Research into renewable chemicals, fuels and materials sourced from the oceans at Memorial University and elsewhere is employing green chemical technologies for the transformation of algae and food industry waste streams into useful products. A very small proportion of biomass utilization research is currently focused on these feedstocks and efforts focused in this area could reduce land space competition between food and chemical/fuel production.
Blueview is a footwear company owned by Algenesis, a material science and technology company intended to manufacture renewable and biodegradable plastic material from algae. Blueview footwear is made with Soleic™ Technology, a high-performance, renewable, and fully biodegradable polyurethane plastic made from plants. The process starts with algae oil and other raw materials from the algae growing partners and other biological sources and converting them into bioplastic at the molecular level in the lab.
Beyond Surface Technologies (BTS), a Swiss supplier of bio-based textile chemicals, is committed to replacing petroleum-based materials in textiles with sustainable alternatives like plant seeds, natural waxes, and microalgae. BTS has developed miDori® bioWick, the first microalgae-based wicking finish for fabrics. This innovative finish achieves 100% biobased status and enhances moisture management by pulling sweat away from the body, promoting rapid evaporation, and providing advanced cooling.