Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Backs Seacork Studio in Seaweed-to-Building-Materials Initiative

29 October 2026
Edited By: Haley McQueen

Canada's Ocean Supercluster announced the Scaling Seaweed-based Acoustic Panels Project, led by Seacork Studio. The project will transform regeneratively harvested invasive seaweed into carbon-storing acoustic panels, creating new economic opportunities from coastal biomass while advancing a Canadian-made sustainable building material.

The project will transform regeneratively harvested invasive seaweed into carbon-storing acoustic panels. (Image credit: Canada’s Ocean Supercluster)

The project is led by Vancouver, BC-based Seacork Studio in partnership with Stormy Shores Sea Products in Lasqueti, BC, Victoria International Marina in Victoria, BC, and Arcadia Earth in Toronto, Ontario. With a total project value of $1.5 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $403,000, with the balance of funding coming from project partners.

The project will establish a commercialization pathway connecting seaweed harvesting, bio-based materials manufacturing, and commercial end users. It will also standardize seaweed feedstock processing, optimize pilot-scale manufacturing, complete third-party performance testing, and install permanent commercial pilots. Together, these activities will move the technology beyond laboratory prototypes and toward market adoption.

Through this project, jobs will be created in harvesting, processing, and manufacturing while strengthening the domestic supply chain for low-carbon building products and helping Canadian companies capture more value from Canadian ocean resources.

The Scaling Seaweed-based Acoustic Panels project highlights how the ocean sector is building a stronger and more resilient Canadian economy by supporting domestic production, trade diversification and export potential, major investment and infrastructure, and skilled workforce development.

Through Ambition 2035 and together with Canada’s ocean community, we are bold in our ambition to grow Canada’s ocean economy 5X to $220 billion by 2035. Continued investment in the accelerated development and commercialization of globally relevant, made-in-Canada ocean solutions will help us realize this ambition. Read more about recommendations to help achieve this transformational growth opportunity outlined in Charting the Course to 5X Growth in Canada’s Ocean Economy and the projected benefits to Canada here.

“Sustainable building materials help reduce our environmental footprint. This project, supported by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, will advance low-carbon biomaterials manufacturing while strengthening our ocean sector and creating good jobs. This is the kind of Canadian innovation that propels technology toward commercialization and drives economic growth,” said the Honorable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

“This project is a great example of the economic opportunity that exists at the intersection of Canada’s ocean resources, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable materials. By creating a made-in-Canada pathway from coastal seaweed to a higher-value commercial product, we’re building new supply chains, supporting jobs, and creating opportunities for Canadian companies to compete and grow in domestic and international markets,” said Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster.

“Canada’s coastline offers a massive opportunity to become a leader in seaweed and bio-based product manufacturing. This project connects each member of the value chain, from harvester to manufacturer to end user, highlighting how Canadian collaboration can develop products that benefit climate, ecosystems, and people,” said Annie Dahan, Founder & CEO, Seacork Studio.