PHASE 01 OUTCOMES
Outcomes from Phase 01 of our project include:

• Critical insights into socio-technical pathways for circular algae-based bioplastics industry to develop in regional NSW.
  
  
• A set of practical tools and frameworks to support the next phase of our project and strategically pursue wider collaboration, including:

Guidelines and frameworks to assist the development of a Circular algae-based bioplastics Hub.

Guidelines and criteria to support genuine circularity in the design of bioplastic products.

An interactive visual schematic conceptualising and communicating existing and potential stakeholders and material flows within a circular algae-based bioeconomy in regional NSW.

• Increased materials literacy between design and science with regard to algae-based polymers and a preliminary investigation their capacity to sequester carbon in designed objects and products.

PHASE 02 PROPOSED RESEARCH FOCUSES
The research activities for the next phase of our research will be focused on the following areas:

• Based on Phase 01 outputs we will compare and evaluate potential locations for a hub based on our guidelines;
  
  
• Location-specific tests on the production of macroalgal biomass for bioremediation and bio-products;
  
  
• A location-specific comparison and evaluation of the relative benefits and drawbacks of algae-based bioplastics as a wastewater treatment and decarbonisation option against other specified alternatives;
  
  
• Continued exploratory product design prototyping using algae-based biopolymers
  
  
• Collaborative on-site research activities to better understand the organisational landscape in a particular region and the needs, challenges and potential benefits for regional end-users.