Macro Oceans, Everything Seaweed Deal to Accelerate Scale-up of Low Carbon Kelp Biomaterials | Cosmetics & Toiletries

In effort to accelerate the scale-up of low carbon materials derived from U.S.-farmed kelp, such as its Big Kelp Hydration bioactive, California-based biotechnology company Macro Oceans will acquire Everything Seaweed’s processing and biomaterial technologies. Macro Oceans has additionally raised a seed extension of $2.5 million, with Refactor Capital leading the round and participation from McKinley Alaska, Knollwood and Schox, to scale their biorefinery capacity.

According to Macro Oceans, these moves will support efforts to meet the demand for Big Kelp Hydration — a bioactive cosmetic ingredient derived from fully traceable Alaskan kelp, reportedly with clinically proven skin hydration capabilities.

The ingredient is said to:

"Derived from pristine ocean kelp, our restorative bioactive forms a moisture-binding layer that leaves even the most sensitive or irritated skin smooth, supple and ultra-replenished," the company states, on its website.

As part of the business deal, Everything Seaweed’s founders, Colin Hepburn and Jessica Chalmers, will join Macro Oceans' efforts.

Hepburn has more than 30 years of experience in bioprocessing seaweed at scale in Europe, U.S. and Asia. He will join Macro Oceans as CTO alongside CEO Matthew Perkins and Chief Business Officer James Dillard to help scale the existing bioactive beauty business to meet customer demand and move into additional industries such as food and advanced materials. Chalmers will join Macro Oceans as vice president of business development and marketing for the company.

“Macro Oceans is now in a position to scale to meet accelerating demand for Big Kelp Hydration and create breakthrough new biomaterials to replace petrochemicals,” said Perkins. “Together we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be the market leader in bringing sustainable kelp-based biomaterials products to consumers around the world,” said Hepburn.