Seaweed-based plastic-free thermoprocessable resin
A sustainable seaweed-based thermoplastic resin developed by TUS and Irish seaweed farmers offers a plastic-free, biodegradable alternative to traditional plastics. The resin is heat sealable, lipophobic, and can be processed with existing equipment, reducing carbon footprint.
Overview
The seaweed-based plastic-free resin is a groundbreaking advancement in sustainable materials. Developed by the Technological University of Shannon in collaboration with Irish seaweed farmers, this thermoplastic resin utilizes the entirety of the farmed seaweed without chemical extraction, ensuring a low carbon footprint and holistic sustainability. It is currently heat sealable, lipophobic, and biodegrades in soil within weeks, making it ideal for packaging applications like single-use oil-based salad dressings.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes the entirety of farmed seaweed, eliminating chemical extraction processes
- Heat sealable and lipophobic, suitable for oil-based packaging
- Biodegradable in soil in a few weeks
- Compatible with existing melt processing equipment, synthesized in a twin screw extruder
Future developments:
- Potential to enhance hydrophobicity for water-based applications through:
- Incorporation of natural hydrophobic compounds (e.g., beeswax, carnauba wax)
- Thermomechanically induced esterification using fatty acids or acetic acid
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 3, demonstrating proof of concept with potential for further development to improve material properties and expand application possibilities.
About Technological University of Shannon
Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) is a multi‑campus technological university spanning seven sites across Ireland’s Midlands and Midwest, combining applied research with strong industry engagement. Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateways on TUS campuses provide industry‑accessible labs, testbeds and prototyping with rapid routes to collaboration. A network of campus‑based enterprise and innovation centres offers incubation and co‑located collaboration space for startups and corporate R&D, while work placements are embedded across programmes and coordinated centrally for employers. Research is supported by national agencies such as Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Research Council, alongside European funding programmes. A dedicated Knowledge Transfer and Commercialisation Office streamlines IP, licensing and spin‑out support.
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