Notpla, the award-winning sustainable packaging innovator, is returning to its roots at Imperial College London to lead efforts in reducing single-use plastics across the university’s catering operations. The partnership forms part of Imperial’s Sustainable Imperial Plan, a comprehensive initiative aimed at providing evidence-based solutions to tackle climate change. Through this collaboration, Imperial seeks to promote the adoption of innovative technologies, challenge conventional approaches to sustainability, and set a strong example for environmentally responsible practices across all its campuses.
Notpla’s seaweed-based, home-compostable foodservice packaging is now being used across Imperial College London’s campus food and drink outlets, marking a full-circle moment for the company. Notpla was born out of Imperial’s Master’s program in invention, design, and engineering, where co-founders Pierre Paslier and Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez developed their first product concept, the edible liquid bubble Ooho, and began their mission to transform packaging using sustainable materials.
During their growth period, the Notpla team progressed their ideas with help from such Imperial programs. This collaboration is a natural fit for Imperial, known for its promise of ecological sustainability, driven by ever-increasing student demand and its portfolio of exceptional sustainability-focused research. The university is embracing Notpla’s advanced packaging options as part of its broader Sustainable Imperial initiative, proclaimed in its Science for Humanity strategy, in 2024. Inventiveness is also reiterated in Imperial’s sustainable food and drink policy 2026-2031, launched in September 2025.
“To realize our packaging now being utilized at Imperial, where the journey started for us, is incredibly meaningful. It represents how universities can lead by example, helping innovation, closing the loop, and humanizing the next generation at the same time,” expresses Pierre Paslier, Co-Founder of Notpla.
The partnership highlights Imperial’s wider sustainability goals to reduce the environmental impact of its operations while promoting innovation within its own community. It aims to empower graduates to lead the fight against climate change, leveraging Imperial’s research expertise and resources to accelerate sustainable solutions for both industry and society.
Imperial’s President, Professor Hugh Brady, stated: “Notpla demonstrates how science and enterprise can tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, helping businesses replace millions of pieces of single-use plastic. It’s a proud moment to see Notpla come full circle, from students with big ideas to entrepreneurs scaling their business within our ecosystem and now contributing to our sustainability efforts on campus. We are delighted that Rodrigo and Pierre remain part of the Imperial community.”
23 January 2026
23 January 2026
23 January 2026
23 January 2026