PODCAST: Taking The Plastic Out Of Packaging with Kelpi

Episode Title: Taking The Plastic Out Of Packaging with Kelpi

Guest: Hugo Adams, CEO of Kelpi

Summary:

In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Hugo Adams, CEO of Kelpi, to discuss how the company is using seaweed-based coatings to replace fossil fuel-derived plastics in packaging. Hugo explains how Kelpi combines seaweed carbohydrates with vegetable oils to create high-performance barrier coatings for paper, card, and fiber packaging that are designed to be recyclable and biodegradable.

The conversation explores the challenge of small-format flexible packaging, particularly sachets and multilayer laminates, which are difficult to recycle and can contribute to plastic pollution. Hugo shares Kelpi’s journey from research and development to industrial-scale production, highlighting the importance of an agile team, collaborative manufacturing partners, and real-world testing.

Cory and Hugo also discuss Kelpi’s partnerships with L’Oréal and Amcor, the company’s B Corp certification, and its recent U.S. FDA food-contact clearance. These milestones demonstrate how emerging biomaterials can move from promising concepts toward commercial applications.

The episode also explores why established brands and packaging manufacturers need to embrace external innovation, invest in emerging technologies, and work collaboratively to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuel-based plastics. Hugo emphasizes that the industry has a shared opportunity to reduce plastic pollution and protect the oceans through innovation, validation, and collaboration.

Resources Mentioned:

Kelpi: https://www.kelpi.net/

Ellen MacArthur Foundation: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/

PaperFlex Consortium:

• https://www.paperflexconsortium.org/
• https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/press-release-the-paperflex-consortium-launched-to-accelerate-paper-based-flexible-packaging-innovation

L’Oréal — Beyond Plastic Challenge: https://www.kelpi.net/news

L’Oréal — L’Accelerator Program: https://www.kelpi.net/news/kelpi-loreal-laccelerator-program

Amcor — Kelpi Partnership: https://www.kelpi.net/news/kelpi-amcor-partnership-fiber-packaging

Sustainable Packaging Coalition: https://sustainablepackaging.org/

Sustainable Packaging Summit — Utrecht: https://www.packagingsummit.earth/

Specialty Papers: https://www.specialtypaperconference.com/home

Contact:
Listeners interested in connecting with Hugo Adams are encouraged to reach out via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugoadams/

Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors, presented by Atlantic Packaging.

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