brown macroalgae It is native to the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic Ocean and is becoming an increasing threat. This has had a major impact on coastal ecosystems and communities across the Gulf of Mexico since mats of the normally beneficial seaweed (known as sargassum) exploded in 2011. .
Researchers say farm and sewage runoff likely drives the “Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt,” which is now 5,000 miles wide. Climate change may also play a role.
Despite some narrative tones covering flowers heading to Florida, there’s no need to shout from the sargassum. Yet they pose a threat to coral reefs and tourism-dependent livelihoods alike. As it accumulates, it rots and releases nasty hydrogen sulfide.
Recent Hondawara surge People are being forced to find creative ways to get rid of it, and already possible applications are running the gamut. It aims to turn it into jet fuel.As for Carbonwave, the Boston-Puerto Rico-based startup uses it in fertilizer, cosmetics, and even faux leather.
Backed by ESG-themed investment firms Natixis and Viridios Capital, and marine-focused VC Katapult, Carbonwave says the new funding will help it expand production of seaweed-based emulsifiers for cosmetics. says. “Already he has sold half a tonne” of the emulsifier it developed as an alternative to petroleum-based raw materials, the company said in a statement. The company also claimed that its sargassum fertilizer “reduces the need” for nitrogen fertilizers that cause climate change.
CEO Geoff Chapin said Carbonwave makes these products through a “proprietary extraction process” that presses seaweed to remove arsenic. This process produces liquid fertilizer, and the remaining pulp is used as an emulsifier and raw material for faux leather. According to Chapin, the company “uses almost all parts of seaweed to make these products.”
Carbonwave is part of a wave of startups competing to turn algae into eco-friendly products. For starters, H&M-backed Algiknit (now Keel Labs) manufactures textiles. Numerous bioplastic companies such as Loliware and his ULUU. And a company called Umarou that makes sea bacon. Seaweed startups often focus on commercializing kelp in one way or another, while others (such as Carbonwave and Seaweed Generation) focus on sargassum.
Carbonwave told TechCrunch, “We need to put it to good use before we do more harm to our ecosystems and climate.
The startup added that it could $5 million SRaise additional funding later. It has secured at least $12 million to date.
