Transforming Plastics with Seaweed (with Julia Marsh @ Sway)

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Disclaimer: For full disclosure, Sway is a portfolio company at Climate Capital. Our guest host, Dimitry Gershenson, is the co-founder and CEO of one of our portcos, Enduring Planet.

CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.

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Plastics are a climate issue — and Sway is tackling it head-on. On this week’s CC Pod, host Dimitry Gershenson sits down with Julia Marsh, Co-founder & CEO of Sway, a California-based materials startup scaling seaweed-based, home-compostable packaging. Their patented tech mimics the performance of plastic, plugs into existing infrastructure, and decomposes into healthy soil. Alongside Co-founder & COO Matthew Mayes, the team has developed patented tech that matches the performance of plastic, integrates into existing infrastructure, and decomposes into healthy soil.

Julia shares her journey as an "ocean kid" from the Monterey Bay area, where her love for the ocean and design converged to inspire her work at Sway. The company’s patented products aim to replicate the performance attributes of conventional plastics while being environmentally friendly. Unlike traditional plastics, Sway’s materials are derived from abundant, regenerative seaweed, which decomposes into healthy soil after use, making them a sustainable alternative.

The episode delves into the significant challenges posed by plastic pollution, especially flexible plastics, which account for a vast majority of plastic waste. Julia highlights that over 5 trillion bags, wrappers, and pouches are produced annually, with less than 3% being recycled. This staggering statistic underscores the urgency of Sway's mission.

Sway's innovative approach utilizes various types of responsibly farmed seaweed, allowing the company to avoid over-reliance on a single species. The seaweed is processed into pellets that can be used in existing plastic manufacturing systems, enabling a seamless transition to more sustainable materials. Julia explains the complex process of blown film extrusion, where these pellets are transformed into films for products like grocery bags and packaging materials.

Throughout the conversation, Julia emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. She recounts the arduous journey of developing a viable product, which involved numerous trials and iterations. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and community support, she notes that the climate tech sector fosters a unique spirit of camaraderie among entrepreneurs.

Listeners are encouraged to support Sway by following their journey on social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. This episode not only sheds light on Sway's groundbreaking work but also serves as an inspiring reminder of the potential for innovation in the fight against climate change.

To learn more about Sway, visit https://swaythefuture.com/.

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