Background

Compound originated from Vasundhara’s thesis, which explored innovative applications of seaweed, focusing on sargassum and Japanese kelp (Undaria pinnatifida). Sargassum, native to Australia but invasive overseas, was identified for its high tensile strength, making it suitable for bio-plastic alternatives and sustainable building materials. Japanese kelp, an invasive species in Victoria’s Port Phillip Bay, disrupts local biodiversity by outcompeting native golden kelp (Ecklonia radiata), leading to increased populations of sea urchins and sea stars.

Mission

Vasundhara and Simon founded Compound to address environmental challenges while promoting sustainable innovation. Their goals include:

• Utilizing washed-up seaweed, particularly sargassum, to develop eco-friendly products.
• Reducing the prevalence of invasive Japanese kelp in Port Phillip Bay to restore marine biodiversity.
• Creating scalable, sustainable solutions through research and development.

Vision

Compound is a long-term, ambitious initiative to combine marine conservation with the creation of innovative, seaweed-based materials. By leveraging the ecological and mechanical properties of seaweed, Vasundhara and Simon aim to drive positive environmental and industrial change.

About us

Vasundhara is interested in exploring product design within circular systems within alternative economies, grounded in human-centric and more-than-human approaches to system design. This perspective prioritizes sustainability, inclusivity, and adaptability to support both people and the broader ecological context.

Simon is looking at how we can amalgamate nature and technology in innovative ways, to solve the climate issue, hunger and build a better future for the world and future generations. His sole focus is sustainability and building for what a future world can, and should look like.

What's next?!

We're currently testing the creation of items using different materials and how to maintain a healthy ecosystem on-land for seaweed.