No, it’s not a new kind of sushi. Researchers from Flinders University in Australia have teamed up with German biomaterials firm ‘one • five‘ to create a seaweed-based biopolymer. 

The material is as recyclable as paper claim researchers from the Flinders Institute.

The university has developed a novel specialist treatment to boost the grease resistant feature of the seaweed without affecting its biodegradability nor recyclability features. 

The German company wants to scale up production using seaweed from the South Australian coastline. 

Claire Gusko, the company’s co-founder said: 

“We are able to reduce harmful plastic pollution with this product, and we are also using feedstock that is environmentally regenerative,” she said.

“Seaweed cultivation helps to naturally rehabilitate marine environments, reduce greenhouse gases, and mitigate coastal erosion.

“It’s important for us to use sustainable inputs upstream to ensure our products are environmentally safe, from cradle to grave.”