Created by University of Sussex graduate Lucy Hughes as part of her final year project, MarinaTex serves as a sustainable and bio-based alternative to plastic bags.
The transparent, odourless, durable and compostable material is made of agar from red algae and proteins from fish processing waste.
According to a report by the Sea Fish Industry Authority, roughly 490,000 tonnes of organic waste is generated in the UK alone during the catching and processing of fish.
“I didn’t want to use virgin natural materials so I challenged myself with starting with a waste stream,” said Hughes. “For me a good design is something that bridges the gap between behaviours, business and our planet.”
As to the reason for using red algae, Hughes explains that the plant is naturally carbon negative and does not require fresh water, fertile land or fertilizers to grow.
Hughes says that with the development of MarinaTex, she hopes to usher in a circular economy where waste is limited and the resources used are maximized.
“The circular economy is a future proof economic model,” stated Hughes. “There is a tendency, especially in business, to lean towards short term gains often at the expense of the environment. The circular economy provides a framework that bridges the gap between behaviours, business and our planet.”
