As we prepare to restock Sway seaweed polybags for January 2026, we’re offering a limited batch of research & development bags at special pricing.
These early prototypes didn’t fully meet our specifications but are still fully functional and great for most lightweight packaging needs.
You may notice a few quirks:
Because these bags are part of our ongoing innovation journey, they’re available at 20–30% off our standard unprinted pricing — a rare chance to support sustainable packaging progress and make use of perfectly good materials that might otherwise go unused.
Yes - contact our team to request a sample.
This film is made with at least 50% TPSea™ : a game-changing resin developed by Sway that is certified 100% biobased and predominantly made with responsibly sourced seaweed. The remaining balance of the film is made with compostable polymers that provides added strength. This bag is already breaking boundaries, but it is just the beginning as Sway continuously works to increase seaweed and biobased content!
Sway Polybags are durable, protective, lightweight, and designed to protect goods in transit from production to your doorstep. While this bag performs like plastic, it lasts only as long as it's needed, returning to nature through home or industrial composting. Currently, the Sway Polybag is best suited to package dry items like apparel, outdoor gear, personal care, accessories, and home goods.
Seaweed is a regenerative marine crop that contains natural polymers, the building blocks of Sway’s material portfolio. Compared to common renewable packaging inputs like corn, potato, or sugarcane, the benefits of seaweed truly go above and beyond! Learn about seaweed packaging here.
Unlike terrestrial crops farmed through conventional agriculture systems, seaweed thrives off sunlight and seawater, requiring low to no inputs. It’s abundant, fast-growing, space-efficient, and available on nearly every coastline. Seaweed can also generate a lot of good as it grows: increasing habitat for marine life, boosting biodiversity, and mitigating climate change impacts like ocean acidification and erosion. Plus, new science suggests that seaweed can sequester substantial amounts of carbon.
While fashion and outdoor gear brands currently use the Sway Polybag, food packaging is a north star for Sway! The material used in the Sway Polybag is called TPSea Flex™ and is made with components recognized as safe (GRAS) or FDA-approved for food-contact use. Sway is validating compliance with safety, barrier, and migration testing and will share this data as it's gathered.
The 14" x 15.75" size comes with an adhesive strip. The other sizes require a sticker to seal the bag. We’ve tested a variety of stickers and found the best option that works well on the unique texture of Sway polybags. Contact our team to explore this option.
Based on our experience to date, these bags have a shelf life of 18 months when stored in cool, dry conditions. With continued shelf-life testing, we will soon have more rigorous testing on this question.
Moisture-resistant—yes; waterproof—no. Sway Polybags can withstand some moisture (think humidity and exposure to rain in transit), but they are not waterproof or suited to package moist/perishable items.
Made with over 50% TPSea™ - a 100% bio-based resin predominantly made with responsibly sourced seaweed.
Designed to decompose in home & industrial compost - TUV Austria certification pending.
Made with transparent film allowing for easy barcode scanning and product visibility. 7 to 8% opacity.
Can withstand some moisture, such as humidity and exposure to rain in transit.
With globally sourced seaweed inputs.
In partnership with Sway, a biomaterial innovation company.
| Material |
Made with over 50% TPSea™ - a resin made predominantly with responsible sourced seaweed. The balance of the film is made with compostable polymers. |
| Recycled Content |
None |
| Certifications |
TUV Austria home and industrial compost certification pending |
| Thickness |
2.5 mil |
| Material Features |
Translucent: While not entirely clear, it's transparent enough to easily scan barcodes. |
| Functionality |
Durable, protective, lightweight, and designed to protect goods in transit from production to your customer's doorstep. |
| End-of-Life |
Designed to decompose in home and industrial compost, pending certification from TUV Austria. Individuals who do not have access to composting should landfill these bags. |
| Origin | Made in USA |
| Quantity | Case of 250 bags |
| Size | Available in 6.25" x 6.25", 9" x 12", 9.25" x 15.5", 11.25" x 14.25", and 14" x 15.75" Sizes may vary up to ½ inch |
| Bag Color |
Golden tint |
