Piping Hot and UTS partner to create sustainable fabric from seaweed

Aussie surf brand Piping Hot and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) have partnered to develop a sustainable fibre made from seaweed in an effort to reduce the impact of synthetic materials on the environment.  

Piping Hot Australia said it has commissioned this innovative biomaterial research as a vital investment in its mission for clean oceans.

UTS climate scientists will build a prototype fibre developed in response to Piping Hot’s ambition to protect oceans for future generations. The biobased solution will sequester carbon from the ocean and reduce the environmental impact of synthetic fibres.

According to UTS, this Australian innovation could transform the global polyester industry.

Peter Ralph, distinguished professor and director at UTS Climate Change Cluster Distinguished Professor told Digital Nation Australia seaweed is a sustainable source of chemical building blocks that can be used to make synthetic fibres.

“Seaweed is a very versatile biomass that can be used to replace many fossil-derived compounds that are used in everyday products, apart from fibres. These fibres (and therefore garments) will have less fossil-derived components and so it helps to decarbonise the fashion industry,” he said.

Stan Wan, CEO and Managing Director of Piping Hot Australia said, "It is an honour and privilege to be in partnership with the distinguished Professor Peter Ralph and his team at the UTS Climate Change Cluster. As part of Piping Hot’s mission to defend the oceans, our purpose-led investment into marine biotechnology and material science is of vital importance.

"Together with UTS we intend to influence and impact change though marine science and transform the industry’s reliance on fossil fuels.”

Ralph said, “The UTS Climate Change Cluster and Piping Hot are equally committed to a more sustainable future for our planet, and the development of sustainably sourced materials is crucial to achieving that goal.

“Developing new nature-derived alternatives for the fashion and textile industries has the potential to revolutionise products and their impact on the oceans.”