UK-based seaweed-based barrier coating developer Kelpi has appointed John Williams as its chief technology officer (CTO), which he will assume as of 27 July.

In a LinkedIn post, the biomaterials company said that he will oversee the development, validation and scale-up of Kelpi’s main technologies and help shape its future materials and product pipeline.

Williams said: “I’m really excited about getting started. I’m impressed with Kelpi’s core technology and am looking forward to shaping those product applications as well as identifying and developing new materials for commercialisation.”

Before moving to Kelpi, Williams was CTO at Aquapak Polymers.

He previously held positions centred on the development and commercialisation of new technologies at NNFCC, Advanced Technical Products, Kelbchemie MG Becker, TOTAL Speciality Polymers and Henkel.

Alongside his new role, Williams sits on the investment committee board at S’Investec.

He also has advisory positions with the Royce Institute on the National Materials Strategy, the Revolution Plastics Advisory Council, the University of Portsmouth Centre for Advanced Materials & Manufacturing advisory board, and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

His work also includes AI applications in new material development and participation in a number of UK and European government forums.

Kelpi CEO Hugo Adams said: “I am absolutely delighted that John is joining the Kelpi team.

“He brings a huge wealth of experience and knowledge to the business and will be instrumental in driving and developing our existing and new technologies.”

Last month, Amcor entered a partnership with Kelpi.

Amcor is exploring whether Kelpi’s technology can be developed into commercially feasible and scalable products for customers in multiple consumer goods categories while supporting a circular packaging model.