Best of Sustainability In Your Ear: Algenesis & Blueview Launch the Algae-Based Polyurethane Industry

"Stephen Mayfield, a professor of Biology at UC San Diego and director of the California Center for Algae Biotechnology, invented Soleic, an algae-based rubbery foam material that can be used in footwear, surfboards, and other products in the place of petroleum-based polyurethane foam. He launched Algenesis, a biotechnology-based materials science company to commercialize Soleic."

"But shoe companies did not come running to use Soleic, which biodegrades completely in sea water and compost piles. Along with Algenisis president Tom Cooke, a footwear and apparel industry veteran who had worked for Reef and Vans, Steve launched Blueview Footwear, maker of the world's first compostable shoe. Steve and Tom join me today to talk about the evolution of Algenesis and Blueview, as well as the many materials Soleic could replace across a variety of product categories."

"The companies have also developed compostable, plant-based fabrics and a bioplastic waterproofing technology that biodegrades into organic material in a home compost pile. You can learn more about Blueview Footwear at blueviewfootwear.com and its parent company Algenesis Materials at algenesismaterials.com."

Algenesis began as two companies combined into a biotechnology innovator and a footwear maker. The company developed Soleic, an algae-based rubbery foam designed to replace petroleum-based polyurethane foam in applications such as footwear and surfboards. In 2023, Algenesis started producing a new sustainable material and used a practical demonstration to encourage large companies to adopt it. A shoe company became the clearest proof point because Soleic biodegrades completely in sea water and compost piles. Stephen Mayfield invented Soleic and launched Algenesis to commercialize it, while Tom Cooke helped launch Blueview Footwear, producing the world’s first compostable shoe. Algenesis also developed compostable plant-based fabrics and bioplastic waterproofing that biodegrades in home compost.

Read at Earth911