Founded in 2019, Marine Innovation is on a mission to eliminate single-use plastics through cutting-edge, seaweed-based alternatives. Backed by over a decade of R&D in algae-derived materials, the company has developed a proprietary process that physically separates the components of algae by-product—unlocking a new era of sustainable, scalable, and biodegradable packaging solutions.
We sat down with Chan Wan Young, Founder and CEO of Marine Innovation, to discuss the company’s revolutionary work, the road to commercialization, and his unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.

Transforming Markets with Seaweed-Based Packaging

Q: What are your primary operations and how are you making an impact in the market?

Chan Wan Young: Our innovations are already making commercial waves across various sectors—from food and cosmetics to retail and consumer electronics. We’re seeing heightened global awareness around plastic pollution, and over 50 countries are now implementing regulatory frameworks to reduce waste. That momentum is aligning perfectly with our solutions.

We’ve built a solid base in Korea and are gaining traction with major global brands and leading chemical and food companies. Notably, we’ve formed a strategic partnership with SK Innovation, a global leader in energy, which is investing $500 million to help us scale and commercialize our seaweed-based solutions.

Our business spans B2B, B2C, and B2G channels across both online and offline platforms. We began with eco-friendly egg trays and cartons and are now expanding into molded pulp and paper packaging. As awareness grows around sustainable consumption, the packaging industry is primed for disruption—and we’re at the forefront.

Our seaweed packaging has applications in food & beverage, personal care, industrial packaging, electronics, and even construction. The versatility and eco-friendliness of this material offer massive global potential.

The Inspiration Behind the Innovation

Q: What motivated you to start Marine Innovation?

Growing up in Busan, a coastal city, I’ve always felt connected to the ocean. While working in Indonesia, I witnessed the devastating impact of plastic pollution firsthand—beaches buried in trash, marine ecosystems suffering. It was a turning point for me. I realized that if no one else would act, I had to.
When I began discussing plastic alternatives 15 years ago, many scoffed—calling plastic a “miracle material.” But I believed there had to be a better way. Our team shares that vision, and Marine Innovation was born out of a deep desire to develop sustainable, naturally sourced alternatives that don’t sacrifice performance for eco-friendliness.

Success Anchored in Strong Values

Q: What has been the key to your success so far?

We don’t just talk about sustainability—we act on it. Our innovation isn’t just technological; it’s value-driven. At Marine Innovation, our eco-criteria are clear: our products must be biodegradable, plant-based, free from harmful chemicals, and non-toxic during and after use.

This is not just a business; it’s a mission to protect the future of our planet. We believe that small steps, taken collectively, can lead to measurable, lasting change. Our commitment to these values resonates deeply with partners and customers alike.

Technology That Outperforms

Q: How is your seaweed process technology different from others?

What sets us apart is our patented chemical-free extraction process that utilizes seaweed by-product instead of raw algae. This not only minimizes ecological disruption but also allows us to create multiple high-quality materials from a single source—turning waste into value. It’s a closed-loop innovation model that aligns perfectly with circular economy goals.

Overcoming Early Challenges

Q: What challenges did you face in the early stages?

The greatest challenge was market perception and pricing. Eco-friendly products are often seen as costly, and many consumers and businesses were hesitant. Additionally, gaining certifications and meeting international sustainable standards required time, effort, and significant investment.

Government regulation remains a critical enabler. We need more policies to ban harmful plastics and incentivize green alternatives. Once large corporations and policymakers step up, it creates a ripple effect across industries.

Innovations in the Pipeline

Q: Do you have new products or launches in the works?

Absolutely. We’re advancing our R&D efforts into next-gen packaging and consumer goods. One of our most promising developments is a seaweed-based paper cup, coated with chitosan, an eco-friendly biopolymer. This cup offers the same durability and functionality as traditional PE-coated cups—but at a competitive price point and with zero plastic waste.

We’re also exploring more applications across consumer electronics, cosmetics, and household care, with the goal of establishing seaweed-based materials as the go-to alternative worldwide.

A Complete, End-to-End Sustainable Solution

Q: How is Marine Innovation delivering value across the full product lifecycle?

Our products are 100% biodegradable within 90 days, contain zero chemicals, and are manufactured using environmentally safe processes. We offer businesses a cost-effective, high-performance alternative that meets growing consumer demands for green materials.

From material innovation to finished packaging, we provide an end-to-end ecosystem that supports our partners’ sustainability goals while helping them reduce costs in the long term.

The Road Ahead

Q: Where do you envision Marine Innovation in the next few years?

We are scaling aggressively to meet global demand. Expansion plans include localized operations in France, Sweden, and Bahrain, as well as increased production capacity and strategic partnerships.
Our long-term mission is to reshape the global packaging industry, drive adoption of sustainable materials, and make environmental responsibility a core business standard across sectors. Through awareness, innovation, and education, we’re turning our vision into action.

Recognitions and Milestones

Marine Innovation has amassed 54 patents across technology, trademarks, and designs. Our work has earned multiple honors, including:

    • Presidential Citation at Korea’s Marine Day 2021
    • 6 Ministerial Prizes at domestic sustainability events
    • WorldStar Global Packaging Award 2021
    • AsiaStar 2020 – “Best of the Best in Asia”
    • Finalist at Expo 2020 Dubai, selected for Expo Live, which supports innovations improving lives while protecting the planet

Message to Future Entrepreneurs

To the next generation: our values must extend beyond profits. Climate change and environmental degradation threaten all of us. My motivation came not from ambition but from fatherhood—I simply want my children to grow up in a world that’s clean, safe, and hopeful.

Sustainability starts with awareness, and awareness must lead to action. Seaweed-based materials offer a real, accessible alternative. The time to switch is now.

About the Visionary Behind Marine Innovation

Chan Wan Young, Founder and CEO of Marine Innovation, holds a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and has deep experience in manufacturing and international trade. His career has spanned global roles, including field research on seaweed farming in Southeast Asia. His leadership and dedication to environmental innovation earned him the Presidential Award in 2021 for his outstanding contribution to marine-based sustainability.

Company Name: Marine Innovation
Founder and CEO: Chan Wan Young