Textiles made from algae to save the environment: Australian surf brand Piping Hot Australia has teamed up with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) to launch a new research project to develop a sustainable fiber made from algae.
Since February, UTS climate scientists are now prototyping a fiber made from algae that can sequester carbon from the ocean as a bio-based solution. One goal: to reduce the environmental impact of synthetic fibers.
So far Piping Hot already uses several eco-friendly materials such as recycled polyester. For its footwear it uses Bloom, which is already a sustainable solution made from repurposed algae biomass, engineered to be used in the soles of shoes. Also the Bloom algae biomass is said to sequester CO2 and to purifie air for a cleaner, healthier ecosystem. All Piping Hot footwear soles are made with 5% Bloom. 
With the just-launched research project, Piping Hot wants to go one step further, and believes the emerging fiber could have the potential to transform the global polyester industry.
"As part of Piping Hot's goal to protect the oceans, our targeted investments in marine biotechnology and materials science are critical. Together, we aim to influence change through marine science and avert the industry's dependence on fossil fuels," said Stan Wan, CEO and managing director of Piping Hot Australia.
Piping Hot was founded in 1975 and offers surf and swim fashion, footwear and accessories for the whole family. The company is a signatory to the UN's corporate sustainability initiative Global Compact.
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Since February, UTS climate scientists are now prototyping a fiber made from algae that can sequester carbon from the ocean as a bio-based solution. One goal: to reduce the environmental impact of synthetic fibers.
So far Piping Hot already uses several eco-friendly materials such as recycled polyester. For its footwear it uses Bloom, which is already a sustainable solution made from repurposed algae biomass, engineered to be used in the soles of shoes. Also the Bloom algae biomass is said to sequester CO2 and to purifie air for a cleaner, healthier ecosystem. All Piping Hot footwear soles are made with 5% Bloom.
Photo: Target Australia
Piping Hot thongs made with Bloom
"As part of Piping Hot's goal to protect the oceans, our targeted investments in marine biotechnology and materials science are critical. Together, we aim to influence change through marine science and avert the industry's dependence on fossil fuels," said Stan Wan, CEO and managing director of Piping Hot Australia.
Piping Hot was founded in 1975 and offers surf and swim fashion, footwear and accessories for the whole family. The company is a signatory to the UN's corporate sustainability initiative Global Compact.
READ ALSO:
