The key factors in future algae bioplastics industry can be configured differently in a range of connected relationships spanning production, material conversion and preparation, design, distribution and end of life. While there are a range of variables that will influence the emerging industry, the relevant factors in terms of future investment opportunities and scope for influence are listed below.

Site location and characteristics
This influences the extent to which algae-based biopolymers are a viable, feasible and desirable alternative to other wastewater treatment and biomass generation options. Important site characteristics include: existing regional industry and economic landscape; climactic conditions, particularly rainfall; and existing wastewater characteristics and technology. Comparative and evaluative research into the specific benefits and drawbacks of different sites regarding circular economy principles and community benefits is crucial. 

Algae types and technology
The bulk of research into algae as a wastewater treatment technology in Australia has been focused on microalgae. There is significant scope for future research into macroalgae production systems for a circular bioplastics economy in the regions, whether using farm, food processing or community wastewaters. Associated research into algae pond and wastewater management technology and operations might include investigating configurations of micro and macro algae and High-Rate and open pond systems in the treatment of different wastewater sources.

Stakeholders, their values and the role of research and development
Important research remains to be done on comparing and evaluating business models, governance structures and values of stakeholders against criteria for regional development. The scope given to research and development within organisational structures and in accordance with stakeholder values and commitments is an important feature that ought to be represented in any criteria for assessing long-term regional development potentials.    

Plastics needs, product potentials and circular economy principles
The existing and unmet plastic needs and end of life infrastructure within a given community, and how needs and bioplastic products map onto circular economy principles, are crucial considerations that will demand future research. As part of our research, we have developed criteria intended to help determine whether any algae-based products proposed can contribute to a circular economy based on their impacts at end of life, given 1) current processing systems and infrastructure, and 2) the types of product use and disposal practices they encourage.

Policy and funding
Policy and funding measures enacted by different levels of government will play a significant in role in whether algae-based bioplastics are a viable alternative in the future bioeconomy. Policy measures might include: the design and implementation of circular economy principles; wastewater nutrient and contaminant targets; and climate protection policies.    

Further considerations:

• Achieving adequate scale of production and demand is crucial to ensure material needs are met and adequate investment in end-of-life infrastructure and processes.
  
  
• Other bioeconomy pathways such as biofuels have varied impacts on the research maturity and public perception of bioplastics: on the one hand, biofuels have dominated investment and to some extent their failure has contributed to hesitancy towards the bioeconomy generally. On the other hand, recent hesitancy concerning the cost-competitiveness and sustainability limitations of biofuels has the potential to ensure more investment in bioplastics research and development.
  
  
• As noted by Wydra et al (2021) and Schmidtchen et al (2021), high volatility in oil-prices will influence the speed and scope of a future bioplastics industry.
  
  
• The ability to take advantage of emerging industrial symbiosis opportunities as circular hubs emerge will help establish an algae-based bioplastics industry in Australia.