Lucozade Sport has announced it is to trial edible seaweed packaging for its drinks.

The brand, owned by Lucozade Ribena Suntory, has partnered with materials engineering firm Skipping Rocks Lab to use its Ooho product at a range of upcoming athletics events in September, including the Richmond Marathon and West Sussex Tough Mudder.

It plans to hand out hundreds of the packets, filled with Lucozade, to test public opinions.

The plastic-free bubbles biodegrade in around six weeks, can be flavoured and are more affordable than single-use plastic bottles.

They also produce five times less carbon dioxide and nine times less energy during the manufacturing process.

Pierre Paslier, Co-Founder of the Skipping Rocks Lab, said: “As a sustainable packaging startup, we are pioneering the use of natural seaweed extracts to create packaging with low environmental impact.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Lucozade Ribena Suntory to trial the use of our edible containers for sports events.”