Nice to meet you!
Got questions? We've got answers, and lots of 'em. Check our most frequently asked questions below. If you still don't find what you're looking for, please reach out – we're friendly!
FAQs
Can I eat Sway packaging?
While Sway products are nontoxic, please refrain from eating them. Nori is a much better option.
Do Sway products smell like seaweed?
Nope! While we love pretty much everything about seaweed, our packaging is designed to keep the goods inside fresh, clean, and seaweed scent-free.
How does seaweed turn into "plastic"?
Sway sources seaweed from ocean farms and processors. Farmers harvest and dry the seaweed, and processors extract its natural polymers. We blend these polymers with renewable starches and sugars, then transform this proprietary formulation into resin and films with the help of manufacturers.
Where does the seaweed come from?
We source seaweed from a global network of vetted ocean farms and processors who cultivate seaweed responsibly.
Is there enough seaweed in the world?
Yes, and it’s a growing industry! Annual seaweed cultivation has increased to over 35 million metric tons worldwide – more than doubling in the last decade.
What kind of seaweed does Sway use?
Ocean-farmed macroalgae. As part of our sustainability strategy, Sway works with a variety of seaweed species from around the world, all of which are responsibly cultivated in ocean farms. This way, we avoid over-reliance on any one region or on any single species, and can help support the positive impacts of expanded seaweed cultivation.
How does Sway support the seaweed industry?
Sway works closely with partner farms and processors to contribute to new research around the impacts of seaweed farming including biodiversity, water quality, carbon sequestration, and social impact. Through these partnerships, we ensure the benefits of seaweed farming are prioritized as demand rises. Read more on our Impact page.
How do I dispose of Sway packaging?
Composting is the way to go! Throw it in your home compost, green bin, or any other compost method available. Municipal offerings, farm programs, or private services are often available locally.
What if I don't compost?
While composting is the most planet-positive disposal method, we’ve designed our products with reality in mind. When compost isn’t an option, Sway products can be disposed of and sent to landfill, where they behave similarly to a fruit peel.
Why are compostable materials important?
We could speak infinitely to this point, but we’ll keep it simple.
1) Plastic is being produced at an alarming rate. Plastics production has reached a whopping 400 million metric tonnes globally each year.
2) More plastic = more petroleum. If trends in oil consumption and plastics production continue as expected, plastics will account for 20% of total oil consumption by 2050.
3) Plastic recycling isn’t working. Less than 10% of all global plastics produced have been recycled, with most accumulating in landfills or flowing into nature. Under 1% of plastic bags are recycled, with the vast majority of thin film plastics rejected by curbside recycling programs. When thin-film plastic does end up in recycling centers, it’s difficult to sort and clog machines.
4) Compostable packaging solves these issues, while enabling biological circularity. In-line with the circular economy principles as defined by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, compostable materials can prevent waste, circulate materials, and regenerate nature. That means less petroleum, toxins, and pollution, while creating value at every step!
What is resin?
Today’s plastic industry relies on resin: petroleum-based pellets that are melted and formed into finished products through global manufacturing systems.
What is thin film?
Flexible plastic film is under 10mil thick, typically made from polyethylene resin (LDPE or HDPE). Examples include shopping bags, polybags, bubble wrap, food wrappers, and cling wrap.
What is TPSea Flex™ Film made from?
Seaweed, plants, and compostable polymers. We're currently working on a 100% biobased TPSea Flex™ Film, and plan to launch it in the near future. Until then, this home compostable material made with regenerative and renewable ingredients is a huge step in the journey away from traditional plastics!
How can I get involved?
We're stoked you love Sway! The best way to support our mission is by championing our work. Join our community on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, and spread the word about seaweed and compostable materials!
• Are you a brand interested in our products? Join our waitlist!
• Are you a seaweed supplier interested in joing Sway's sourcing network? Introduce yourself!
• Are you a manufacturer interested in working with Sway materials? Tell us about your operation!
• Interested in joining the team? Check our Career page for openings!
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