Explorative Research

The waste occurs at different stages of the value-chain. In the first stage of the project, we map the quantity, reasons and type of waste. We differentiate between the predictable waste of constant streams and the unpredictable waste streams in the mapping.
The value-chains with quantification will be visualised to frame the possibilities of creating new industrial production from the kelp waste.

Delivery: Data collection and visualisation
Goal: Define the problem and possibilities for scaling

We will explore biological and material scenarios through physical testing and shaping. The work is open-ended to create space for uncharted usages and innovative solutions while keeping in mind replacing fossil and polluting products in food systems, built environment and consumer products. The result will be a series of early testing models exploring algae based material potential, such as hardness, softness, adhesive, flexibility, transparency, colouring and mixing properties with other bioregional organic and mineral waste streams.

Organic waste that cannot be used for food or feed, can be used to produce materials. To tackle the plastic problem, reduce food waste and reduce the CO2 footprint, it is urgent to develop the bio-based material and product solutions and develop new industrial production, that phases out fossil-based materials.
In this phase we look at the properties of the kelp waste streams and potential usage in materials and products. A biological and material research is conducted defining the state-of-the-art and the potential usages for the waste streams.

What can we make with the properties we found? In this phase, we develop concepts for algae based product categories to the market. The scope will be large to envision new unexpected markets and products, then narrowed down to the specific products we want to develop further in a main project. The goal is to visualise the potential of specific algae based product and material categories. Products could be: algae based desk boards, building material or/and modules, insulation made with partial or full algae residues, architectural frontal panels, urban plant pots, new food rituals and products.