Innovation in biodegradable plastics from algae

Algaeventure Systems (AVS), is one of many innovative startups participating in the ARPA-E Department's mentoring program. Founded in 2008, AVS received $5.9 million in 2009 for the development of technologies focused on obtaining plastics from algae. However, AVS's story really began earlier, when its parent company Univenture decided to embark on a search for renewable alternatives to traditional petroleum-derived plastics.

Research and development of algae-based plastics

Between 2004 and 2008, Univenture identified the need to find alternatives to conventional plastics, in the face of the inevitable decline of its core business based on CDs and DVDs. This led them to investigate different sources of biomass, finding a promising resource in algae. Not only does algae have a short life cycle that allows for rapid growth, but they also do not require fertile soil or fresh water, avoiding competition with food crops, unlike other bioplastics based on corn and sugar cane.

Algae offer a promising solution not only for its rapid growth rate, but for the ability to reduce energy in production processes. Obtaining plastic from algae is highly efficient, surpassing traditional methods based on centrifuges that use more energy to separate biomass from water. AVS invested its efforts in improving processing technology to reduce the production costs of this new type of biodegradable plastic, addressing the main technical challenges in harvesting and dehydrating algae.

Environmental benefits of algae plastic

The development of biodegradable plastics from algae not only represents a sustainable option to reduce the carbon footprint generated by the conventional plastics industry. The technology behind this innovation can also help regenerate marine ecosystems, as the responsible cultivation of algae in controlled ocean farms reduces ocean acidification and contributes to biodiversity. According to some current projects, such as SeaweedPack, replacing just one tonne of traditional plastic with algae bioplastics can save up to 2 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

Furthermore, unlike other bioplastics that require specific industrial conditions to break down, algae bioplastics are 100% compostable at homeThis means that once discarded, they can be transformed into compost without the need for complex facilities, further closing the circular economy cycle.

Current research and future challenges

At present, various research projects are making progress in using algae to produce commercially viable bioplastics. This is the case of the SEABIOPLAS project, which has demonstrated how algae cultivation in integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems can generate bioplastics and, in turn, produce useful by-products such as fish feed. These types of optimized systems allow the sugar content of biomass to be quadrupled, a key factor in improving efficiency in bioplastic production.

Another promising technology is the use of Haloferax mediterranei bacteria, which metabolize carbohydrates present in algae to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), a type of natural and biodegradable polyester. This method, developed by Tel Aviv University, uses microorganisms to replace polluting chemical processes, generating fully biodegradable plastics that degrade in approximately one year.

Various companies have also begun to work with algae-based plastics marine resources, such as Sway, which has developed a system to produce biodegradable bags from responsibly grown seaweed. These types of solutions not only represent a step towards a circular economy model, but also contribute to reducing the environmental impact of single-use plastics.

In short, initiatives such as those of AVS, Univenture and other international players are proving that the use of algae for the production of biodegradable plastics is more than just a theory. Algae bioplastics are not only a sustainable alternative, but with proper development, they could become a key solution to traditional plastics, reducing our dependence on oil and providing a real solution to dealing with plastic waste.