Sydney-headquartered surf wear company Piping Hot has commissioned a research team led by Professor Peter Ralph from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) to develop a biomaterial prototype derived from seaweed. The company says that it hopes the research will have a transformative impact on the polyester industry, to help fashion and textile firms reduce their reliance on synthetic fibers by producing a seaweed-based alternative. The company also seeks to support cleaner oceans by impacting climate change through marine science and profoundly reducing the industry’s reliance on fossil fuels. Photo: © Daisuke Kurashima, Dreamstime.com