It started with a simple but urgent question- what if the solution to plastic pollution was already growing abundantly in our oceans? Founded in 2019, Marine Innovation draws on over a decade of research in algae-derived materials to develop a proprietary process that separates and refines seaweed by-products, unlocking scalable, biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastics and addressing the global packaging crisis at its root.
In this interaction, Chan Wan Young, Founder and CEO of Marine Innovation, shares insights on the company’s journey, technological breakthroughs, and the future of sustainable materials.
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 multiple industries-from food and cosmetics to retail and consumer electronics. With growing global awareness around plastic pollution and regulatory frameworks emerging in over 50 countries, the momentum is clearly shifting toward sustainable alternatives.
We’ve established a strong foundation in Korea and are gaining traction with global brands and leading chemical and food companies. Our strategic partnership with SK Innovation, backed by a $500 million investment, is enabling us to scale and commercialize our solutions effectively.
Our business spans B2B, B2C, and B2G channels across both online and offline platforms. Starting with eco-friendly egg trays and cartons, we are now expanding into molded pulp and paper packaging. As demand for sustainable consumption rises, we believe the packaging industry is on the brink of disruption-and we are positioned at the forefront.
Seaweed-based packaging offers diverse applications across food & beverage, personal care, industrial packaging, electronics, and even construction. Its versatility and eco-friendly nature present massive global potential.
Q: What motivated you to start Marine Innovation?
Chan Wan Young: Growing up in Busan, I always felt a deep connection to the ocean. During my time working in Indonesia, I witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of plastic pollution-beaches buried in waste and marine ecosystems under severe stress. That experience became a turning point.
When I started exploring alternatives over 15 years ago, many dismissed the idea, calling plastic a “miracle material.” But I believed there had to be a better way. Marine Innovation was born from that conviction-to create sustainable, naturally sourced materials without compromising performance.
Q: What has been the key to your success so far?
Chan Wan Young: We don’t just talk about sustainability-we act on it. Our innovation is not only technological but deeply value-driven. Every product we create must meet strict eco-criteria: it must be biodegradable, plant-based, free from harmful chemicals, and non-toxic during and after use.
This commitment has helped us build credibility and trust in a market that is often skeptical of green claims.
Q: How is your seaweed process technology different from others?
Chan Wan Young: What sets us apart is our patented, chemical-free extraction process that uses seaweed by-products instead of raw algae. This approach minimizes ecological disruption and 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 principles.
Q: What challenges did you face in the early stages?
Chan Wan Young: The biggest challenges were market perception and pricing. Eco-friendly products are often viewed as expensive, making both consumers and businesses hesitant.
Additionally, obtaining certifications and meeting international sustainability standards required significant time, effort, and investment.
Government regulation remains a critical enabler. Strong policies that discourage harmful plastics and incentivize green alternatives can accelerate adoption across industries.
Q: Do you have new products or launches in the works?
Chan Wan Young: Absolutely. We are advancing our R&D into next-generation packaging and consumer products. One of our most promising innovations is a seaweed-based paper cup coated with chitosan, an eco-friendly biopolymer.
This cup delivers the same durability and functionality as traditional PE-coated cups-but at a competitive price point and with zero plastic waste.
We are also exploring applications in electronics, cosmetics, and household care, aiming to position seaweed-based materials as a global standard alternative.
Q: How is Marine Innovation delivering value across the full product lifecycle?
Chan Wan Young: Our products are 100% biodegradable within 90 days, contain zero harmful chemicals, and are manufactured using environmentally safe processes.
We provide businesses with a cost-effective, high-performance alternative that meets growing consumer demand for sustainable materials. From raw material innovation to finished packaging, we offer an end-to-end ecosystem that supports sustainability goals while reducing long-term costs.
Q: Where do you envision Marine Innovation in the next few years?
Chan Wan Young: We are scaling aggressively to meet global demand. Our expansion plans include localized operations in France, Sweden, and Bahrain, along with increased production capacity and strategic partnerships.
Our long-term vision is to reshape the global packaging industry, drive widespread adoption of sustainable materials, and make environmental responsibility a core business standard across sectors.
Recognitions and Milestones
Marine Innovation has secured 54 patents across technology, trademarks, and design. The company’s achievements include:
- Presidential Citation at Korea’s Marine Day (2021)
- Six ministerial awards at domestic sustainability events
- WorldStar Global Packaging Award (2021)
- AsiaStar Award (2020) – Best of the Best in Asia
- Finalist at Expo 2020 Dubai (Expo Live Program)
Message to Future Entrepreneurs
Chan Wan Young: Our values must extend beyond profits. Climate change and environmental degradation affect us all.
My motivation came not from ambition, but from fatherhood-I want my children to grow up in a world that is clean, safe, and hopeful.
Sustainability begins with awareness, but it must lead to action. Seaweed-based materials offer a real, accessible solution. The time to act 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 brings extensive experience in manufacturing and international trade. His career includes global roles and field research in seaweed farming across Southeast Asia.
His leadership and dedication to environmental innovation earned him the Presidential Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to marine-based sustainability.
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