Welcome aboard Noriware - Member Interview
2024-09-05
Can you tell us about Noriware and how it started?
I started working with seaweed three years ago. When I found out that it’s a super-fast growing and renewable resource that also supports natural ecosystems, I immediately saw the potential. The idea that we could make plastic alternatives that are 100% biodegradable made it a no-brainer for me. So, I quickly prioritized building a company around this topic, even while finishing my studies, which I completed last April. Now, we’re a team of seven, expected to grow to ten by the end of the year.
What kind of product did you develop?
We developed a technology that allows us to industrially scale our seaweed materials quickly. We're already going to market with a product that's water-soluble, which can be used in the detergent market. Water-soluble means it’s a protective film for detergents, such as those used in washing machine pods. Our product is a PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) replacement. PVA is a fossil-based water-soluble film that is marketed as biodegradable, but the environmental impact when these polymers enter the environment is still uncertain.
What are the main challenges you are facing?
The main challenge changes every week or two. We solve one problem, then move on to the next. Key challenges include team coordination, defining responsibilities, aligning short- and long-term goals, finding funding, commercializing our products, and identifying unique selling propositions that add value. Companies are often reluctant to pay more unless there's an extra feature that justifies the cost.
Why did you decide to join the North Sea Farmers network?
It was mainly because of the network. I saw which companies are members, and I believe it can be hugely beneficial to connect with them, especially in early stages, to build relationships for future collaboration. I believe collaboration is key to utilizing natural materials effectively. Seaweed has enormous potential, and working together is crucial to unlocking it.
Where do you see Noriware in five years?
By the end of this year, we aim to produce pellets with desired properties in an industrial setting. In five years, we want to operate globally, or at least across Europe, as a branded ingredient supplier.
Given your location in Switzerland, a country without access to the sea, how does working with seaweed resonate?
It’s funny because everyone asks that. I became fascinated with seaweed after seeing it for the first time on vacation. It’s not something you encounter daily in Switzerland, so it intrigued me. The shape, feel, and colours of seaweed captivated me, and that’s what drew me into this field.
