SWIFT: Seaweed Innovation for Filter Technology

The SWIFT project aims to create eco-friendly air filters using seaweed-based materials. Traditional filter media, primarily synthetic polymers, fibreglass, and cotton for example, contribute significantly to landfill waste as filters are considered unsafe for recycling. As global temperatures rise and air pollution becomes a growing concern, the demand for commercial and residential air conditioning increases, further exacerbating the waste problem.

FlexSea, a leader in eco-friendly biomaterials, uses sustainable seaweed farming without fertilizers or freshwater, avoiding competition with food resources. Their home-compostable materials degrade naturally, unlike alternatives such as PLA, which requires specific conditions. Innovating seaweed-derived biomaterials boosts market demand, promotes raw material trade, and enhances the UK economy by encouraging local seaweed production; a global market expected to more than double over the next decade!

NanoLayr will transform FlexSea's planet-friendly materials into nanofibres. 500x smaller than human hair, these fibres are highly effective for air filtration due to their ability to capture tiny particles. The process used, called electrospinning, is efficient and adaptable, making it applicable to use new materials without major changes to manufacturing, as well as remaining evironmentally friendly, making it ideal for this project.

Combining FlexSea's eco-friendly materials with NanoLayr's technology, the SWIFT project aims to develop scalable, high-quality, and sustainable air filters, reducing landfill waste and reliance on synthetic or oil-based plastics. The Core objectives of this project are: * Validate first prototype filters using seaweed biomaterials

* Develop knowhow and processes for manufacturing * Optimise first prototypes ready for scale-up.

Post this project, with minor adaptations, electrospun seaweed-derived nanofibres can be further developed to address many other markets, such as sanitary products. For example, 300,000 diapers go to landfill every minute worldwide! Tackling this has the opportunity to save 248 million barrels of crude oil annually!