Greek Australian artist creates biodegradable plastic from seaweed

·

In 2019, we used more plastic than in all the years since 2000. On average, we each use 53 kilograms of plastic a year and generate a collective total of more than 300 million tonnes of plastic waste.

By 2030, this is predicted to double, with the brunt of the impacts expected to hit our oceans.

These are just some of the figures from WWF’s global plastic report, Solving Plastic Through Accountability, released last year.

‘To improve alternative plastic literacy we need the arts’

Is there hope? Yes, there is,  reply Greek Australian artist Niki Sperou and biotechnologist Peng Su, who are joining forces at Flinders University’s Centre for Marine Bioproducts to create new types of biodegradable plastic.

“We are exploring how seaweed could be used to replace plastic in new products for industry and medicine,” Ms Sperou said.

Artist Niki Sperou won a 2020 Australian Network for Art and Technology Synapse Residency to pursue her ‘Green Plastic, Blue Ocean’ project with scientist Su.

Niki Sperou in the lab / Photo: sperou anat blog

“Peng Su has scientific knowledge and I have been the artist in residence at the school of Medicine and Health Sciences at Flinders for a long time. We thought we could bring together our diverse knowledge and combine it in a way that can benefit all of mankind.”

“The science is clear but to improve alternative plastic literacy, we need the arts. By working in a cross disciplinary way, we can increase our network and the knowledge of alternative plastics to different audiences.” 

The Greek influence 

Asking her whether her background has influenced her work, Ms Sperou says that apart from the Greek language being useful in the lab she also uses philosophy and mythology to explain science. 

“I look at ancient greek narratives, mythology and ancient greek philosophers in a way to interpret science of today. For instance the myth of Promytheus tells us that humans can be a bit shortsighted with regards to technology and the impact it has. Same with plastic. People created it but they didn’t see how bad it can be for humankind,”

“Greek students, please keep up your Greek language skills,” she concludes.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

HACCI National Federation holds online event on Greek-Australian trade relations

HACCI National Federation marked a milestone with its inaugural online event ‘Bridging Markets: Greece-Australia Trade Insights’ on March 20.

Genocide mentioned in Victorian Parliament

The movement for the recognition of the Genocide of the Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks has gained momentum in Victorian Parliament this week.

Evzones to lead ANZAC tributes and cultural celebrations in Adelaide and Sydney

The Evzones will visit Australia from 23 April to 4 May 2025, participating in Anzac Day and a series of cultural events.

Consent education safe as Chanel Contos responds to Dutton’s ‘indoctrination’ pledge

Peter Dutton has pledged a Coalition government would review the national school curriculum to eliminate “indoctrination.”

Alexia Apostolakis joins Matildas as train-on player

Melbourne City defender, Alexia Apostolakis, has been called into the Matildas squad as a train-on player ahead of the upcoming friendlies.

You May Also Like

EU slams Turkey for Greek airspace violations and threats in new report

The EU's annual enlargement report criticised Turkey over its continuous violation of Greek airspace and threats to Greece's sovereignty.

“Greek Freak” deactivates social media after mentor Kobe Bryant’s death

Basketball legend Kobe Bryant tragically passed away in a helicopter crash on January 26th, 2020. He was 41-years-old. Fellow NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo was particularly...

‘Regulators are failing’: Lawyer Gary Koutzoumis demands action on incurable lung disease

Silicosis is a long-term lung disease impacting killing young Australians from inhaling dust from the cutting of engineered stone.