New 3D-printed algae could revolutionize the way we make things

The <a href="https://inhabitat.com/shocking-caribbean-photos-reveal-a-sea-of-plastic-and-styrofoam/">world's colossal use of plastic</a> is strangling the earth at a rapid pace, but thankfully innovative green design is here to save the world. The prolific team made up of Dutch designers <a href="http://www.ericklarenbeek.com/">Eric Klarenbeek</a> and <a href="http://www.maartjedros.nl/">Maartje Dros</a> from Studio Klarenbeek Dros has created a bioplastic made from <a href="https://inhabitat.com/tag/algae/">algae</a> that can be 3D printed into virtually any product, creating a system that has the potential to completely replace synthetic plastics. <em>(Photography by Antoine Raab)</em>

Studio Klarenbeek &amp; Dros' innovative process begins with cultivating algae which is then dried and processed into a liquid bioplastic that can be used to print objects through 3D printing technology. <em>(Photography by Antoine Raab)</em>

This algae polymer can be used to manufacture any number of products from shampoo bottles and tableware to trash cans. <em>(Photography by Antoine Raab)</em>

This biomass material has the potential to replace products made from fossil fuels, finally providing the world a viable green alternative to plastic. <em>(Photography by Antoine Raab)</em>

The designers believe that products made from algae could revolutionize the manufacturing world. <em>(Photography by Antoine Raab)</em>

The algae is converted into biomass that can be 3D printed into various products. <em>(Photography by Florent Gardin)</em>

Klarenbeek and Dros' latest research is the next step for the team who gained notoriety with Klarenbeek's work with mycelium. <em>(Photography by Florent Gardin)</em>

The biomass is printed by 3D technology into various products. <em>(Photography by Antoine Raab)</em>

The algae products were recently on display. <em>(Photography via Studio Eric Klarenbeek and Dros)</em>

Studio Klarenbeek &amp; Dros are working on technology that would convert algae into eco-friendly materials.