Kelp from British Columbia’s coastline and wood fibres from its forests could be one solution to plastic pollution, according to research being conducted at the University of B.C.  

Bioform Technologies is one of two B.C. companies at the university looking at ways to reduce the use of common plastics derived from fossil fuels.

“We use the world’s most regenerative materials to create products that sustainably eliminate plastic waste without the green premium,” said Bioform co-founder and CEO Dr. Jordan MacKenzie.

The company has produced a so-called “bioplastic” product using kelp and wood fibre that can be used for rigid packaging products such as beverage lids and takeout containers.

The kelp-wood combo can also be used for agricultural mulch film, used to retain moisture in soil, according to the company in a statement released by the university May 26.

“Most plastic mulch is made from polyethylene (PE) because it’s cheap and durable, but PE can stay in the soil for decades and cause significant environmental contamination,” explained MacKenzie. “As well, food packaging waste is a long-standing problem — tonnes of beverage lids end up in the landfill because they’re almost impossible to recycle.”

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