Building biomaterials, running extraction, or developing a biorefinery?

Bioplastics

Materials made fully or partly from biological feedstocks (like alginate) that can replace conventional petroleum-based plastics, often with improved biodegradability. Seaweed-derived bioplastics are still largely at the research and pilot stage but are a high-growth area globally.

Biorefinery

An integrated facility that processes seaweed biomass into multiple co-products including compounds, energy, and materials to maximise value from each batch of raw material. Analogous to a petroleum refinery but built around biological feedstocks.

Extraction

The physical or chemical process of isolating specific compounds (alginate, fucoidan, carrageenan) from seaweed biomass for use in downstream products. Extraction method significantly affects compound quality, yield, and environmental footprint.

Packaging

Seaweed-derived materials used as sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging including films, wraps, coatings, and formed containers derived from alginate or agar. A growing commercial category driven by single-use plastic regulation.

Technical Materials

Engineered materials derived from seaweed polysaccharides with defined physical properties. Used in wound care, 3D bioprinting scaffolds, and specialty industrial applications where precise material behaviour is required.

Wound Care

Medical-grade alginate dressings and gels used in clinical wound management. Alginate fibres form a gel on contact with wound exudate, maintaining a moist healing environment. An established commercial category with strong clinical evidence.

3D Bioprinting

Alginate-based bioinks that allow living cells to be printed into three-dimensional tissue structures for regenerative medicine, drug testing, and research applications. Alginate is valued for its biocompatibility and gentle crosslinking chemistry.

Cleantech

Technologies derived from or processing seaweed that reduce environmental impact, including carbon capture cultivation, bioenergy production, bioplastic substitution, and nutrient cycling systems. Increasingly supported by cleantech and climate funds.