Scoping Algae Futures: Scoping a Circular Algae Bioplastics Industry in Regional NSW.

The algae-based bioplastics industry in Australia represents a signi cant opportunity for jobs growth and carbon sequestration in regional NSW. The industry is presently at its very early stages of maturity. Research characterising opportunities, de-risking and kickstarting innovation in the sector is at this point crucial. This report presents the ndings from Part 02 of a two-part project led by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building (DAB),Climate Change Cluster (C3) and the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF). Part 01 Investigate algae-based polymers and their capacity to sequester carbon in designed objects and products. Part 02 A scoping study for a circular algae-based bioplastics production hub in regional NSW. Our team brings together a research capability across design, social science and the natural sciences. The multidisciplinary composition of our team has enabled systematic sense-checking across disciplinary divides and early-stage alignment regarding quantitative and qualitative knowledges. This type of disciplinary integration is essential to ensure that any regional transition meets its objectives in terms of sustainable production, economic growth and social inclusion