US start - up AlgoteK has developed a brown algae - based plastic that can be dissolved in water and is so environmentally safe it can be eaten . To close pitch meetings, Crinnion will even take a bite out of the material to prove his point. CEO David Crinnion said the material 's applications are vast , from packaging to tampons , and the company has partnered with a bioplastic manufacturer in Oregon to begin mass - production next year . Nevertheless , co - founder David Stickling said effectively marketing the product could prove the company 's biggest challenge .
US start - up AlgoteK has developed a brown algae - based plastic that can be dissolved in water and is so environmentally safe it can be eaten . CEO David Crinnion said the material 's applications are vast , from packaging to tampons , and the company has partnered with a bioplastic manufacturer in Oregon to begin mass - production next year . Nevertheless , co - founder David Stickling said effectively marketing the product could prove the company 's biggest challenge .