The CORAL Project
CORAL (Compostable foams from renewable algae-based sources) is a project dedicated to addressing the global plastic crisis. Funded under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship through the UK Guarantee scheme, CORAL combines cutting-edge science with practical solutions to develop compostable materials from seaweed.
Our mission is to redefine the future of packaging materials, reducing environmental impact while inspiring sustainable innovation across industries.
Our
Objectives
1. Develop Seaweed-Based Materials
Create cost-effective hydrogels, films and foams using seaweed through green, non-chemical methods.
2. Innovate Scalable Production
Establish scalable methods to replace fossil-based plastics in packaging.
3. Promote Circularity and Sustainability
Integrate eco-design and life cycle analysis to ensure environmental compatibility.
4. Engaging stakeholders and Communities
Collaborate with consumers, policymakers, and waste management professionals to address challenges in bioplastics adoption.
I need the sea because it teaches me
The Problem: Why We Need Change
The Solution
Plastic waste is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time:
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Over 140 million tonnes of plastic packaging waste are generated annually.
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About 47 million tonnes escape waste management systems, polluting oceans and ecosystems.
CORAL addresses these challenges by offering materials made from seaweed: compostable, scalable, and sustainable materials that align with circular economy principles.
CORAL transforms seaweed into materials that:
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Are compostable.
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Provide comparable properties to traditional plastic materials.
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Are developed using cost-effective, scalable methods, ensuring their practicality for real-world applications.
By integrating eco-design, life cycle analysis and stakeholder perspectives, CORAL is not just creating materials – it’s shaping the future of sustainable packaging.