A project that aims to turn seaweed into a gel for use in cosmetics, wound care and plastics has been awarded government funding.
The government will provide a loan of $750,000 towards the $1.5-million project, which will see the world’s first commercial seaweed-based nanocellulose manufacturing plant being built in the Waikato town of Paeroa.
“This project is on the cutting edge of global innovations… and could become a major player in aquaculture’s billion-dollar industry,” Minister for Economic and Regional Development Stuart Nash said.
The project is being led by the Māori-owned company AgriSea, in partnership with the Crown Research Institute Scion. AgriSea has been operating in Paeroa for 26 years, and is at the forefront of the seaweed industry in New Zealand.
The Government loan will allow the company to start producing commercial quantities of nanocellulose hydrogel – a gel-like material that can be used in cosmetics, tissue engineering, wound care and plastics.
“The interest in seaweed is growing exponentially around the world as people look to it as economic wealth but also an opportunity for our environment with significant investment and funding opportunities worldwide,” AgriSea chief executive Clare Bradley said.
“Here in Aotearoa it’s very small. There’s only a handful of us, but it’s growing.”
The loan is provided by the Government’s Regional Strategic Partnership Fund. Nine jobs will be created with the establishment of the new plant.
