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

Eric Brown’s viral Epiphany memory unites Greek and First Nations communities

The social media video of Bidjigal Gundungarra Dharawal man, Eric Brown, has captured the hearts of thousands of Greek Australians.

Greek-owned ship attacked and abandoned in Red Sea amid Houthi escalation

Crew members of a Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier, Magic Seas, were forced to abandon ship in the Red Sea.

Victorian government launches Anti-Hate Taskforce after wave of antisemitic attacks

A man has been charged in connection with an alleged arson attack on a historic synagogue in East Melbourne.

Summer soundtrack: The ultimate guide to Greek concerts and festivals in 2025

Wherever you are in the country, The Greek Herald has the inside scoop on must-see performances to catch during your summer escape.

Michael Zannis: The Greek Aussie cricket star redefining blindness

Michael Zannis has turned his ‘disability’ into his superpower. He lives as everyone else does and is thriving.

You May Also Like

Greek Festival of Sydney returns to Brighton-Le-Sands in May

The Greek Festival of Sydney will return to Bay Street at Brighton-Le-Sands on Saturday, May 27 after a 20 year absence.

Iconic Greek actress Martha Karagianni passes away aged 82

One of the most iconic actresses of Greek cinema and theatre, Martha Karagianni, passed away on Sunday at the age of 82.

Greek filmmakers win big at Byzanfest 2022

Byzanfest is pleased to announce films made by Greek-American and Greek-Australians have won several prizes at this year’s Byzanfest Intentional Film Festival.