How can one ingredient pose a solution to global issues surrounding shelter, food, energy and pollution?

We teamed up with the Design Museum London with a two day workshop exploring the potential of seaweed as a biomaterial through its states as dye and fibre.

Producing up to 80% of the world’s oxygen, seaweed can be considered one of the most important organisms on our planet.

Its ability to grow in abundance, at speed and be harvested in our oceans poses a solution to the constraints we are faced with due to increasing pressure on land. As a group we considered how seaweed could help us to create a responsible future.

Considering seaweed as a single ingredient, we showcased and demonstrated how it is fast becoming an alternative material for textiles, biofuel, furniture, housing, beauty products, biodegradable water bottles and food. After discussions students created their own natural dyes with before making their own rug with seaweed fibre.

Credits: Textile Designer, Hazel Stark; The Design Museum.