Seaweed plastic startup lands SGD 13.6M Series A to grow globally

In a decisive move to accelerate the shift away from fossil-based plastics, Uluu has secured a SGD 13.6M Series A funding round to advance its seaweed-derived polymer platform. The capital will fuel a program to scale its materials technology toward industrial readiness, signaling rising investor appetite for bio-based alternatives that can slot into existing manufacturing lines.

Burda Principal Investments (BPI) led the $16 million Series A funding round in Uluu, the Australian startup transforming seaweed into a natural alternative to plastic. The round was joined by a group of impact-focused co-investors including Main Sequence, Novel Investments, and Startmate.

The funding round underscores a broader push from climate-conscious investors toward scalable, sustainable polymers. The bioplastics and climate-tech ecosystem is attracting greater institutional interest, with market analysts projecting continued expansion as brands seek lower-emission substitutes for conventional plastics.

Proceeds will back the construction of a 10-tonne/year demonstration facility in Western Australia, stepping up from the company’s 100 kg/year pilot and enabling delivery of commercial volumes to global customers. This staged build-out aims to prove scalable production economics and reliability for customers in consumer, fashion and automotive segments.

Uluu’s materials are designed to mimic the performance of traditional plastics while offering advantages in circularity. The product is reusable, recyclable, home compostable and marine biodegradable, enabling end-to-end environmental benefits without compromising durability or cost. When scaled, the technology could help reduce reliance on fossil feedstocks while aligning with tightening plastics regulations worldwide.

From a climate perspective, the technology promises meaningful impact. Early figures indicate the potential to avoid up to 5 kg CO2 per kg of material produced, compared with roughly 3 kg CO2 emitted per kilogram of conventional plastics today, with the prospect of reducing global CO2 emissions by billions of kilograms as scale accelerates. The Series A round positions Uluu to explore substantial decarbonization benefits across multiple industries.

The round is led by a growth investor with notable support from global backers, and Uluu has already begun collaborations with major brands in cosmetics, fashion and automotive. Partnerships include campaigns with names such as Quiksilver, Papinelle and Audi, illustrating tangible demand for sustainable materials in real-world applications. The funding underscores a growing conviction that seaweed-derived polymers can redefine plastic supply chains and accelerate the transition to more sustainable product ecosystems.