She started a sustainable-plastic idea in Class 9; at 21, her startup earns an Earthshot Prize nomination for a material that could replace conventional plastic

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Maisy Whitehead founded VegoPak to develop a biodegradable alternative that could be used in products ranging from food packaging to car parts.The nomination brings international attention to the student-led venture at a time when the world generates approximately 400 million tonnes of plastic waste every year.

The company says its material can match the strength of traditional plastic while breaking down naturally without leaving toxic residues.How Maisy developed the plastic alternative Whitehead, who studies business management at the University of York’s School for Business and Society, developed the material alongside her degree.

She tested its chemical structure at the university’s Green Chemistry plant.VegoPak’s bio-polymer is made from plant-based materials rather than fossil fuels, which are commonly used in conventional plastic production. According to the university, the material is designed to be fully biodegradable and suitable for high-volume manufacturing.

Its potential applications include food packaging, children's toys, protective casings for technology products and automotive components. The company says the material has undergone manufacturing and biodegradation tests, although it is now focusing on scaling production and bringing the technology to market.

At 21, she developed a plant-based plastic alternative; her startup VegoPak earns Earthshot Prize 2027 nomination. (Photo: LinkedIn) Founded by Prince William in 2020, the Earthshot Prize recognises solutions addressing major environmental challenges.

Its aim is to identify and support innovations that can help repair the planet by 2030.Five winners are selected each year, with each receiving £1 million to help expand their work. VegoPak's nomination for the 2027 prize places the startup among initiatives being considered for the global environmental award.

It does not mean the company has been selected as one of the five winners.Startup aims to scale production Whitehead said the nomination was an important moment for the company, particularly after its material passed manufacturing and biodegradation tests.

VegoPak is now working towards increasing production and bringing its technology to market.University of York Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise, Partnerships and Engagement Professor Kiran Trehan said Whitehead's work showed how student entrepreneurship, mentoring and institutional support could help develop solutions to environmental problems.The university described VegoPak as an example of student innovation being developed to address plastic pollution, one of the environmental challenges the Earthshot Prize seeks to tackle.

Get the latest Education News and Live updates. Download the TOI app. Sanjay Sharma is a seasoned journalist with over two decades of experience in the media industry. Currently serving as Assistant Editor - Education at TimesofIndia.com, he specializes in education-related content, including board results, job notifications, and studying abroad.

Since joining TOI in 2006, he has played a pivotal role in expanding the platform’s digital presence and spearheading major education events. Previously, Sanjay held leadership positions in sports journalism, covering high-profile events such as the Cricket World Cup and Olympics.

He holds a PG Diploma in Journalism from Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan and is proficient in various content management systems. He can be reached at - sanjay.sharma@timesinternet.in