A new initiative called Carbonwave is hoping to harness the power of macroalgae to help improve coastal ecosystems and communities. The seaweed, known as sargassum, exploded in numbers in 2011 due to climate change and global warming, but Carbonwave believes that this could be a blessing in disguise. By extracting the oily residue from the Macrocystis cells, Carbonwave can create fuel for electric cars and even renewable energy sources like solar panels.
The Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt is a mass of seaweed estimated to be 5,000 miles wide, stretching across the Atlantic Ocean. Researchers say that runoff from agricultural and sewage systems is likely driving the now widespread weedproblem, while climate change may also be playing a role. The seaweed proliferation has created environmental issues such as water pollution and interference with shipping lanes, costing businesses billions of dollars each year.
Even though sargassum poses a threat to coral reefs, there’s no need to run away from it. In fact, you can use it as an agricultural fertilizer. Sargassum is also useful for repairing damaged reefs and helping keep tourism-dependent livelihoods afloat. When the stuff piles up on beaches, however, it rots and emits skunky hydrogen sulfide – a noxious smell that can be quite unpleasant.
Even though the recent sargassum surges are causing a lot of problems for people, some innovative thinkers are thinking of ways to turn it into something that can be useful. Researchers and entrepreneurs at Carbonwave are using it in fertilizer, cosmetics, and even faux leather.
Carbonwave’s seaweed-based emulsifier is gaining popularity among beauty brands looking for an environmentally friendly option, and the company says its new cash will help it scale production. The startup says its sargassum fertilizer can reduce the need of climate change-driving nitrogen fertilizer, and Natixis and Viridios Capital back Carbonwave with ESG-themed investment firms.
Geoff Chapin is the CEO and founder of Carbonwave, a company that produces products made from seaweed. Chapin claims that their proprietary extraction process yields a liquid fertilizer, while the leftover pulp forms the basis for the emulsifier and fake leather component of their products. The use of almost every part of seaweed in these products makes them unique and sustainable, something that many consumer preference over traditional artificial fertilizers.
carbonwave wants to turn algae into environmentally friendly products by turning algae into a renewable resource for textiles and cosmetics. The startup, founded in 2014, is hoping to capitalise on the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products.
Carbonwave plans to put its new technology to use by devising ways to reduce the amount of energy used in factories and other industrial facilities. The hope is that by using Carbonwave’s technology, businesses will be able to lower their environmental impact without sacrificing production or efficiency.
The startup intends to broaden its appeal by adding entertainment features and marketing activities in the near future. It hopes to capitalize on the popularity of e-commerce and social media, as well as on emerging trends such as virtual reality and augmented reality.
