Sea Glass is made from a microalgae that builds silica cell walls—the primary component of glass. Traditionally sourced from sand, silica can instead be grown, reducing harmful mining and capturing CO₂ through photosynthesis.
Define the problem/need you are solving or addressing with your project. How does it address the Open Call criteria, such as environmental impact, social engagement, circularity, user experience, resource efficiency, and community-driven solutions?
The glass industry relies heavily on sand extraction, depleting ecosystems and disrupting coastal and river environments. With global sand shortages worsening, Sea Glass offers a regenerative alternative by sourcing silica from microalgae instead of mined sand. This process reduces environmental harm and captures CO₂ through photosynthesis, addressing pressing climate concerns. Aligned with the Open Call criteria, Sea Glass promotes resource efficiency by leveraging a renewable biological process, circularity through sustainable material sourcing, and environmental impact by reducing industrial carbon emissions. It encourages social engagement by bridging science, design, and craftsmanship, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. By shifting from extraction to cultivation, Sea Glass advocates for community-driven solutions that rethink material production in harmony with nature, paving the way for a sustainable glass industry.
Please describe your project, reflecting on the concept, inspiration, materials, technical aspects, methods and process(es).
Sea Glass reimagines glass production by sourcing silica from microalgae, the main component of traditional glass. Inspired by biosilicification, where algae extract silicon dioxide from water, this project addresses the environmental impact of sand mining and carbon emissions. By cultivating silica rather than extracting it, Sea Glass reduces resource depletion and captures CO₂ through photosynthesis. The material consists of 70% microalgae-derived silica, retaining properties akin to traditional glass. The technical process involves cultivating algae in controlled conditions and processing them into a sustainable, high-performance material. Through a combination of scientific, artisanal, and design methodologies, the project integrates interdisciplinary research and hands-on experimentation. This approach challenges conventional production models, fostering a circular, sustainable alternative to glassmaking and promoting a shift toward sustainability in material design.
What do you think makes your project innovative compared to the existing efforts and ideas in the field it addresses?
Sea Glass is innovative for its novel approach to glass production, utilizing microalgae-derived silica instead of mined sand—a solution not yet explored in existing research. While efforts exist to develop bio-based materials, Sea Glass uniquely addresses the environmental consequences of sand mining by cultivating silica in a renewable, carbon-capturing process. This method not only reduces reliance on non-renewable resources but also integrates ecological regeneration through photosynthesis. Additionally, the material retains the performance characteristics of traditional glass, making it both sustainable and functional. The interdisciplinary approach, which combines biology, design, and craftsmanship, creates a new paradigm for material production, fostering collaboration across sectors. This shift from resource extraction to cultivation presents a forward-thinking model for circular economies and challenges conventional production methods in the glass industry, offering a significant leap in sustainability.
Does it impact or reflect young people need(s) and how?
Sea Glass reflects the needs of young people by addressing the growing demand for sustainable, eco-conscious solutions. As the next generation faces an urgent climate crisis, they seek alternatives to traditional production methods that harm the environment. By offering a renewable, carbon-negative alternative to sand-based glass, Sea Glass aligns with the values of sustainability and environmental responsibility prioritized by young people. The project emphasizes innovation, encouraging young minds to think beyond conventional materials and explore interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving. It fosters a sense of agency, demonstrating how creative and scientific collaboration can drive meaningful change. Through its focus on circularity and resource efficiency, Sea Glass empowers young people to envision a future where industries positively contribute to the planet, providing a model for how design can lead to ecological regeneration.
