TREND: Sourced from Seaweed

Seaweed refers to thousands of algae species; kelp being the largest subgroup. Most of the world’s oxygen is produced by seaweed (around 70%) including phytoplankton, kelp and algal plankton. Beyond its ability to absorb C02, seaweed reduces water pollution by absorbing excess toxins. 

Seaweed’s eco and sustainability credentials are so high, that in recent years, this unassuming marine alga has surged to the forefront of sustainable innovation and green tech for the likes of bio-packaging, product ingredients and non-plastic linings for liquid products in pouches or cartons.  There is even a chance that seaweed could be the solution that eliminated petrochemical-based polyester textiles. Packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other phenomenal regenerative qualities, the cultivation of seaweed requires minimal freshwater, no arable land, and absorbs excess nutrients from the water; positioning it as an highly sustainable alternative to traditional crops.

Similarly, harnessing its remarkable ability to absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, seaweed farming has been proposed as a solution to offset carbon emissions. The potential of seaweed as a tool for carbon sequestration is driving research and investment into large-scale seaweed cultivation projects around the globe.

One technology adds seaweed to cattle feed, reducing the amount of methane cows burp out by up to 90%. Seaweed innovation is already widespread across everyday products, from the material used in food containers, straws and biodegradable tea bags, to golf tees, female hygiene products, and sofa stuffing. The reality is, “No water, no life. No blue, no green” (Dr. Sylvia Earle).