BA Falmouth University

Seaweed for a new bio-material
 
Making use of an abundance of seaweed local to her University, Libby developed a sustainable biomaterial which will biodegrade in two weeks. This can be moulded, or pressed into sheets which can be coloured with natural dyes, such as spinach and beetroot. Furthermore, using traditional dark room techniques, Libby can print photographic images onto her new material, generating a new art form. Tests show her material is suitable for compostable medical testing kits – “this could help cut the substantial volume of medical single-use plastics.” Libby’s project was long listed for the Dezeen Awards 2022, in the sustainability category. “Studying in Cornwall had a huge influence on me. Living five minutes from the beach, I could see the massive build up of ocean pollution, in particular single-use plastics.” Libby is currently studying for an MSc in Advanced Material Science at UCL.