Océanique

The message of the project

Project Océanique aims to develop creations entirely derived from marine organisms. This initiative focuses on producing a seaweed prototype dyed with bio-based microbial colors, demonstrating the potential of marine bioresources for sustainable agriculture and blue biotech. It highlights the feasibility of creating a collection based solely on renewable and abundantly available marine resources.

By utilizing marine microorganisms such as algae, bacteria, and fungi, Project Océanique distinguishes itself through a unique blend of biodiversity, disrupting traditional practices and leveraging Europe’s marine resources. The exploration of diverse materials ensures a broad color spectrum, showcasing a commitment to radical, nature-inspired approaches.

The idea behind the project

Project Océanique is developing a groundbreaking prototype: seaweed-based non-continuous lace dyed with microbial colors. This innovative process underscores the viability of marine bioresources, advocating for the advancement of blue biotech and sustainable agriculture. The project stands out for its exclusive use of marine microorganisms—algae, bacteria, and fungi—representing unexplored blue biodiversity.

With 70% of Earth's surface covered by oceans, tapping into resources like kelp forests (valued at 500 billion USD for food use) can disrupt traditional practices. By utilizing marine algae and extremophiles, Project Océanique seeks to establish novel value chains and renewable resources, enabling Europe to capitalize on its unique biodiversity and compensate for the lack of certain traditional commodities.

The project combines distinct areas of expertise to explore new avenues that demonstrate the benefits of a transdisciplinary approach. When a biotech startup merges its knowledge with a unique craft concept, it creates fertile ground for innovation. This collaboration fosters new rhythms, scales, and business models, embedding core values of care and maintaining a balanced relationship with all forms of life, both human and non-human.

What next?

Project Océanique aspires to offer comprehensive design, dyeing, and material services to industrial clients, fashion companies, textile mills, and designers. The goal is to provide bespoke marine biobased fabrics with exceptional skin properties, aligning with circular principles and European sustainability goals. The project's vision includes developing an innovative patenting process, paving the way for strategic and phased commercialization, potentially through licensing or establishing independent capacities.

Project Océanique hopes to inspire reflection on how local production can be achieved by using seaweed and bacteria from the same coastal environment, and to initiate new momentum by showcasing the potential to create products born from their native ecosystems.