develop sustainable bioplastics from seaweed waste. Umaro extracts protein from seaweed for plant-based foods, producing alginate-rich byproducts that will be repurposed by Sway for their compostable bioplastics. This collaboration aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate environmental impacts, while also creating economic opportunities for coastal communities vulnerable to climate change.

The project leverages the strengths of both startups to address sustainability challenges and enhance the economics of their products. Sway's TPSea™ resin, made from seaweed, is being piloted in the fashion industry for home-compostable packaging and plans to expand into other formats, reducing plastic pollution. The project not only offers functional benefits for bioplastics but also aims to support job creation and economic stability in coastal regions, highlighting the dual utility of seaweed in solving global challenges.