NEON-HUED AND INVASIVE ALGAE found in the ocean usually signals that something is wrong . Created when human-made nutrients are released into waterways , harmful algal blooms ( HABs ) can rapidly grow , depleting oxygen , reducing water quality , blocking out light , and secreting toxins that hurt the surrounding ecosystem . This process , known as eutrophication , can also obstruct fishing and harm tourism .
Startups like Origin by Ocean are taking a fresh look at blue-green algae as well as seaweeds such as invasive sargassum , bladderwrack , and kelp , using them as raw material to extract bio-based chemicals for everything from sunscreen to pigments for textiles . The fibers and other biomass left over after the chemical extraction are also used in bioplastics . Australia-based company Kelpy dries and powders this waste residue for use as a bio-resin filler in its seaweed plastic pellets . The pellets , which are also made with whole seaweed , are extruded into compostable and marine-degradable products like sunglasses cases and cosmetics packaging — bringing ocean health full circle .
PHOTOGRAPH BY
HP / INNOVATION / SUMMER 2023 32