Marine Innovation, South Korean Green Material Technology Solution Expands to Greater Seattle 

Marine Innovation, a South Korean material innovation company specializing in producing sustainable packaging solutions (to-go containers, industrial  packing container), is expanding its operations to Greater Seattle as part of its U.S. growth strategy. The company is establishing its presence at K-Startup Center Seattle, located in the heart of one of the nation’s most sustainable and innovation-driven cities. Greater Seattle is a leading hub for climate technology, ranking as the #4 emerging cleantech hub and among the top 10 metro areas for cleantech patents. 

Marine Innovation’s expansion was facilitated by Greater Seattle Partners (GSP) and the SelectUSA Seattle Spinoff in 2024, which provided invaluable connections to the region’s public and private sectors. GSP played a crucial role in introducing Marine Innovation to K-Startup and supporting key logistical elements of the expansion. Their leadership and strategic guidance helped ensure a seamless transition and a strong foundation for Marine Innovation’s U.S. operations. 

“Marine Innovation is redefining sustainability with its groundbreaking seaweed-based alternatives to plastic and paper, and we are very excited to see them grow their global reach from Greater Seattle. Through relentless innovation and a deep commitment to environmental responsibility, the team works tirelessly to create a cleaner, greener future. Their dedication to sustainability isn’t just a vision—it’s a reality, making them a powerful investment opportunity for those looking to support both profitability and the planet,” – said Brian Frost General Manager at K-Startup Center. 

Marine Innovation specializes in developing bioplastic alternatives derived from seaweed and plant-based materials, offering compostable and recyclable solutions that reduce reliance on fossil-fuel plastics. By harnessing renewable resources, the company is addressing critical environmental challenges and driving the transition to a more sustainable future. 

“We are in the stage of a sustainability revolution and need a partnership between government and industries to shape the future of Seattle with one single goal. “Make Seattle the cleanest city in the United States.

Marine Innovation has material solutions using seaweed to maximize the blue economy. Our groundbreaking use of seaweed offers solutions that span from seaweed farming to food products, produce food containers, recycle the materials for industrial packaging. And that provides Seattle with solutions to combat environmental pollution – one that can truly make a lasting impact. We want that to be Seattle. To make it real, we need an attention from government initiatives, big corporations, most importantly local communities, and are signaling Seattle that Marine Innovation has arrived to take the actions on climate impact to keep Seattle clean and safe.

Seattle, Washington is the 1st region for Marine Innovation to consider the US expansion to establish first presence in the Greater Seattle region because of its location, characterized by its coastline on the Pacific Ocean. Also, Seattle as strategic location for agriculture and food manufacturing industry is deeply connected to us. Not only that, being near major corporations like Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, Google, Starbucks, Alaska Airlines and others, to potential partnerships and opportunities but there are also plenty of rising stars as well. Last, but not least, Seattle’s commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness aligns with the values of Marine Innovation, Seattle, the second-greenest city in the U.S. and leading the way to a greener future. As Seattle embraces the future, we look forward to Seattle that values innovation and sustainability,” said Wan Young Cha, Marine Innovation CEO & Founder.