Seaweed processing for the food and hydrocolloid industries (like alginate extraction) leaves behind significant organic residue. This project upcycles these residues by extracting bioactive molecules—such as betaines, amino acids, and complex polysaccharides. When applied to crops, these biostimulants act as metabolic triggers, significantly improving root development and chlorophyll content without the environmental drawbacks of synthetic chemical fertilizers.
The seaweed residue is subjected to cold-press extraction or enzymatic hydrolysis. Using enzymes allows for the breakdown of tough cell walls at low temperatures, preserving sensitive growth hormones (auxins and cytokinins). The resulting liquid is filtered, stabilized, and concentrated into a potent biostimulant that can be applied via foliar spray or irrigation systems.
Kelpy is a startup tackling the plastic crisis by creating pellets that behave like traditional plastic but are made entirely from seaweed. These pellets are "plug-and-play," meaning they can be used in existing injection molding and extrusion machines without modifications. Unlike corn-based bioplastics, seaweed requires no fresh water, no land, and no fertilizers to grow, making these pellets one of the most sustainable raw materials on the planet.
Seaweed biomass is harvested and processed into a dry, polymer-rich flour. This flour is blended with natural, bio-based additives to create a thermoplastic resin. The resin is then extruded and cut into small pellets. These pellets are stable at room temperature but are engineered to be fully marine-degradable, meaning they will safely break down if they enter ocean ecosystems.
