FlexSea’s sustainable packaging shores up success with Innovate UK support

With Innovate UK funding and tailored growth support, the company has expanded its team by 40%, scaled up production and secured £4 million, aided through investment readiness support and pitch panel process. This support has been critical in strengthening its intellectual property (IP) strategy and helping FlexSea expand into international markets.

Founded on the principle that packaging should serve its purpose and then return to nature without harming the environment, FlexSea is leading the way in sustainable materials. Its biopolymer, made from fully biodegradable seaweed and compatible with existing plastic industry machinery, is being trialled in multiple sectors, including food packaging and cosmetics.

By utilising 100% of seaweed by-products, FlexSea is expanding the potential of its compostable materials beyond packaging to include a variety of applications.

Harnessing IP management support

FlexSea’s partnership with Innovate UK Business Growth began in May 2022, with a detailed action plan developed by Innovation and Growth Specialist, Arezoo Hasibi, followed by ongoing business growth support focused on areas such as innovation exploitation and internationalisation.

Key initiatives that enhance the advisory support, including the Innovate UK Business Growth IP Audit, have provided FlexSea with the resources to develop and protect its intellectual property assets. The company has used its IP audit report to expand its patent portfolio and strengthen relationships with partners, positioning it for further growth.

“Over the past year, FlexSea’s growth has greatly benefited from the dedicated support of Innovate UK Business Growth,” says Carlo Fedeli, CEO and Founder of FlexSea. “With a strong emphasis on intellectual property and project financing, we successfully submitted our IP Audit report.”

Delivered by Innovate UK and Innovate UK Business Connect, the Accelerated Knowledge Transfer programme creates short-term collaborations between a Business Partner and a UK Knowledge Base to accelerate the progress of innovation projects. Through this programme, FlexSea was connected with a team at University College London.

Innovate UK Business Growth also signposted FlexSea to the Sustainable Bio-Based Materials Collaborative Research and Development (CR&D) award, aimed at advancing the design and delivery of new and disruptive sustainable biomanufacturing by 2050.

For the Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) Catapult, facilitated through Innovate UK Business Growth, FlexSea secured £15,000 to collaborate with the Warwick Manufacturing Group, with additional support provided through joint meetings with suppliers and application preparation.

Similarly, Innovate UK Business Growth signposted the company to the Resource Efficiency for Materials and Manufacturing (REforMM) and the Net Zero Pre-Commercialisation Support Fund, both of which have supported research and development in bio-based materials.

Innovate UK Business Growth has also equipped Flexsea to build valuable relationships with prospective stakeholders, suppliers and investors through programmes such as the Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP) in Japan, helping FlexSea explore international markets and potential partnerships.

Tangible impact on growth

FlexSea’s ongoing work with Innovate UK has had tangible impacts on its growth trajectory. Over the past year, the company has expanded its team by 40%, scaled up production and is now exploring entry into new markets. FlexSea’s successful participation in Innovate UK Business Growth’s Invest-Ability Pitch Panel initiative, focused on Net Zero, is another testament to its growth, with the company receiving invaluable feedback and guidance from investors.

As part of this process, the company has recently secured £4 million, achieved through the investment readiness support and pitch panel process. This involved refining its pitch deck over several meetings and incorporating feedback from both the organisers and the panel.

Carlo concludes: “Innovate UK Business Growth has enabled us to unlock opportunities we never thought possible.

“The funding we’ve received and the connections we’ve built have paved the way for global expansion, while our innovative products are making a significant contribution to reducing the environmental impact of packaging.

“With the support we’ve received, we are now advancing into international markets and broadening our patent portfolio.”

Strengthening the UK’s sustainability credentials

With Innovate UK support focused on innovation, funding and internationalisation, FlexSea is well-positioned to lead the charge in reducing the UK’s reliance on petroleum-based plastics while creating significant economic and environmental benefits.

FlexSea’s journey with Innovate UK demonstrates the value of tailored support for innovation-focused businesses to drive growth and advance sustainable solutions for the future. As the company explores new markets and partnerships, it is well-positioned to enhance the UK’s reputation as a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.

With the support we’ve received, we are now advancing into international markets and broadening our patent portfolio.

– Carlo Fedeli, CEO and Founder of FlexSea