Shifting Tides pt.1 — Hannah Hjördís Herrera

Shifting Tides pt. 1
Bio Plastic / Textile Alternatives, Alternative Printing, and Branding with Cyanotype

This research project addresses the urgent issue of ocean plastic pollution by examining plastics found along the ocean shore and placing them in direct comparison to sustainable bio-plastic alternatives. The primary objective of this project is to showcase, through material exploration, that the found plastics can be sustainably replaced with bioplastics crafted and dyed using natural ingredients sourced from the ocean.

This initiative aims to contribute to the paradigm shift toward eco-friendly practices in the fashion and textile industry, showcasing the potential of these materials in fostering a more sustainable and innovative future. This project explores sustainable alternatives with a specific emphasis on replacing ocean plastics with bioplastic options. The objective is to assess the viability of ingredients as sustainable and biodegradable alternatives for production by using materials derived from the ocean such as agar, which is made from red algae (seaweed) in combination with variable amounts of glycerine and gelatin mixed with water.

Through documented experimentation, variables such as concentrations, ratios, and processing methods are explored to achieve desired properties, including color vibrancy, texture, and durability. The dyes are created from natural materials: The shades of greens used in this project are derived from chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in plants and algae, including marine phytoplankton. It harnesses light energy for photosynthesis. The shades of blue are derived from Spirolina. Spirolina, a type of cyanobacteria often referred to as blue-green algae, serves as a primary producer in the ocean, contributing to the generation of organic matter.