Runa Ray

Kelptex was founded with a bold vision: to turn one of the ocean’s most pressing ecological threats into a regenerative material solution for the future. Across coastlines worldwide, invasive algae are spreading due to warming oceans, nitrogen run-off, and unchecked human activity. These blooms choke coral reefs, disrupt marine biodiversity, and cost governments millions of dollars each year in cleanup efforts. Kelptex transforms this environmental liability into opportunity. Through a patented process, invasive algae are converted into non-woven sheets and bio-composites that can replace traditional leather, plastics, and synthetic textiles. The result is a portfolio of durable, biodegradable, and scalable biomaterials that meet industry performance standards while reducing environmental harm. What makes Kelptex distinct is not only its science, but also its ethos: Circularity at the Core: Every step of production is designed for circularity — from sourcing invasive algae, to bio-based fillers, to end-of-life compostability., Ocean Regeneration: Each kilo of Kelptex material represents algae removed from marine ecosystems, helping reefs and coastal waters recover., Community Empowerment: Kelptex works with coastal communities, particularly women seaweed divers, to establish sustainable livelihoods through harvesting and processing., Design-Driven Storytelling: Unlike lab-only solutions, Kelptex integrates fashion, art, and activism. Its materials debut not just in prototypes but in cultural arenas — from runway collections and art installations to UN exhibitions — bringing visibility to ocean and climate issues. The applications are vast: luxury fashion accessories, furniture and interiors, architectural surfaces, sustainable packaging, and beyond. With early prototypes already demonstrating USDA bio-based certification levels above 75%, Kelptex positions itself as one of the few transparent players in a field where greenwashing is common. Looking ahead, Kelptex is developing its first Innovation Hub in the United States — a facility to scale algae-based textiles, collaborate with global research institutes, and supply materials to fashion houses, designers, and packaging companies. By 2030, the company envisions building a multi-billion-dollar industry rooted in regeneration, transparency, and peace through fashion.