Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed flip-flops made from algae-based, polyurethane materials to help fight plastic pollution around the world.

The team, which works at the California Center for Algae Biotechnology, used chemistry and biology to turn algae into renewable polymers that can be used to create a wide range of biodegradable products.

The process of creating the flip-flops begins with growing algae in ponds, then separating it from water to create a viscous paste. Next, the researchers extract all the lipids, or fats, from the algae and run them through numerous chemical steps to break them down into smaller pieces used to make polymers. Lastly, the polymers are poured into a shoe mold.

After hundreds of attempts, the researchers successfully created a polyurethane foam that is 52 percent biocontent and 48 percent petroleum. Within five years, they hope to make a product that uses 100 percent renewable materials.

To make the flip-flops commercially available, the researchers launched Algenesis Materials, a biotechnology company. The flip-flops will be available in January 2021 in a range of fashionable colors and designs.(SD-Agencies)