Unlocking the Power of Seaweed with Adriana R. Kyvik, B’ZEOS

Welcome to Planet & Purpose , a bi-weekly LinkedIn Newsletter featuring professional insights and personal experiences from ocean and climate ecopreneurs, VCs, advocates, and beyond.

If you’re new to my page and this newsletter, welcome! I’m Daniela V. Fernandez , Founder & CEO of Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA).

Today I’m joined by Adriana Ruiz Kyvik , Co-Founder and SeaTO (Chief Technology Officer) of B'ZEOS .?

In our discussion, Adriana shares why she transitioned from academia to the for-profit sustainable blue economy to leverage her materials innovation expertise.?

Dive in below and stay tuned for another #PlasticFreeJuly edition on seaweed innovation!

Daniela (DVF): Welcome to Planet & Purpose , Adriana!?

Given that this month is Plastic Free July , it is the perfect moment to dive into your seaweed-specific expertise and shine a spotlight on the incredible work B’ZEOS is doing to disrupt the plastic industry.?

Adriana (ARK): Thank you so much, Daniela! It is my pleasure to share our startup’s journey.

DVF: Let’s begin with yours! For readers interested in emulating your journey, can you share how your education and career path led to getting involved with a materials innovation startup?

ARK: The first step of my journey was pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology , where I completed my master's thesis in Tissue Engineering using seaweed biopolymers. After that, I earned a PhD in Materials Science from the Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC) with specific chemical modification of material surfaces to enhance biocompatibility .

In my early career, I spent three and a half years immersed in academic research and realized that a career in academia wasn't for me. I craved something more applied, something that could make a tangible impact.?

While searching for opportunities, I received a tempting offer from a large chemical company. At the same time, I stumbled upon an intriguing chance to join a startup dedicated to creating seaweed-based packaging—B’ZEOS. (Since we’re doing this interview, you know what I chose).

DVF: What a fork in the road! It reminds me of the decision I also faced coming out of college whether to accept a “safe” job offer in finance or pursue Sustainable Ocean Alliance full-time.?

For both of us, option A represented potentially harming the planet in return for personal gain. Option B was to help the planet but, at the same time, a major personal and professional risk.

ARK: Exactly. This moment was pivotal.?

On one hand, I had the security and stability of a well-established company. On the other, the uncertainty and excitement of an early-stage startup committed to sustainability.

Even though the rational choice was taking the secure job, my gut told me otherwise. I followed my instincts and chose B’ZEOS, driven by a desire to align my work with my values and passions.?

This experience taught me several key lessons:?

• First, trust your instincts, even if they don’t seem rational at the time.?

• Second, embrace uncertainty and take risks.?
• Third and finally, remain flexible and open to unexpected opportunities.

In this way, you’ll identify a fulfilling, value-aligned career path, find greater satisfaction and purpose in your work, and have the most meaningful and impactful experiences.

DVF: Thank you for your insightful recommendations for Planet & Purpose readers! So once you made that purposeful decision, what came next?

ARK: In 2019, I joined Guy Maurice for the chance to keep building B’ZEOS. In 2018, amidst Norway's icy waters, he founded B'ZEOS, inspired by the region's kelp forests.?

With a background in waste management and project management experience with organizations like WHO and Equinor , Guy aimed to address the plastic crisis.?

I brought my passion for the outdoors and commitment to sustainability, along with my expertise in seaweed biopolymers, and became Co-Founder and SeaTO by 2021.

Our core team soon grew when we welcomed Camilla Dore , a mechanical engineer with a PhD in Materials Science. She joined as Co-Founder and SeaPO (Chief Product Officer) in 2022, overseeing material compounding and processing.

DVF: Now that we know about the people behind the magic, can you break down how B’ZEOS is solving for ocean and planetary health with degradable plastic alternatives?

ARK: B'ZEOS leverages seaweed to create biodegradable packaging. Our proprietary seaweed thermoplastic pellets contain up to 80% seaweed and are 100% bio-based.?

Compatible with existing plastic machinery, this means our solution offers scalable, affordable, and fully home-compostable single-use packaging for various industries.

DVF: Since embarking on this journey with B’ZEOS, what is the biggest development you’ve encountered and are predicting will continue in seaweed innovation and packaging?

ARK: The biggest development in seaweed innovation and packaging lies in its scalability.?

As mentioned, with advancements enabling the processing of seaweed pellets using industrial-scale conversion machines, seaweed-based packaging is poised to become mainstream in various applications. This breakthrough both enhances feasibility and efficiency and underscores the potential of seaweed as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics, meeting growing consumer and regulatory demands for sustainable packaging solutions.

DVF: Speaking of consumer demand, with Plastic Free July upon us, please share examples of B’ZEOS tech in action, creating functional, sustainable options so people can use less plastic!

ARK: B'ZEOS is targeting various applications ranging from flexible films to rigid items. Some examples include pouch packs for nuts and snacks, trays and lids for fresh fruits and vegetables, single-use applications such as cutlery and sachets, and seaweed-based paper coating to eliminate the current fossil-based option and provide a truly sustainable alternative!

DVF: Adriana, thank you for taking the time to share your insights and for making the brave decision to embark on the road less traveled (or perhaps I should say, the ocean less explored).?

I think I speak for all of us when I say the planet is a better place thanks to B’ZEOS’ seaweed-based plastic alternatives and how you’ve applied yourself to its for-profit mission.

ARK: Thank you, Daniela—I’m humbled to do my part. I encourage your readers to please reach out to get involved!

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WORK WITH B’ZEOS

At B′ZEOS, we are always looking for talented people from diverse backgrounds to join our team. If you want to learn more about open jobs and internships, please reach out directly to Adriana at [email protected] .

OPPORTUNITIES IN SOA’S NETWORK

JOIN THE ECOPRENEUR NETWORK CLASS OF 2024

General applications to join SOA’s Ecopreneur Network Class of 2024 are now open to founders of for-profit, ocean-positive startups.

Learn more and apply here by October 4, 2024.