Seaweeds as Viable Solution to Single-Use Plastic Dilemma

Julia Marsh

Seaweeds as Viable Solution to Single-Use Plastic Dilemma

04 November 2024 • Share

In this episode, host John Kudos dives into the fascinating world of sustainable design with Julia Marsh, the CEO and Co-founder of Sway, a company making waves in material innovation.

From her beginnings as a design student with a passion for circular materials, Julia shares how she developed a solution to plastic waste using an unlikely resource: seaweed. They discuss Julia’s journey from a graduate thesis to founding Sway, the pivotal moments that shaped her path, and her research trip to Bali and building a team driven by purpose. Discover how seaweed is not only replacing plastic but also supporting ecosystems and coastal communities.

Introduction
Discovering Seaweed as a Plastic Alternative
Studying at SVA & Building a Business from Design
Finding Mentors & Early Influences
The Plastic Crisis & Deciding to Take Action
Co-Founders & Starting the Business
Research Trip to Indonesia & Seaweed Farming
Prototyping in a Garage & Winning Funding
Scaling Up & Industry Interest
The Power of Community & Design-Driven Branding
What's Next for Sway?

I feel oftentimes sustainable products and businesses are sidelined as an afterthought or a category, but it's the way that all business should be done. All business should be regenerative. All business should be circular, because it just makes sense.

Julia Marsh

Seaweeds as Viable Solution to Single-Use Plastic Dilemma

I feel oftentimes sustainable products and businesses are sidelined as an afterthought or a category, but it's the way that all business should be done. All business should be regenerative. All business should be circular, because it just makes sense.

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