Seaweeds BioplasticBIO Material Invasive Specials Sustainable Biodegradable Packaging material
2024
This project reimagines Undaria pinnatifida—an invasive seaweed in the San Francisco Bay—not as an ecological threat, but as a sustainable resource. Through research and material experimentation, the seaweed was processed into powder to create two product lines: biodegradable films for eco-friendly packaging and “noodle”-shaped strands that can be crocheted into lifting and handling tools. Both applications showcase the material’s versatility and potential to replace harmful plastics. By transforming an invasive species into functional, biodegradable products, the project addresses environmental challenges while advancing sustainable design and circular economy thinking.