Emma Algotsson is the founder and project lead of Catchgreen, a South African startup and collaborative research initiative tackling marine sustainability. Under her leadership, Catchgreen has pioneered the development of specialized marine compounds and executed successful fishing net trials—including pilot programs in Kenya focused on seaweed farming and gear exchange. These innovations directly address critical challenges such as abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), ghost fishing, and ocean plastic pollution.
With over eight years of experience in the trade and manufacturing of biodegradable and compostable plastics, Emma is also the founder of the South African Compostable Plastics Council (COPCO). COPCO advocates for the compostable plastics industry, promoting alignment with international certification standards and driving sustainable product innovation.
Emma holds an M.Phil from the University of Cambridge and a CPE in Law from City, University of London. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to creating solutions that serve both the planet and its people.