A seaweed-derived material developed for textile coatings could offer manufacturers a bio-based PFAS alternative, as its developer prepares to scale production towards industrial deployment.
The material is made by processing residual seaweed biomass into a powder with natural water- and fire-repellent properties. It is supplied to textile finishing companies for use in coatings across a range of fabrics.
The technology comes from Algae Scope, a start-up founded in Venice by Natasha Yamamura. The company has raised around €330,000 in grants and is now seeking a lead investor for €400,000 of a planned €1.2m funding round, which would support new equipment and staff for larger-scale production.
Seaweed-based solution for textiles
Yamamura developed the technology after moving from Japan to Venice, where she saw the effects of PFAS pollution in the region’s waters.
Her previous experience in the petrochemical industry contributed to the development of a process that uses regenerative seaweed as the basis for an industrial material.
The resulting powder is supplied to textile finishing companies, which incorporate it into coatings for different fabrics. This gives manufacturers a potential PFAS alternative based on residual seaweed biomass.
Interest in such alternatives is increasing as concerns around PFAS and their effects on human health and ecosystems grow. Algae Scope says PFAS are used in around 50% of clothing and home textiles, often in quantities that are too low to require labelling.
Regulatory pressure is also increasing. France and Denmark have introduced PFAS restrictions covering textiles, while measures at EU level are becoming tighter.
BlueInvest helps prepare for growth
As it works towards commercial scale, Algae Scope received tailored coaching from the BlueInvest programme in 2025. The support focused on strengthening the company’s investor pitch and expanding its network.
BlueInvest also helped create opportunities to raise the company’s profile. During EU Green Week 2026, Algae Scope won the Nature-Positive Production Systems category in a pitching event, generating additional industry connections and media coverage.
The company is now focused on moving beyond small-batch manufacturing. Its planned €1.2m funding round includes a search for a lead investor contributing €400,000.
Scaling the PFAS alternative
The additional funding would be used to purchase new production equipment and recruit staff, enabling Algae Scope to increase manufacturing capacity.
With customer and investor interest growing, the start-up is seeking to take its seaweed-based alternative to PFAS from small-batch production towards industrial deployment.
