Algaloop

Biodegradable Packaging // Biomaterial











_{SEMINAR 732-008: INQUIRY INTO BIOMATERIAL
Location: Phialdelphia, PA
Instructed by Laia Mogas-Soldevila
Collaboration with C. Yang and N. Khandelwal, SP 2022}

_{“Transforming the untapped resource of excess algae from harmful algal blooms found in the open ocean into biodegradable packaging.”}

Plastic is contaminating our oceans, killing wildlife, and creating an unsustainable amount of waste. Our algae based plastic not only creates an alternative option but its inputs from harmful algal blooms. This is an innovative approach to reducing harm in the ocean by creating a system that tackles two sources of toxins. The system removes harmful algal blooms from a marine ecosystem and uses that as a source for industrial production of bioplastic biodegradable packaging to reduce the amount of plastic that enters the marine ecosystem. In doing so we devise an industrialized production workflow and create a new data set of characterized algae composites that have a range of potential for products.

The base solution is composed of Alginate, Glycerin, and Water in the ratio of 5:12:16. After using the scale to weigh each part of the ingredients, it’s been put into the blender to mix, then the viscous liquid is formed. Filler is added into the base solution, and put in the bottle. A pot is used to heat it until they blend well together, and poured it into the silicone mold. After several days, it’s dried and capable of peeling from the mold.