Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental challenges today, and traditional bottled water contributes massively to this problem. In the UK, a startup called Notpla (formerly Skipping Rocks Lab) developed Ooho, an edible water bubble made from seaweed. These biodegradable water capsules are designed to replace single-use plastic bottles, offering a sustainable, eco-friendly way to drink water.
What Is Ooho?
Ooho is a flexible, tasteless water bubble made from natural seaweed extract. Unlike plastic bottles, it decomposes naturally within 4–6 weeks, leaving no harmful residue. It was created to provide a safe, eco-friendly alternative to plastic, usable by adults and children alike.
How Is Ooho Made?
Ooho uses a method called spherification:
- Water or juice is encapsulated in a calcium chloride solution to form a soft jelly layer.
- This layer is then coated with a natural seaweed extract to strengthen the membrane.
The result is a completely edible bubble that can hold up to 150ml of liquid.
Who Can Use Ooho?
Ooho is suitable for everyone — children, teens, adults, and athletes. Kids can safely drink it at school events, sports activities, or festivals because it is made from natural, non-toxic seaweed. Athletes and event participants use it as a portable hydration source without needing plastic bottles.
Safety of Ooho
- Edible and tasteless: Safe for kids and adults
- Chemical-free: No BPA or plastic contamination
- Biodegradable: Fully decomposes in weeks, reducing environmental impact
Real-World Applications
- Sports & Festivals: Runners and participants use Ooho for hydration, eliminating plastic waste.
- Food & Beverages: Companies experiment with Ooho to package juices, sauces, and condiments.
- Vending Machines: Eco-friendly hydration solutions for offices, schools, and urban areas.
Environmental Benefits
- Biodegradable: Breaks down in weeks, not centuries
- Sustainable Materials: Made from renewable seaweed
- Plastic Reduction: Significantly reduces single-use plastic waste
UK Startups Driving Ooho
- Notpla is the pioneer, based in London, leading innovation in edible water capsules.
- Other startups are exploring Ooho’s applications across the UK and Ireland, including food packaging and beverage solutions.
- The UK government supports green innovation via grants and accelerator programs, helping startups scale sustainably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ooho safe for kids?
Yes, it is fully edible, tasteless, and made from natural seaweed.
Can Ooho contain liquids other than water?
Yes, juices, sauces, and other beverages can be encapsulated.
Where can I find Ooho products?
Available at select UK events, festivals, and through Notpla’s official website.
How long does it take to decompose?
Ooho decomposes naturally in 4–6 weeks.
Who started Ooho?
Developed by Notpla (formerly Skipping Rocks Lab), a London-based startup focused on sustainable packaging.
Ooho represents a breakthrough in sustainable hydration. UK startups like Notpla are demonstrating how innovation can replace plastic bottles with safe, edible water bubbles. Suitable for kids and adults, Ooho reduces plastic waste, creates new jobs, and promotes eco-friendly solutions across the UK and Ireland.
For more updates on UK startups and cutting-edge innovations, keep following beststartup.uk your ultimate guide to the future of sustainable technology. Learn more about Ooho nd its edible water bubbles
