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

Maisy Whitehead, a 21-year-old University of York student, has developed a plant-based alternative to conventional plastic through her startup VegoPak, which has been nominated for the Earthshot Prize 2027. The biodegradable material is designed for applications ranging from food packaging to automotive components and aims to reduce plastic pollution. Following successful manufacturing and biodegradation tests, the startup is working to scale production and commercialise its innovation. The nomination does not mean VegoPak has won the prize.