Seaweed to Solution: How Alaagi is Redefining Sustainable Packaging in Atlantic Canada
Through this four-part series, IGNITE is highlighting startups that are reimagining what sustainable innovation looks like. Each company featured, whether a current resident, alumni, or connected collaborator, is building solutions that create environmental and economic impact.
This series is part of IGNITE’s contribution to the national BioCAN Initiative, celebrating Canadian leadership in the bioeconomy and clean innovation space. Together, we’re sharing the stories of those building a cleaner, more resilient future, one startup at a time.
Alaagi’s Story
At its core, Alaagi’s mission is to eliminate single-use plastic waste by creating packaging that naturally decomposes, leaving no trace behind. Their bioplastic film, made from seaweed, breaks down into simple sugar molecules under sunlight in just six months. It’s a clean, circular solution inspired by nature and backed by science.
Alaagi’s material isn’t just compostable, it’s functional. Their seaweed-based film is heat-seal capable for freshness and designed to meet the “10K Oxygen Transmission Rate” (OTR) standard required for packaging meat and seafood. In other words, it performs like traditional plastic, without the environmental cost.
Led by founder and CEO Sheheryar Khan, a Saint Mary’s University student, the Alaagi team represents the next generation of Canadian clean innovators. Supported by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at SMU, they’ve combined research, entrepreneurship, and purpose to bring their idea from concept to commercialization.
ASince its launch, Alaagi has made significant strides in a short time. They were crowned National Champions at the 2025 Hult Prize Canada, advanced to the Hult Global Accelerator, and were named one of the Top 100 Global Startups by the Nestlé & UNESCO Youth Impact Program. Locally, they’ve been celebrated at Dal Innovates Demo Day and have secured over $12 million in letters of intent from major partners like Sobeys, a clear signal that industry is paying attention.
The road ahead is about scale. Alaagi is working toward regulatory certification and expanding production capacity to bring their bioplastics to market.
Learn more about Alaagi: linkedin.com/company/alaagi
Learn more about IGNITE Residency: https://igniteatlantic.com/ignite-residency/
