Manatee Biomaterials featured by Impact Loop

This week Impact Loop featured Manatee Biomaterials. A joint venture by FutureLab & Partners and Nordic Seafarm to tum farmed ocean materials into new applications and circular systems.

Manatee Biomaterials has been in the making since 2022. During this time we have explored the benefits and viability of using seaweed in materials. FutureLab & Partners long history of working with biomaterials goes back to 2007. Since then new refining and manufacturing technologies have emerged that create new alternatives that enable the transition into circular systems. Nordic Seafarms’ plan to industrialise farming and create a consistent, sustainable and controlled supply at scale is a key factor in building a material business..  

We can now utilise more diverse streams of renewable material sources. Digitalisation enables product passports; full transparency, traceability and accountability. New legislation is a threat to some businesses short term but also creates new opportunities and incentives to invest in new systems. Questions for responsible companies to ask ourselves are… What materials are we using today? Where do the plastics or fibers used in our products come from? What is the material's story?

The case for seaweed and blue materials is a compelling story. Starting with a material that is cleaning our oceans – if managed correctly. We will be talking more about that later.

This year Mantee is transforming a limited amount of seaweed into materials. A prioritized part of the harvest from Nordic Seafarm will be used in projects with our development partners. There are also limited amounts available to buy as bulk in stabilised forms. The main focus for 2025 is to utilise seaweed in new applications using emerging refining technologies as close to harvest as possible. Manatee aims to use as little energy and chemistry as possible using the shortest possible part from raw material to end use application. 

To learn more visit Manatee or reach out to info@manateebiomaterials.com

Read Impact Loops’ article here