Is Seaweed our Savior?
By: Sydney Koval
If you told me a few years ago that one of the most exciting materials in fashion would come from the ocean floor, I probably would’ve raised an eyebrow. But today, as someone studying fashion merchandising with a deep interest in sustainability, I’m genuinely inspired by what seaweed could mean for the future of our industry.
The Problem: Fashion’s Plastic & Leather Addiction
The fashion industry is one of the world’s biggest polluters. From synthetic fabrics made with plastic-based fibers to leather production that relies on intensive water use and toxic tanning chemicals—the environmental impact is massive.
We’ve seen great progress with recycled polyester and lab-grown leather, but many of these solutions still rely on industrial processes that require energy, chemical treatments, or petroleum-based inputs. That’s where seaweed comes in—quietly, but powerfully.
So, Why Seaweed?
Seaweed is fast-growing, regenerative, and doesn’t require fresh water or fertilizer to thrive. It absorbs carbon dioxide as it grows, helping reduce ocean acidification, and can be harvested sustainably without damaging marine ecosystems. It checks nearly every box for what a next-gen material should be.
But beyond that—it’s functional. Seaweed-based bioplastics are now being developed as alternatives to packaging, hang tags, and even synthetic textiles. Companies like Sway, Loliware, and AlgiKnit are turning kelp into fibers, films, and foams that could replace plastic and reduce landfill waste. Meanwhile, innovators are exploring how seaweed can create soft, leather-like materials without harming animals or the planet.
Poster I created for Seaweed Plastic as an alternative for packaging.
A Sea Change in Style
As a merchandiser-in-training, I think a lot about how materials meet market demands. Seaweed offers not just environmental value, but branding value. Today’s consumers care about where their clothes come from—and brands that can tell a compelling story about regenerative materials will win loyalty from Gen Z and beyond.
Imagine a future where:
Your favorite tote is made from algae-based leather.
Your skincare product comes in a seaweed-derived package that dissolves in water.
Your fast fashion top gets replaced with a seaweed fiber tee that’s biodegradable and breathable.
That’s not science fiction—it’s happening right now.
What's Next?
I believe the future of fashion will be shaped by unexpected partnerships: between designers and scientists, between brands and bioengineers. As I prepare to enter this industry, I’m most excited about being part of that evolution—where sustainability isn’t a trend, but the foundation of every decision we make.
Seaweed might not be glamorous. But it could be one of the most beautiful things to happen to fashion.
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Sydney Koval
Fashion Merchandising | VCU ’25
