Episode 3: Emi - Bio Designer 
Product: Algae Yarn

What is the materials composition?
The primary material in my projects is alginate, a powdered substance derived from algae, which forms the base for creating yarn.

How did you create the concept for this product?
Living in Venice, I find creative inspiration in the natural beauty of the lagoon and its abundance of algae. This unique environment led me to explore bio-materials, infusing my projects with a touch of the city's aquatic character. The concept of the Mermaid Bag was also inspired by the captivating, mermaid-like aesthetic of the yarn, which I showcased on my TikTok profile. People were drawn to its underwater imagery, which encouraged me to develop the bag as a conceptual piece, not for daily use but as a playful experiment in design and material innovation.

How long did it take you to figure out how to make this material? Was there a lot of trial and error?
algae yarn: I started with a free recipe I found online, but it didn’t have the flexibility or strength needed for a durable yarn. This led to a lengthy process of trial and error, testing different ingredients to improve flexibility and durability. At first, the threads broke easily, so I spent time refining the techniques and processes to achieve a stable and usable yarn. It’s a process that requires patience, precision, and resilience.

What is the life span of this product?
Since it’s still in an experimental phase, it’s difficult to define its exact lifespan. However, it is entirely natural and biodegradable. While not yet waterproof, it can endure brief exposure to water.

Where do you source your materials to make this product?
I source most materials from various manufacturers, and some from pharmacies and supermarkets, as they’re often used in cosmetics or molecular gastronomy. I also experiment with natural pigments derived from plants, food waste, and spirulina to keep the project environmentally conscious.

What uses does this material currently have? What are its real-life applications?
Currently, this material is primarily suited for crochet or needlework applications. My aim is to experiment with making it more versatile and durable, allowing it to expand into practical, real-life uses beyond its aesthetic appeal.

What uses do you see this material having in the future? To what scale can this product be used?
In the future, I envision algae-based materials becoming more widely adopted, as algae have regenerative and sustainable qualities. With the right techniques, algae could be used to create more complex and larger-scale products, which some companies are already exploring. My personal vision involves working with algae yarn in an artisanal, evolving manner, creating a collaborative relationship between material, maker, and user that highlights algae’s regenerative potential and allows the material to transform over time.

What measures do you take to ensure that you are making this product in the most environmentally conscious way possible?
To make this project as eco-friendly as possible, I focus on using biodegradable and renewable ingredients, avoiding synthetic materials, and sourcing from suppliers who prioritize sustainability. I also prioritize natural pigments to reduce the project’s environmental impact.