Sea Kelp: Is it the next super-plastic?

Hey there, sustainability enthusiasts! As a certified B Corp we’ve always got our eyes and ears open for what’s hot in the world of sustainability innovations.

Today, we're diving deep into the world of sea kelp and exploring its potential as the next big thing in the world of plastics. Yes, you read that right! This humble underwater plant may just hold the key to a more sustainable future. So, grab your flippers and let's dive in and take a closer look at the wonders of sea kelp.

The Plastic Problem

Plastic pollution has become a massive environmental concern in recent years. The damage caused by single-use plastics is well-documented, with plastic waste polluting our oceans, harming marine life, and even finding its way into our food chain - yuck! It's high time we found a viable solution to this global issue, and sea kelp might be just the answer we've been searching for.

Enter Sea Kelp

Sea kelp, also known as seaweed, is a versatile and fast-growing marine plant found in abundance in oceans around the world. As well as being abundant, and being known to some as a superfood, packed with vitamins and antioxidants, experts believe that seaweed could be a key crop in the “protein shift” away from meat. Some of last spring’s harvest here hit about 30% protein, close to the level that would make it compete against the world’s other big protein sources like meat and soya.

Recently, scientists and innovators have been exploring the possibility of using sea kelp to produce bioplastics as a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. 

The advantages of sea kelp plastics

1. Renewable and abundant

Sea kelp is a renewable resource that grows rapidly without the need for land, fresh water, or fertilisers. It can be harvested multiple times a year, making it an abundant, fast-growing source of raw material for plastic production.

2. Biodegradable and home-compostable

Unlike conventional plastics that take centuries to decompose, bioplastics made from sea kelp have the advantage of being biodegradable. They can break down naturally into harmless compounds, reducing their impact on the environment.

3. Reduced carbon footprint:

Seaweed’s most compelling property may be its ability to scrub, absorbing excess nitrogen and phosphorus, deposited in the water by agricultural runoff and wastewater, and dissolved carbon dioxide from combusted fossil fuels. (More than a quarter of the CO2 released into the atmosphere is absorbed by the ocean.) By converting it into bioplastics, it can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and assist in combating climate change.

Challenges and solutions

While the potential of sea kelp as a super-plastic is super-exciting, there are a few challenges that need to be addressed. One such challenge is scalability. Currently, large-scale production of sea kelp plastics is a work in progress, and it may take some time before it becomes commercially viable.

However, researchers and innovators are already working on finding solutions. For instance, they are investigating techniques to enhance the extraction of cellulose from sea kelp, which is a key component in bioplastic production. Additionally, advancements in technology and increased investment in research can hopefully help overcome these obstacles and make sea kelp plastics a reality.

Image source: Notpla Magazine

Some fantastic startup packaging companies currently using these advances to develop seaweed plastics that are totally natural and entirely biodegradable include the UK’s Notpla who won last year’s Earthshot prize. Also, US-based Sway who are using the principles of circular economy to design not only products but their whole supply chain. 

Conclusion

Sea kelp has the potential to revolutionise the plastics industry and contribute to a cleaner, greener future. By harnessing its renewability, biodegradability, and reduced carbon footprint, we can significantly reduce the environmental impact of plastics. While there are challenges to overcome, the progress being made in sea kelp plastic research is truly encouraging.

So, let's keep our fingers crossed and support the efforts of scientists and innovators in this field. Together, we can turn the tide on plastic pollution and embrace a more sustainable way of living – all thanks to the wonders of humble sea kelp! 

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