RESHAPING WASTE
This project originates from research conducted during the CHEMARTS course at Aalto University, which explored the reuse of industrial production waste from a local cosmetics manufacturer. The company collects excess seaweed from algae blooms in critical areas of the Caribbean, processes it to extract ingredients such as sodium alginate, and produces cosmetic products. The resulting waste, a shredded algae mass, has no current application and lacks a viable disposal pathway. This project builds on that research and seeks to address the following question:
How can algae waste be a feasible material for additive manufacturing in temporary exhibition design?
The algae waste is collected, blended, and washed to remove impurities. It is then marinated in a lemon and vinegar bath to eliminate sea odors, resulting in a compound with a very fluid, smoothie-like consistency.
After filtration, the compound is dried into a thicker paste and combined with additional natural, biodegradable ingredients, resulting in a paste that will be loaded into tanks for 3D printing.
The biomaterial can easily decompose in nature and solve in water thanks to its composition.
Cooler Planet Exhibition 2023
The wave pattern enhances structural integrity, accelerates the drying process, and improves material efficiency.