Innovators like Ecovative Design are turning agricultural waste into robust, compostable packaging through mycelium growth—creating a sustainable substitute for Styrofoam and beyond 
Similarly, researchers in India at IIT Madras are cultivating mycelium composites that outperform traditional plastic foams in strength, water resistance, and biodegradability. 

Seaweed, Algae & Ocean-Sourced Alternatives

Materials derived from seaweed, red algae, and other marine biomass are garnering attention:

MarinaTex, a bioplastic made from red algae and fishery waste, offers biodegradability within 4–6 weeks in home compost environments and stronger durability than LDPE 

Seaweed-based packaging players like Evoware and Notpla are creating edible or compostable options for single‑use wrappers, condiments, and takeaway systems 

Futamura’s NatureFlex is a compostable cellulose film used in food packaging and labels. It’s transparent, home-compostable, and energy-efficient to produce 

Similarly, pulp-based molding innovations—like PaperFoam® and Fiber‑Forming—provide tactile, biodegradable packaging solutions across multiple applications

Edible and Biodegradable Packaging

Edible packaging using seaweed (e.g., Eucheuma cottonii) and other biodegradable materials is gaining traction for convenience items 

A notable innovation is the Kodo millet-based edible cups, developed at IIT Roorkee, which are structurally robust and compostable—offering a low-waste alternative for food and beverage containers

Innovative Bioplastics & Bioweaves

Sulapac® from Finland combines plant-based binders with bio-materials to create fully industrially compostable, food-safe packaging 

Startups like Algenesis (algae-based plastics), MakeGrowLab (food-waste-derived biomaterials), Malai Biomaterials (coir-based textiles), and Impershield (plant-based coatings) are pushing the envelope in material innovation 

Further reading