Scoping Algae Futures

An investigation into algal biosystems, bioremediation technologies, and the development of novel algae-based bioplastics for architecture and design.

There is an urgent need to shift from fossil reliant materials and manufacturing practises, towards sustainable and renewable alternatives. The algae bioplastics industry, presently at its early stages of maturity, represents a significant opportunity for decarbonising and jobs growth. Research characterising opportunities, de-risking and kickstarting innovation in the sector is crucial.

This research looked at how algal biotech can support the transition towards a circular bioeconomy in Australia, and opportunities for algae biopolymers and their capacity to sequester carbon in designed objects and products.

 It resulted in Scoping Algae Futures, a report focused on the potential for a circular algae-based bioplastics hub in regional NSW, alongside a suite of design artefacts made from algae, using additive manufacturing technologies and 3D printing.

  • UTS Climate Change Cluster

    UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures

    UTS Material Ecologies Design Lab

  • Lee, T., Wearne, S., Wakefield-Rann, R., Scardifield, K. Enabling factors and critical extensions for the algal-based bioplastics industry.  Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 457,2024,142365,ISSN 0959-6526. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.142365.

    Lee, T., Wearne, S., Wakefield-Rann, R., Scoping Algae Futures Report (2021).

  • 1. Materials testing, 3D printed design from an algae bioplastic (2022). Photo: Silversalt and Kate Scardifield.

    2. Field research, algae cultivation ponds (2023), Photo: Kate Scardifield.

    3. Lab research, UTS Climate Change Cluster (2022). Photo: Kate Scardifield.

    4. Materials research, 3D printed algae netting. Photo: Ella Williams and Nahum McLean.

    5. Materials research, 3D printing with algae-based polymer. Photo: Ella Williams and Nahum McLean.

    6-7. 3D printed algae bioplastics. Photos: Silversalt and Kate Scardifield.

    8-10. Materials research, injection moulding tests with Stefan Lie and Berto Pandolfo. Photo: Kate Scardifield.

    11-12. Materials research, 3D printed algae netting. Photos: Silversalt and Kate Scardifield.

    13. Materials research, bioplastic film from an algae-based polymer. Photo: Silversalt and Kate Scardifield.

    14-16. Materials testing, 3D printed designs from an algae bioplastic (2022). Photos: Silversalt and Kate Scardifield, Ella Williams.