Quiksilver boardshorts released today will feature plastic-like wax combs made from seaweed by Australian startup Uluu.
The wax combs are the first product created from Uluu, a material that performs like plastic but is made from seaweed rather than fossil fuels, and does not release microplastics into the environment.
The launch follows two years of research by Uluu, developing a process to turn farmed seaweed from Indonesia into a plastic alternative.
Uluu’s materials are capable of replacing plastics at scale, while tackling global warming and restoring the health of our oceans.
The ‘made with Uluu’ wax combs use the precious first batches of material from Uluu’s test plant.
Uluu co-founder and co-chief executive Dr Julia Reisser said the wax combs will appear in the back pocket of the Quiksilver boardshorts.
“They’re small, limited items, yet super meaningful,” she said. “They represent our first step towards replacing plastic with materials that are good for the world.”
“Having a plastic-like natural material that’s durable, yet recyclable and compostable, is incredibly exciting. It opens up a range of new possibilities in circular business models across many industries.”
Uluu’s materials are biodegradable and free from fossil fuels.
They regenerate our climate and marine environments because they’re made from farmed seaweed, which removes carbon dioxide from the air and absorbs pollution from the ocean.
They also create sustainable jobs for coastal communities.
Uluu co-founder and co-chief executive Michael Kingsbury said the boardshorts are the first step in the company’s partnership with Quiksilver.
“This release celebrates our multi-year agreement with this iconic Australian brand,” he said.
“We’re now focused on working alongside Quiksilver to develop and commercialise ‘Made with Uluu’ apparel that’s natural and good for the environment, yet performs just as well as plastic textiles made from fossil fuels.”
Quiksilver brand director Andy Norling says Uluu aims to replace polyester clothing, without compromising on performance.
“It’s inspiring work towards ending the outdoor industry’s reliance on fossil fuels,” he says.
“It’s stopping the release of persistent microplastics while apparel is being used and, ultimately, at the end of its life.”