Algae ‘Plastic’ Design Kits Let Creators Build To A Greener Future

Designers who rely on plastic modeling kits to bring their ideas to life can now do so with a set of bioplastic materials derived from algae meant to make the creative process as green as possible.
 
California-based Checkerspot launched a set of casting kits named the Pollinator Kits, which place sustainability into the hands of creatives. The kits include resin, a mixer, a mold, a choice of pigment (also made from algae), and gloves. While that may seem standard for a set of this nature, the mixture sets it apart.

Checkerspot harnesses biotechnology to drive a production method that extracts oil from algae. The microalgal oil is obtained in large industrial facilities in Brazil and mixed with sugar and water to develop the final product.
 
It is then turned into polyols and further converted into polyurethane in a Salt Lake City, Utah factory.

The company suggests that creators can use it for making small and medium-sized pieces, including jewelry, surfboards, and phone cases.
 
Designers looking to future-proof their builds can visit the website to order the kits for US$60 to US$70.
 
 
 
[via Dezeen and Forbes, images via Checkerspot]