Australian surf brand Quiksilver will include plastic-alternative wax combs made from seaweed in all its boardshorts released from today.
The wax combs are the first product created and commercially-released by Uluu, a biotechnology company based in Western Australia.
The material is said to perform like plastic, but is made entirely from farmed seaweed and avoids the use of fossil fuels.
The launch follows two years of research by Uluu, which also showed that the production of this alternative-plastic material is scalable.
Uluu co-founder and co-chief executive Michael Kingsbury said the wax combs are the first step in the company’s relationship with Quiksilver.
“This release celebrates our multi-year agreement with this iconic Australian brand,” Kingsbury said.
“We’re now focused on working alongside Quiksilver to develop and commercialise ‘Made with Uluu’ apparel that’s natural and good for the environment, yet performs just as well as plastic textiles made from fossil fuels.”
Uluu uses a fermentation process, similar to brewing beer, which allows the company to maintain a clean production process.
The WA-based firm has developed a versatile range of natural polymers called PHAs that can mimic the durability of plastic, but are biodegradable. It is made from farmed seaweed, which also removes carbon dioxide from the air and absorbs pollution from the ocean.
Uluu co-founder and co-chief executive Dr Julia Reisser said the wax combs will be a gift with the purchase of any Quiksilver Made Better Boardshort.
"They’re small, limited items, yet super meaningful,” Dr Reisser said. “They represent our first step towards replacing plastic with materials that are good for the world.
“Having a plastic-like natural material that’s durable, yet recyclable and compostable, is incredibly exciting. It opens up a range of new possibilities in circular business models across many industries.”
Quiksilver brand director Andy Norling said the work by Uluu can end the outdoor industry’s reliance on fossil fuels.
"It’s stopping the release of persistent microplastics while apparel is being used and, ultimately, at the end of its life.”