# 3D-Printed Algae Pots This Eco Pot is Made from Kelp and a Biodegradable Polymer By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2016-08-12 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eco-pot References: [ambalaj.se](http://www.ambalaj.se/2016/08/12/8521/) & [algaebra.se](http://algaebra.se/) Martina Green is the designer behind this [eco pot](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bough-pot), which is part of a larger exploration of the use of algae and 3D printing for more sustainable packaging solutions. Green's focus on biodegradable materials led her to create a type of [3D-printed algae packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pa-consulting) made from locally sourced kelp and a [biodegradable polymer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/repit). She says: "The idea is to use algae as an alternative to non-degradable plastic packaging," which tends to cause many problems in natural ecosystems. As a material, algae has the ability to grow and break down quickly, all the while freeing up land space and helping marine ecosystems to flourish. Best of all, this packaging solution can be adapted for different projects so that the time of degradation can be modified to better suit a particular product's lifespan. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 49% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Sustainable Packaging Solutions:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing alternative materials for packaging to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability. - **3D Printing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilizing 3D printing technology to create biodegradable and customizable packaging solutions. - **Algae-based Products:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Exploring the use of algae as a renewable resource for creating eco-friendly packaging and other products. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Packaging:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Innovating packaging techniques and materials to meet the demand for sustainable and biodegradable options. - **3D Printing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Expanding the application of 3D printing technology in various industries, including packaging and manufacturing. - **Green Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing and commercializing eco-friendly technologies, such as algae-based products, to address environmental concerns. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ocean Plastic Pot Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elho.md) - [3D-Printed Seaweed Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kelp-chair.md) - [Algae-Based Illuminators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chandeliers-sconces.md) - [Eco-Friendly 3D-Printed Surfboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paradoxal-surfboards.md) - [3D-Printed Upcycled Net Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-kelp-chair.md) - [Seaweed-Crafted Watch Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/id-genve.md) - [3D-Printed Mycelium Reefs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pierre-oskam.md) - [Living Footwear Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jessica-thies-synthiesis.md) - [3D-Printable Packaging Pastes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reishi-mushroom-printable-material.md)