# Ecological Seaweed Packaging The Agar Plasticity Uses Algae to Create Biodegradable Wrapping By M | Published 2016-04-19 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seaweed-packaging References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2016/04/19/eco-friendly-packaging-concept-agar-plasticity-seaweed-wins-lexus-design-award-milan-deisgn-week/) & [lexus-int](http://www.lexus-int.com/lexus-design/lexus-design-award/) The Japanese design team AMAM recently took home the Grand Prix for their work on the Agar Plasticity -- a raw, [natural seaweed packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kelp-clothing) constructed using plants as a way to offer an [environmentally friendly alternative to plastic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/huid). The material is constructed using raw ingredients that are [biodegradable](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/echo-pads) and much less harmful on the environment. The Agar Plasticity is a natural material with a gelatinous texture that can be used in a multitude of ways in the realm of packaging. The substance is made using a combination of different algae and seaweed that is in abundance and easily accessible. The material can be used to provide a film coating in place of plastic with a material that is natural, raw and sustainably available. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 50% | Activity: 86% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Biodegradable Packaging:** The rise of biodegradable packaging offers an opportunity for businesses to meet consumer demands for eco-friendly alternatives to plastic. - **Seaweed-based Materials:** The development of seaweed-based materials presents the potential for creating sustainable and natural alternatives to traditional packaging materials. - **Sustainable Packaging Solutions:** The demand for sustainable packaging solutions opens up opportunities for businesses to innovate and provide environmentally-friendly options. ### Where This Applies - **Food and Beverage:** The food and beverage industry can embrace biodegradable packaging to reduce plastic waste and appeal to eco-conscious consumers. - **Cosmetics and Personal Care:** The cosmetics and personal care industry can explore the use of seaweed-based materials to create eco-friendly packaging for their products. - **E-commerce:** The e-commerce industry can adopt sustainable packaging solutions to minimize environmental impact and enhance customer satisfaction. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Seaweed-Crafted Watch Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/id-genve.md) - [Seaweed-Based Takeout Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/just-eat-takeaway.md) - [Plastic-Free Food Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plasticfree-food-packaging.md) - [Eco-Friendly Food Coatings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-coating.md) - [Biodegradable Cheese Packagings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfpacking-cheese.md) - [Compostable Sauce Containers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holy-carp-packaging.md) - [Seafood Waste Bioplastics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natnov-bioscience.md) - [Plant Fiber Supermarket Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/silphie-packaging.md) - [Plant-Based Cooking Films](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banana-pack.md)