Two Dutch scientists are using algae to replace plastics throughout their city – and if their mission proves successful, they believe that no one will ever have to use plastic again.

Lounging on the surface of uncountable numbers of lakes, ponds, seas, and riverways, are mats of aquatic vegetation called algae – and they use photosynthesis to take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen back into the atmosphere just like every other plant species.

However, as useful as that function is to the planet’s survival, Dutch designers Eric Klarenbeek, and Maartje Dros have found another feature which could prove just as useful.

They have developed a bioplastic made from algae which they believe could be used to replace synthetic plastics over time. Dros and Klarenbeek grow algae, which they then harvest, dry, and turn into a material that can be used in 3D printers to create plastic items from trash cans and tableware to shampoo bottles.

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The designers believe that the algae polymer could entirely replace plastics made from fossil fuels, and they are kickstarting the transition by providing every restaurant and catering establishment in their city of Zaandam with completely new sets of flatware made from the algae-plastic.

Their goal is certainly ambitious, but not when compared with the true dream of these remarkable designers. They have partnered with a number of other companies producing bio-polymer to create a network known as 3D Bakery. They hope that – instead of buying products from large multi-national companies – one could simply walk down the street and “bake” some replacement items, whether it be cups, plates, flower vases, or tables.

Together with American company Ecovative, the studio has developed a commercial line of fungus-based products called Krown. The DIY kits allow consumers to grow their own lamps, tables or biodegradable picnic items.

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Another feature of the studio’s 3D-printed products is that because they’re made of algae, a substance which absorbs CO2 from the air, they internally bind with the carbon when they are turned into solids, effectively becoming CO2 jailers that prevent the carbon from being released back into the atmosphere.

The designers believe that if algae were used to create the every day household products we depend on, the cultivation of algae would increase the amount of carbon being pulled out of the air; and considering the Earth’s surface is 71% water, algae mats wouldn’t take up essential land space.

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“Everything that surrounds us – our products, houses and cars – can be a form of CO2 binding,” the engineers told Dezeen. “If we think in these terms, makers can bring about a revolution. It’s about thinking beyond the carbon footprint: instead of zero emissions we need ‘negative’ emissions.”

The algae project has been nominated as a finalist for the New Material Award of 2018. If it wins, then the team could be awarded up to $17,300 to continue development and manufacturing of the bioplastic.

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Andy Corbley is the founder and editor of World At Large, a small environment, travel, and lifestyle focused journal that stresses integrity, nuance, and honesty which launched in early March 2019.