The Notpla Pipette is a single‑serve, 10 ml dispenser made from a biodegradable material derived entirely from seaweed. The flexible, paper‑like tube holds extra‑virgin olive oil or other liquid flavors and releases a controlled drip when the user pinches and twists the nib before squeezing . Because the packaging is 100 % natural, home‑compostable and even edible, it eliminates the plastic waste associated with traditional squeeze bottles.
Notpla’s seaweed‑based film was created to replace single‑use plastics in food, beauty and household products. The company’s “mission to make packaging disappear” relies on low‑impact plant materials that break down within weeks in a compost environment, avoiding the long‑term persistence of conventional plastics . The material earned the 2022 Earthshot Prize, a climate award founded by Prince William, recognizing its potential to reduce plastic pollution.
Designer Name: Notpla
The pipette entered the UK market in partnership with the specialty food brand Citizens of Soil. Their “vibrant and peppery” Spanish extra‑virgin olive oil is now sold in the Notpla Pipette at a suggested retail price of £1.50 for a 10 ml serving . Retailers and food‑service operators can offer the convenient portion size while promoting a zero‑waste narrative. The design is especially suited to premium oils because the seaweed film does not leach chemicals, a common issue with many compostable alternatives.
Using the pipette is simple: a consumer pinches the tip to release the protective seal, twists the nib to open, and gently squeezes to drizzle the oil directly onto a dish or into a recipe. The precise flow helps avoid over‑pouring, reduces food waste, and enhances the dining experience for home cooks and chefs alike . Beyond olive oil, Notpla markets the pipette for dressings, sauces, beauty serums and other liquid products that benefit from single‑use, portion‑controlled packaging. Packs are available in quantities of 12, 64 or 250 units, allowing brands to scale the solution for both boutique and mass‑market applications.
Environmental impact data highlight the advantage of seaweed as a feedstock: it grows rapidly, sequesters carbon during cultivation and requires minimal freshwater or fertilizers. When composted, the pipette returns to the soil without leaving micro‑plastics, supporting circular‑economy goals and aligning with the European Union’s Single‑Use Plastics Directive, which recognises Notpla’s material as the first plastic‑free alternative.
Consumer interest in sustainable packaging continues to rise, with surveys indicating that over 70 % of shoppers are willing to pay a premium for eco‑friendly options. The Notpla Pipette meets this demand by combining functionality, premium branding and a clear environmental story, making it an attractive choice for brands seeking to differentiate in a crowded market. As the product gains traction, Notpla plans to expand the pipette’s material palette and increase production capacity, aiming for large‑scale rollout in early 2025 . For environmentally conscious consumers and businesses, the seaweed‑based pipette offers a tangible step toward reducing single‑use plastic while preserving the quality and convenience of liquid foods.
Dining and Cooking